Where To Camp Near Rocky Mountain National Park?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
  • Aspenglen Campground. Rocky Mountain National Park. …
  • Glacier Basin Campground. Rocky Mountain National Park. …
  • Longs Peak Campground. Rocky Mountain National Park. …
  • Timber Creek Campground. Rocky Mountain National Park. …
  • Moraine Park Campground. Rocky Mountain National Park. …
  • Glacier Basin.

Where can you camp for free in Rocky Mountain National Park?


Parachute Hill/Johnny Park Road

Parachute Hill Road and Johnny Park Road are both good options for free dispersed on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. To access the camping area you'll take Highway 7, which runs between Estes Park and Allenspark to Boulder County Road 82.

Can you camp out in the Rocky Mountain National Park?


You must have a Wilderness Permit to camp overnight in the wilderness of Rocky Mountain National Park

. You can pick the Permit up at the Headquarters Wilderness Office (beside Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Highway 36 west of Estes Park, CO) or at Kawuneeche Visitor Center (Highway 34, north of Grand Lake, CO).

What towns are closest to Rocky Mountain National Park?

  • Estes Park, CO. 7.9 mi / 21 mins.
  • Lyons, CO. 28.7 mi / 51 mins.
  • Boulder, CO. 44.7 mi / 1 hour 15 mins.
  • Denver, CO. 78.5 mi / 1 hour 46 mins.
  • Winter Park, CO. 111 mi / 2 hours 44 mins.
  • Granby, CO. 131 mi / 3 hours 8 mins.
  • Grand Lake, CO. 147 mi / 3 hours 28 mins.

Can you sleep in your car in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Unlike some national parks,

there are no overnight accommodations

in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Can you sleep in your car at Rocky Mountain National Park?

Both areas (RMNP and Brainard Lake area)

officially do not allow sleeping in your car at the trailhead

.

How much does it cost to camp at Rocky Mountain National Park?

Campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park offer unique, wilderness-meets-community experiences for couples, families and groups. Camping fees are

$26 per site, per night in the summer, and $18 in the winter

(when the water is off) – some park passes include discounts.

Can you drive an RV through Rocky Mountain National Park?


RVs are allowed on all roads in the park, with the exception of Old Fall River Road where vehicles over 25 feet and those pulling trailers are prohibited

. Many roads in the park are steep and winding, some without shoulders or guardrails. Be prepared for strong winds and rapid weather changes.

Does Rocky Mountain National Park have first come first serve camping?


Only two campgrounds are first-come, first-served

: Longs Peak Campground with 26 tents only sites. Timber Creek Campground with 98 sites, located on the West (Grand Lake) side of the Park, across the Continental Divide from Estes Park.

How do you tent camp in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Make reservations up to six months in advance to secure a spot at the seasonal Aspenglen, Glacier Basin campgrounds or the year-round Moraine Park walk-in tent sites.

Visit Recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777 to stake claim to a

.

Can you camp anywhere at Estes Park?

Estes Park is the place to camp. With the stunning Rocky Mountains as your backdrop or your site,

you can do so in almost any manner you please

. Camp near your car, in a tent or in the backcountry, camp on a cliff face – that's right, cliff camping – or at an RV park.

What's the closest city to the Rocky Mountain National Park?

Rocky Mountain National Park is in northeast Colorado, flanked by the towns of

Estes Park

on the east and Grand Lake on the west. Other nearby towns include Lyons, Winter Park, Granby and Boulder.

What is there to do around Rocky Mountain National Park?

  • Trail Ridge Road. #1 of 95 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. …
  • Old Fall River Road. #3 of 95 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. …
  • Alluvial Fan. …
  • Alpine Visitor Center. …
  • National Park Gateway Stables. …
  • Emerald Lake Trail. …
  • Cowpoke Corner Corral. …
  • Alberta Falls.

How far is Breckenridge from Estes?

The direct drive from Breckenridge to Estes Park is

135 mi (218 km)

, and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 49 mins in normal traffic.

How many days do you need at Rocky Mountain National Park?

Ideally, plan on spending

at least three days

in Rocky Mountain National Park. This gives you enough time to drive Alpine Ridge Road, Old Fall River Road, and hike a few of the trails. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Can I sleep in my car in Grand Teton?

Can you sleep in your car in Grand Teton National Park?

You can sleep in your car in Grand Teton National Park

. However, roadsides, overlooks, and parking areas are not allowed for car camping. For you to sleep in your car in Grand Teton, it is required to stay at a campsite.

Can you sleep at Longs Peak Trailhead?


No, it is not allowed

.

Is Longs Peak Campground open?

​Note: Longs Peak Campground is

open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend

(watch out for sources stating this campground is open year round; it isn't). Because this campground is located at 9,500 feet, seasonal dates may fluctuate with weather. Contact the National Park Service or call at 970.586.

What is the best time of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park?


November through April

is the best time to avoid crowds in Rocky Mountain National Park. Summer and fall weekends are the busiest in the park, and yearly visitation grows each year. In 2018, the park was visited by 4.5 million people, but just over . 6 million people visited during the months of November through April.

Can you drive through Rocky Mountain National Park right now?

Rocky Mountain National Park is

open year-round

on both the east and west side of the park.

Is RMNP closed?

Rocky Mountain National Park is

open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, weather permitting

.

Are there bears at Estes Park?

We love seeing elk, moose, deer, birds of prey, bighorn sheep,

black bear

and all of the other amazing species we find in our area too. Those bears, though. They're curious and cantankerous. While it's important to keep your distance from all wildlife, being bear-aware in these mountains goes a few steps further.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.