Estes Park is one of Colorado’s favorite mountain towns, in no small part thanks to its neighbor, Rocky Mountain National Park. Between the national forest and national park surrounding Estes Park, there’s a plethora of campgrounds to accommodate travelers.
Due the popularity of Estes Park, there are campgrounds, many open year round, suitable for everything from long RVs to primitive tent sites. In addition to the great hiking and sightseeing within Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), the nearby Roosevelt National Forest provides even more outdoor recreation. Bring your ATV, fishing rod, trekking poles, or whatever you’re into, because you can find it here in Larimer County.
If you’re coming in spring or summer be sure to check out the amazing waterfalls by Estes Park, many of which are in RMNP. There’s no shortage of fun, adventure and camping around Estes Park..
List of campgrounds by Estes Park and RMNP, CO, in order of proximity:
Campgrounds near Estes Park
In addition to being the headquarters of RMNP, the lovely town of Estes Park is known for its charming downtown and abundant wildlife, notably elk. Every fall, they host the Elk Fest in honor of the annual elk rut, usually held in late September or early October. This is just one weekend event and excuse to visit this charming alpine town. To accommodate visitors Estes Park has several RV parks close to town with full hookups, as well as some cozier campgrounds perfect for smaller trailers and tents.
Estes Park KOA Holiday
Located near the town of Estes Park this KOA is a perfect launching pad for adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park. A campground with all the amenities, a short distance from the eclectic downtown experience of Estes Park this could be your perfect destination.
- Closest town: Estes Park (2mi)
- Specs: 54 RV sites, 26 tent sites, 15 cabins, full hookups for tent and RV available, water, flush toilets, electricity, open May to October 16
- Amenities: Showers, dog walk, laundry, tent-area bathhouse, free in-town shuttle, basketball court, playground
- Recreation: Biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, shopping, wildlife viewing
- Reservations: at koa.com
- Address: 2051 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Map)
- Directions: From Estes Park take East Elkhorn Avenue .2 miles onto U.S. Highway 34 / Big Thompson Avenue, go 1.8 miles. Turn left on Big Thompson Avenue the park will be on your right.
Manor RV Park
This fully equipped, modern RV park has everything you need to set up your RV or trailer for a day, a week or longer in exploring nearby Estes Park ,and the spectacular scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Closest town: Estes Park (2mi)
- Specs: 110 full hookup sites, 22 river shore sites, showers, water, open May 1 to October 15
- Amenities: Laundry, playground, clubhouse, propane, Wi-Fi, cable TV
- Recreation: Fishing, hiking, close access to biking, horseback riding, hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Reservations: call to book (800) 794-7857
- Address: 815 Riverside Drive, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Map)
- Directions: From Estes Park go .1 mile on East Elkhorn Avenue. Turn left on U.S. Highway 36, go 1.5 miles. Turn left on Marys Lake Road, go .3 miles. Turn left on Riverside Drive, go .3 miles, turn left .1 mile, turn right the campground will be on the left.
Spruce Lake RV Park
A serene location with their own trout pond, this fully equipped, modern RV park is a great destination in itself. It’s proximity to the activities in Estes Park and the wonders of nearby Rocky Mountain National Park make it the perfect place to explore during the day, and relax in the evening.
- Closest town: Estes Park (2mi)
- Specs: 123 sites, full and partial service hookups, water, flush toilets, open Memorial Day to Labor Day
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, showers, laundry, hot tub, heated swimming pool, playground
- Recreation: Fishing, horseshoes, miniature golf, corn hole
- Reservations: at sprucelakerv.com
- Address: 1050 Marys Lake Road, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Map)
- Directions: From Estes Park take East Elkhorn Avenue .1 miles to U.S. Highway 36. Go 1.5 miles, turn left on Marys lake Road. Go .1 miles, turn left, the campground will be on the right.
