Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise! There are few places with the same variety of outdoor activities, stunning views, and a vibrant town with all the amenities you need for a successful Colorado camping trip. With its breathtaking alpine peaks, pristine lakes, abundant wildlife, and high quality Estes Park fly fishing, this area offers some of the best camping experiences in Colorado. Whether you’re looking to pitch a tent under the stars, park your RV with modern amenities, or find a secluded backcountry spot, Estes Park camping has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best campgrounds in and around Estes Park, ensuring you find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your rig and have an unforgettable trip to the Rocky Mountains.
Best Places For Camping in Estes Park
Glacier Basin Campground
Also situated in Rocky Mountain National Park, Glacier Basin Campground is located along the Bear Lake Road Corridor and is ideal for those looking to explore the park’s high-altitude beauty including nearby trails to iconic destinations such as Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, and Sky Pond. The campground features 150 sites for tents and RV’s under 35-feet, many sites with spectacular views of the Continental Divide and its stunning alpine peaks. It’s particularly well-suited for families and groups, offering picnic areas, fire pits, and easy access to Estes Park which is only nine miles down the road.
If you would like to reserve your campsite in Rocky Mountain National Park’s Glacier Basin Campground, visit recreation.gov.
Aspenglen Campground
A quieter alternative within the park, Aspenglen Campground is tucked away in a grove of aspens and ponderosa pines. Being only 5.4 miles from town, Aspenglen Campground is a great place to stay for families with young kids and provides easy access to all necessary amenities, restaurants, shops, and more. With only 52 sites, it offers a more intimate camping experience but because of the limited camping space, vehicles over 30-feet are not permitted. This campground is close to the park’s Fall River entrance, making it convenient for early morning wildlife viewing and day hikes.
If you would like to reserve your campsite in Rocky Mountain National Park’s Aspenglen Campground, visit recreation.gov.
Estes Park Campground at Mary’s Lake
Just four miles from downtown Estes Park, the campground at Mary’s Lake offers a range of accommodations, from tent sites to full-hookup RV sites. With modern amenities like showers, laundry facilities, and a heated pool, it’s a great option for campers who want to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. For anglers, the Estes Park campground at Mary’s Lake allows for easy access to the shores of Mary’s Lake but is located close to the eastern entrances of Rocky Mountain National Park providing a variety of Colorado fly fishing opportunities.
If you would like to reserve a campsite or RV spot, you can do so at reserveamerica.com.
Estes Park Campground at East Portal
For a more rustic experience, the Estes Park Campground at East Portal is a peaceful spot nestled against the mountains just over five miles from town. This smaller, more secluded campground offers 66 sites suitable for tent, small trailers, and RVs, many with panoramic views. Guests have access to amenities like drinking water, flushing toilets, hot showers, water & electric hookups, a dump station, firewood and ice sales, plus a playground for families with young kids. It’s a great campground in Estes Park for those who want to have a more secluded experience within close proximity to town and Rocky Mountain National Park.
If you would like to reserve your stay in the Estes Park Campground at East Portal, check out reserveamerica.com.
Olive Ridge Campground
Located just under 15 miles south of Estes Park near the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park at 8,350-feet elevation, Olive Ridge Campground near Estes Park is perfect for those seeking a quieter experience with access to a unique part of the park. With 56 sites in total and several first-come, first-served sites, this campground is great for those who have are not able to reserve a campsite ahead of time. Olive Ridge Campground is best suited for those who want a true camping experience without the hustle and bustle of town, and it has more primitive amenities typical of wilderness camping.
If you would like to reserve your campsite ahead of time, check out recreation.gov.
Longs Peak Campground
For the adventurous camper, Longs Peak Campground offers a more rugged experience at a higher elevation of 9,500-feet. Situated near the infamous Longs Peak, this campground is the closest starting point for those attempting to summit by the Keyhole Route, and conquer the tallest mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. With 26 tent-only sites, it’s ideal for experienced hikers and climbers looking for an early start on the mountain. While the amenities are limited, the Longs Peak Campground near Estes Park is first-come, first-served making it a great option for hikers who do not already have a reservation at a campground in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Hermit Park Open Space
Less than 10 minutes drive from Estes Park, Hermit Park Open Space offers a variety of Estes Park camping options with access to singletrack mountain biking trails, horseback riding, and dog-friendly hiking. Hermit Park features 91 sites at four different campgrounds, including tent camping and RV spots. With miles of trails and the possibility of spotting elk and deer, Hermit Park is a fantastic spot for nature lovers and those who want a high quality Estes Park camping experience.
The Estes Valley and Rocky Mountain National Park is a true outdoor enthusiast’s haven, offering a wide range of Estes Park camping experiences to suit every preference. Whether you’re pitching a tent in the heart of the mountains or setting up your RV in a more developed campground, the natural beauty and serenity of the area are unmatched. And while you’re here, why not elevate your adventure with a guided Estes Park fly fishing trip or mountain excursion with Kirks Flyshop? Our expert guides are ready to help you make the most of your time in Estes Park, whether you’re angling for trout in pristine waters or exploring the park’s rugged trails. Book your Estes Park adventure today and discover the best of what the Rocky Mountains has to offer!