estes park campgrounds near rocky mountain national park
Dreaming of exploring Rocky Mountain National Park from one of Estes Park Campgrounds?
Rocky Mountain National Park is our country’s third most visited national park, boasting over 260,000 acres of pristine rugged terrain, diverse wildlife, and attracting over 4.5 million visitors a year. With gorgeous views, accessible landscapes, moose encounters, and all of Colorado’s best activities, it is no wonder it is so popular.
Just because it’s popular doesn’t mean you need to overpay for lodging when you can camp in one of the many Estes Park Campgrounds. Whether you love solitude, want to fish from your campground, are looking for an extra long RV spot, or seeking a last-minute getaway, Estes Park has the perfect campground for you.
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Best for Campers with Young Kids:
Photo Courtesy of Jellystone Park
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort
10 Minutes from Estes Park
21 Minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance
Camp Sites: 111 Sites for tents and RVs (60 include full hookups)
Why it is Family Friendly: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp is designed for families with a whole activity schedule planned just for the kids. Amenities include: Mini golf, jump pad, gaga ball pit. 2 playgrounds, basketball court, and even visits with Yogi Bear himself.
How to Book: https://www.jellystoneofestes.com/
Best for Nature Lovers:
Photo Courtesy of NPS
Aspenglen Campground
15 Minutes from Estes Park
3 Minutes into Rocky Mountain National Park
Camp Sites: 54 tent sites. Most drive up, 5 walk-in.
Why it is Family Friendly: This campground is perfect for the nature loving family. It’s located just inside the Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance with beautiful evergreen trees all around. Generators are only allowed in one area of the campground so it is pretty quiet. There is water and toilets, but no laundry or shower access and limited cell service.
How to Book: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/agcg.htm
Best for Last-Minute Adventures:
Photo Courtesy of NPS
Longs Peak Campground
20 Minutes from Estes Park
32 Minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance
Camp Sites: 26 forested tent only sites
Why it is Family Friendly: Looking for some quiet family bonding? Look no further than Long’s Peak Campground. This small, tent only campground has just the basics and affords incredible access to all Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer. Toilets and water available. No cell service.
How to Book: First-Come, First-Served Only. (Show Up Early)
Best for The Biggest RVs (Up to 75’):
Elk Meadow Lodge and RV Resort
5 Minutes from Estes Park
16 Minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance
Camp Sites: 135 Total sites. 35 Tent sites, 100 RV sites
Why it is Family Friendly: Elk Meadow Lodge and RV Resort offers RV spots, tent camping, cabins, and even a few teepes. There’s always something going on with live music on the weekends, mini golf, and a playground for the kids. Full bathrooms and laundry facilities make it easy for families to stay for a week or longer.
How to Book: https://elkmeadowrv.com/
Best for Quiet Campers:
Photo Courtesy of Larimer County Parks and Rec
Hermit’s Hollow Campground
15 Minutes from Estes Park
26 Minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance
Camp Sites: 105 sites suitable for tents and small campers. No generators allowed.
Why it is Family Friendly: Hermit’s Hollow Campground sits in a beautiful spot nestled between hills and just a few minutes from Estes Park, Colorado. You have access to hiking and mountain biking right from the campground. Although there are many spots, they are separated out, so it tends to be pretty quiet.
How to Book: Larimercamping.com
Best for Peace-Loving Anglers:
East Portal Campground
11 Minutes from Estes Park
22 Minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance
Camp Sites: 66 shady sites suitable for tents and trailers and RVs less than 22’ in length.
Why it is Family Friendly: Does your family like to fish with stunning mountains as the backdrop? Nearby reservoirs are frequently stocked and ready for anglers. This campground is smaller and a bit more secluded so you feel like you are really in the mountains.
How to Book: https://evrpd.colorado.gov/east-portal-campground
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Photo Courtesy of the NPS
Best for Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park
Moraine Park Campground
15 Minutes from Estes Park
8 Minutes into Rocky Mountain National Park
Camp Sites: 244 Total Sites. 49 Walk-to Sites. 101 Tent only. No hookups offered. In Winter, 64 sites are open on a first-come, first-served basis.
Why it is Family Friendly: Moraine Park Campground offers the best of both worlds. It is near Estes Park for dining and activities, but located within the park to enjoy nature, views and access to the rest of Rocky Mountain National Park. Toilets and water only.
How to Book: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/mpcg.htm
Best for RVs and Amenities:
Photo Courtesy of Spruce Lake RV Park
Spruce Lake RV Park
5 Minutes from Estes Park
16 Minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance
Camp Sites: Over 100 RV spots with 30 or 50 amp hookups
Why it is Family Friendly: Enjoy the Big Thompson River right from your spot and Spruce Lake stocked with trout right on the property. There are also 2 pet play areas, mini golf, hot tub, general store, shower and laundry facilities and a playground on property.
How to Book: https://sprucelakerv.com/reservation-rv-site/
Best for Water Loving Campers:
Photo Courtesy of Estes Valley Recreation and Park District
Estes Park Campground at Marys Lake
8 Minutes from Estes Park
18 Minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance
Camp Sites: 128 Sites suitable for tents to big rig RVs.
Why it is Family Friendly: Estes Park Campground at Mary’s lake is great for families to have easy access to town, fishing in Mary’s lake, and heated outdoor swimming pool, and playground for the kids. There is also a camp store and laundry facilities.
How to Book: Reservations recommended. https://evrpd.colorado.gov
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Best for Being Close to Estes Park:
Estes Park KOA Holiday
5 Minutes from Estes Park
16 Minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance
Camp Sites: 24 Tent sites and more than 50 RV spots
Why it is Family Friendly: As one of the larger campgrounds in the area, there are many amenities including a playground, basketball court, dog park, and game room and it is only 5 minutes to downtown Estes Park for dining and shopping. Many of the tent sites also have a shade pavilion over the picnic table.
How to Book: https://koa.com/campgrounds/estes-park/
Best for Large Groups:
Photo Courtesy of the NPS
Glacier Basin Campground
34 Minutes from Estes Park
31 Minutes into Rocky Mountain National Park
Camp Sites: 153 Tent and RV sites, No hookups and generator use limited. 13 Group sites.
Why it is Family Friendly: Glacier Basin Campground is an excellent choice for anyone looking to camp within Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ve got hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing within minutes. It is especially great for families traveling together or large groups with 13 reservable group campsites. Because of the high elevation and limited trees, the views are incredible.
How to Book: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/gbcg.htm
Conclusion
Whether you are searching for a last-minute trip or planning an epic RV tour of The West, Estes Park as the perfect campgroud for you.
Will you be camping this summer?
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