Elk Meadow Lodge and RV Park
A concise, modern RV park with easy access, pull-through sites, and areas that will accommodate the largest RVs on the highway. This RV park has it all. Take in Rocky Mountain National Park during the day, relax in the pool at night and let the kids enjoy all the family amenities on site.
- Closest town: Estes Park (2mi)
- Specs: 169 full-service RV sites, up to 75’ length, water, restrooms, open Memorial Day to Labor Day
- Amenities: Showers, laundry, swimming pool, playground
- Recreation: Miniature golf, horseshoes, nearby access to fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding
- Reservations: at elkmeadowrv.com
- Address: 1665 Colorado Highway 66, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Map)
- Directions: From Estes Park take East Elkhorn Avenue .1 miles to U.S. Highway 36. Turn left on U.S. Highway 36, go 1.7 miles to Colorado Highway 66, turn left, go .2 miles to the park.
Paradise on the River
An established campground approaching it’s centennial celebration. This historic campground is equipped with all the modern conveniences. Located on the Big Thompson River the campground features sites just above the bubbly waters of this majestic waterway.
- Closest town: Estes Park (2mi)
- Specs: 13 full hookup RV sites, maximum RV length 28′, water, restrooms, open Memorial Day to Labor Day
- Amenities: 6 RV sites on the Big Thompson River, Wi-Fi, cable TV, showers, laundry
- Recreation: Fishing, hiking, biking, close access to Rocky Mountain National Park
- Reservations: at paradiservcolorado.com
- Address: 1836 Colorado Highway 66, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Map)
- Directions: From Estes Park take East Elkhorn Avenue to U.S. Highway 36, turn left, go 1.7 miles. Continue on U.S. Highway 36 .5 miles, the park will be on your left.
Estes Park Campground at Marys Lake
Looking for a campground that can handle every type of camping from tents to semi-tractor big rigs? This is the place for you. Adjacent to Mary’s Lake and just a few miles from Rocky Mountain National Park this campground has myriad activities of its own and is the perfect base camp for day trips into the national park.
- Closest town: Estes Park (3mi)
- Specs: 128 sties, RV, tent, trailer, fool hookups, water, flush toilets, open May 22 – October 1
- Amenities: 30 / 50 amp service, dump station, showers, heated swimming pool, camp store, playground
- Recreation: Fishing, horseback riding, biking, rock climbing, off-road vehicles
- Reservations: at reserveamerica.com
- Address: 2120 Marys Lake Road, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Map)
- Directions: From Estes Park take East Elkhorn Avenue .1 miles to U.S. Highway 36. Go 1.5 miles to Marys Lake Road, turn left, go 1.6 miles to the campground.
Hermits Hollow Campground
This campground operated by Larimer County is part of the 1,362 Hermit Park Open Space. Wetland meadows, ponderosa pine, and aspen groves provide scenic backdrops for the visitor. A group pavilion can host up to 175 people, making this an ideal location for gatherings and group activities.
- Closest town: Estes Park (5mi)
- Specs: 74 sites, RV, tent, 13 cabins, water, flush toilet, open March to December
- Amenities: Propane, pavilion, equestrian sites, handicapped accessible
- Recreation: Biking, horseback riding, hiking,
- Reservations: at larimercamping.com first-come, first-serve November to April
- Address: 17 Hermit Park Road, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Map)
- Directions: From Estes Park go .2 miles on Elkhorn Avenue. Take slight right onto U.S. Highway 36 / North St. Vrain Avenue go 3.9 miles. Take right on Hermit Park Road, go 1.4 miles to the campground.
Estes Park Campground at East Portal
A cozy campground for smaller RVs and trailers this area features fantastic views of the Colorado Rockies in a quiet setting that is still just minutes away from bustling Estes Park and the myriad adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Closest town: Estes Park (5mi)
- Specs: 66 sites, tents, RVs, trailers, maximum length 22’, water, flush toilets, open mid-May to late September
- Amenities: Showers, electric hookups, dump station, ice sales, firewood for sale, playground
- Recreation: Hiking, biking, fishing, 18 and 9 hole golf courses, disc golf, marina
- Reservations: reserveamerica.com
- Address: 3420 Tunnel Road, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Map)
- Directions: From Estes Park take East Elkhorn Avenue .1 miles to U.S. Highway 36, turn left, go 1.7 miles. Keep let to continue on to Colorado Highway 66 3.2 miles. Continue on to Tunnel Road .2 miles, the campground will be on your right.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
Reacquaint your children and grandchildren with one of America’s all-time favorite cartoon families. Yogi, Booboo, Cindy and Mr. Ranger come alive at this themed campground. Loads of activities await the camping family along with close proximity to the natural wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Closest town: Estes Park (6mi)
- Specs: 107 RV sites, 6 full hookup pull-through sites up to 40’ length, water, restroom
- Amenities: 50 water/electric sites, premium sites, showers, snack shack, playground, propane, laundry
- Recreation: Heated pool, mini-golf, game room, pavilion
- Reservations: at beta.campspot.com
- Address: 5495 U.S. Highway 36, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Map)
- Directions: From Estes Park take East Elkhorn Avenue .2 miles to U.S. Highway 36, go 5.5 miles to the park.
Cub Creek Primitive Campground
If you’re the back to nature type, this primitive camping area is for you. It is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out area with no trash receptacles, toilets or other amenities. The views, particularly in early morning, late evening and under starlit skies are spectacular.
- Closest town: Estes Park (8mi)
- Specs: 2.2 miles from Cub Lake trailhead, water must be treated, toilet at the trailhead, open year-round
- Amenities: None, this is primitive camping
- Recreation: Hiking, photography, fishing
- Reservations: Backcountry permit is required, registration tag must be placed on your vehicle dashboard at the parking area
- Address: Cub Lake Trail, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Map)
- Directions: From Estes Park take East Elkhorn Avenue .1 mile, turn left on U.S. Highway 36, go 3.8 miles. Turn left on Bear Lake Road, go 1.3 miles. Turn right on Moraine Park Road, go .5 miles. Turn left on Fern Lake Road, go 1.5 miles, stay on Fern Lake Road and turn right, go .7 miles to the campground.
Camping in Rocky Mountain Nat’l Park by Estes Park
Colorado’s most popular park welcomes visitors year round. There are five campgrounds at Rocky Mountain National Park, three of which are open year round. Four out of five of them are located by Estes Park, the other one called Timber Creek, is the only campground by Grand Lake in RMNP. You can reserve your campsite at Aspen Glen, Moraine Park and Glen Basin ahead of time, while the Longs Peak Campground is first-come, first-serve.
Aspen Glen Campground
Located near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park this campground has features attractive to every outdoor enthusiast. Close access to all the wonders of the nearby national park with attractions of its own right inside the campground. This is a very popular site.
- Closest town: Estes Park (5mi)
- Specs: 52 sites, 13 tent-only sites, 5 walk to / boat to sites, flush toilets, water, open May 20 – September 29
- Amenities: Amphitheater, bear-proof storage, trash collection
- Recreation: Hiking, boating, fishing, horseback riding
- Reservations: at recreation.gov
- Address: US Highway 34 / Old Fall River Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Map)
- Directions: Take Virginia Drive to West Wonderview Avenue .4 miles. Continue on U.S. Highway 35 / Fall River Road to Aspen Glen Campground Road 4.4 miles. Continue .7 miles, the campground will be on your right.
Moraine Park Campground
This campground has paved roads with gravel parking spurs. It is a popular campground for tent camping with a few RV sites available. The campground is set in a nice mix of Douglas fir, lodgepole pine and Ponderosa pine with most campsites offering at least partial shade. Wildlife is plentiful and easy to spot.
- Closest town: Estes Park (6mi)
- Specs: 244 sites, 101 tent only, 49 walk to / boat to, water, flush toilets seasonal, vault toilets year-round, open year-round
- Amenities: Dump station, bear-proof lockers, amphitheater, ice for sale,
- Recreation: Fishing, hiking, horseback riding
- Reservations: at recreation.gov
- Address: U.S. Highway 36, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Map)
- Directions: From Estes Park take Elkhorn Avenue .1 miles, turn left on U.S. Highway 36, go 3.8 miles. Turn left on Bear Lake Road, go 1.3 miles. Turn right on Moraine Park Road, go .5 miles. Continue onto Fern Lake Road .4 miles. The campground will be on the right.
Glacier Basin Campground
Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park this campground has access to dozens of trails, part of over 355 miles in total inside the park. Waterfall trails are nearby. Panoramic views are a standard feature along most of these trails. This popular campground has all the basics for a fabulous getaway back to a simpler time.
- Closest town: Estes Park (9mi)
- Specs: 153 sites, RV, tent, trailer, maximum length 35’, water, flush toilets, open May 20 to September 15
- Amenities: Group camping, 4 ADA sites, showers, ice, firewood
- Recreation: Fishing, hiking, horseback riding, amphitheater
- Reservations: at recreation.gov
- Address: U.S. Highway 36 West, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Map)
- Directions: From Estes Park take East Elkhorn Avenue .1 miles, turn left on U.S. Highway 36, go 3.8 miles. Turn left onto Bear Lake Road go 5.1 miles. Turn Left onto Glacier Basin go .3 miles, Turn right the campground will be on your right.
Longs Peak Campground
This primitive campground is a challenge to reach. With few amenities, this is tent camping at its simplest level. The views, wildlife and night skies make the effort well worth it to reach this campground.
- Closest town: Estes Park (10mi)
- Specs: 26 tent-only sites, no potable water, vault toilet, open May to early October
- Amenities: None, difficult to access
- Recreation: Hiking, stream fishing
- Reservations: no, first-come, first-serve
- Address: Longs Peak Road, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Map)
- Directions: From Estes Park take East Elkhorn Avenue .2 miles. Turn right on North St. Vrain Avenue, go .4 miles. Take slight right turn onto Colorado Highway 7, go 9 miles. Turn right on Longs Peak Road, go 1 mile. Stay on Longs Peak road until you reach the campground on the left.
Backpacking Campsites near Estes Park
Hike-To – Boulder Brook Campground
Mountain solitude awaits the hearty camper who makes the trek to this campground. Set in a pine / spruce forest just off the trail into the site, these three campsites are the essence of “rouging it” in the pristine wilderness. Wildlife is a common site in this scenic area.
- Closest town: Estes Park (13mi)
- Specs: 2 individual, 1 group site, vault toilet at the group site, no water, open May to snow closure
- Amenities: Isolation, three sites are separated by 450 and 600 yards
- Recreation: Hiking, fishing, scenic photography, wildlife viewing
- Reservations: no, first-come, first-serve
- Address: Bear Lake Road, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Map)
- Directions: From Estes Park take East Elkhorn Avenue .1 miles to U.S. Highway 36. Turn left, go 3.8 miles. Turn right onto Bear Lake Road, go 7.9 miles to the trailhead. Hike the final 1.6 miles to the campsite.
Hike-To – Andrews Creek Campsite
It takes an intrepid camper to hike the trail that climbs 1,320 feet in altitude in a just a few miles to reach this campsite. With no amenities the determined hiker can experience nature as it once was without the influence of vehicles or man-made accouterments.
- Closest town: Estes Park (16mi)
- Specs: 1 campsite, maximum of 2 4-person tents, no water, no toilet, open July to snow closure
- Amenities: None
- Recreation: Hiking, fishing, scenic photography, wildlife viewing
- Reservations: No, first-come, first-serve
- Address: Bear Creek Road, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Map)
- Directions: From Estes Park take East Elkhorn Avenue .1 miles to U.S. Highway 36. Go 3.8 miles, turn left on Bear Creek Road, go 8.6 miles to the trailhead. Hike the final 3.6 miles to the campsite.
Hike-To – Odessa Lake Campsite
This campsite waits at the end of a winding, the up and down trail that rises a total of 1,180 feet but reaches heights of 1,870 feet above the trailhead before descending back down to the campsite. Set in a subalpine spruce/fir forest at the end of Odessa Lake this is a pristine site for the experienced hiker.
- Closest town: Estes Park (17mi)
- Specs: 2 campsites, vault toilet, no water, Open end of June to snow closure
- Amenities: None
- Recreation: Hiking, fishing, scenic photography, wildlife viewing
- Reservations: no, first-come, first-serve
- Address: Bear Lake Road, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Map)
- Directions: From Estes Park take East Elkhorn Avenue .1 mile to U.S. Highway 36. Go 3.8 miles to Bear Lake Road, turn left, go 9.4 miles to the trailhead. Hike the final 4.1 miles to the campsite.
Hike-To – Fern Lake Campsite
Picturesque Fern Lake adds the beauty of pristine water to the already spectacular mountain backdrop of towering spruce and fir trees at this campsite. It’s a challenge to get there on either of the two trails leading to this campsite. The Fern Lake Trail is straight forward with a steady climb of 1,380 feet while the Bear Lake Trail undulates as it gains 1,180 feet but loses 1,130 along its path.
- Closest town: Estes Park (17mi)
- Specs: 3 campsites, 1 group site, pit toilet, no water, open June to snow closure
- Amenities: None
- Recreation: Hiking, fishing, scenic photography, wildlife viewing
- Reservations: no, first-come, first-serve
- Address: Bear Lake Road, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Map)
- Directions: From Estes Park take East Elkhorn Avenue .1 mile to U.S. Highway 36. Go 3.8 miles to Bear Lake Road, turn left, go 9.4 miles to the trailhead. Hike the final 3.8 miles to the campsite from the Fern Lake trailhead or 4.7 miles from the Bear Lake Trailhead.
Hike-To – Spruce Lake Campsite
A pair of trails lead to this campsite. The Fern Lake Trail has a net gain of 1,520 feet while the Bear Lake Trail has a net gain of only 190 feet. The 190 feet gain on the Bear Lake Trail is deceptive since this trail rises 1,380 feet then falls 1,190. A scenic campsite set in a spruce/fir forest waits at the end of either trail.
- Closest town: Estes Park (17mi)
- Specs: 2 campsites, vault toilet, no water, open end of June to snow closure
- Amenities: None
- Recreation: Hiking, fishing, scenic photography, wildlife viewing
- Reservations: no, first-come, first-serve
- Address: Bear Lake Road, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Map)
- Directions: From Estes Park take East Elkhorn Avenue .1 mile to U.S. Highway 36. Go 3.8 miles to Bear Lake Road, turn left, go 9.4 miles to the trailhead. Hike the final 4.6 miles to the campsite from the trailhead.
Consider Allenspark or Loveland
Estes Park is located at the northern start of the Peak to Peak Byway, which traverses three highways, CO-7, CO-72, and CO-119 on its 1.5 hour journey south to Black Hawk/Central City. The first notable town you’ll pass heading south on CO-7/S Saint Vrain Ave is Allenspark in 15 miles. This region boasts a lot of access to the Roosevelt National Forest, including camping. You’ll find plenty of cool campgrounds near Allenspark, both suitable for car campers and those you have to backpack into to.
If you prefer to stay on the front range plains in closer access to the big bustling metropolitan, either Loveland or Fort Collins make a terrific base. These two northern front range towns lie only twenty minutes apart, and provide easy access to RMNP within an hour drive’s. They are also little more than an hour north of Downtown Denver. There are a few state and public parks with campgrounds near Loveland and Fort Collins, which provide a touch of nature in the heart of the Larimer County
That’s a roundup of the top places to camp near Estes Park, around the eastern side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Please practice leave no trace and have a fun time exploring one of Colorado’s most exciting areas.
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