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Rv Camping At Rocky Mountain National Park

Amenities For Rocky Mountain Np Campers

Rocky Mountain National Park Camping

The best camping in Rocky Mountain National Park is really about unplugging and embracing your surroundings. For that reason, amenities are pretty limited in RMNP. Tent camping in Rocky Mountain National Park is very popular because there are large sections designated only to tents. Youll also find generous campsites that are very comfortable for campers and RVers.

Public Campgrounds In Rocky Mountain National Park Offer All The Facilities And Amenities You Could Possibly Need Or Want For A Rocky Mountain Camping Vacation To Beat All Others

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park offers the visitor spectacular views of the Rockies and a true natural wilderness to explore. There are 416 square miles of towering mountains, rushing streams, pristine lakes and impressive forests. To camp out in this park means you have the chance to really appreciate the beauty of the landscapes. Rocky Mountain camping is something you have to experience to believe.

Youll love spotting the wildlife in their natural environment. The bighorn sheep climb the cliffs with agility, coyote may lurk in the forest and elk graze the meadows. Taking an all-day hike or a quiet stroll on an easy trail will allow you to take in all the beauty and tranquility of this mountain wonderland.

There are five campgrounds in the park where you can set up home base for your adventure. Some take reservations and some are first-come, first-served. Youll find Rocky Mountain National Park is the ideal place to camp!

Length of Stay

Throughout the park, seven nights is the maximum stay limit at campgrounds from 1 June to 30 September. The rest of the year , an additional 14 nights are permitted.

Camping Areas/Locations

You can find a listing of all the campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park here.

Season

Three campgrounds are open year round, while the two remaining campgrounds are open from May to September.

Fees

Backcountry Camping In Rocky Mountain National Park

For those looking to get off the beaten path in Rocky Mountain National Park a backcountry camping trip is the perfect opportunity. The expansive park has tons of options for backpacking from traditional, designated backcountry campsites to bivouac sites for climbers, and even off-trail orienteering backpacking. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.

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Can I Bring My Dog Camping In Rocky Mountain National Park

Dogs are allowed in the campground as long as they are on a leash no more than 6 long. However, you cant take dogs on hiking trails so keep that in mind as you plan your trip with your fury friend. For a full day itinerary for enjoying the park with your dog, check out our article Are Dogs Allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Campgrounds Near Estes Park

The Best National Parks for RV Camping

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.

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West Side Of Rocky Mountain National Park

Timber Creek CampgroundTimber Creek Campground is the only campground on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. It has 98 sites for tents and RVs up to 30 feet. The sites are first-come, first-served. Timber Creek is generally open from late May to early November, though when Trail Ridge closes in late October, its only accessible from the southwest. Its about 10 miles north of the Grand Lake entrance station. Be aware that due to the pine beetle infestation, most of the campgrounds trees have been removed.

Arapaho National Recreation AreaLocated west of Rocky Mountain National Park, just south of the parks Grand Lake entrance, Arapaho National Recreation Area, managed by the US Forest Service, has a number of campgrounds on or near the shores of Shadow Mountain Lake and Lake Granby. For information, visit the website for the Sulphur Ranger District, Arapaho National Recreation Area.

No matter where you camp in or near Rocky Mountain National Park, be sure to take Just Ahead along for the ride. Our app turns your smartphone into an audio tour guide that narrates everything youre seeing in the park. Its the best way to get the most from your visit. We point out all the landmarks, including many you might otherwise miss. And we suggest great hikes and scenic side trips. .

Welcome To Rocky Mountain Hi Campgroundflathead Valley

Rocky Mountain “Hi” RV Park is centrally located in the marvelous Flathead Valley. We are just 30 minutes from Glacier National Park, “The Crown of the Continent”, and 20 minutes from Flathead Lake. Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. You can park your RV or your tent here and be ready to enjoy all that Northwest Montana offers. Rocky Mountain “Hi” RV Park has one philosophy: to serve you-the camper and RV’er. To make our philosophy work, we are dedicated to being a small family run park. There is no “corporation feel” here. There is no traffic noise here, just a quiet nights sleep.

Rocky Mountain “Hi” RV Park wants you to relax and enjoy the Montana outdoors. Sightseeing, hiking, fishing, and winter sports are just a few ways to enjoy it. Come and see what is in our backyard!

Copyright Rocky Mountain “Hi” Campground 825 Helena Flats Road

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Rv Campgrounds From Denver To Rocky Mountain National Park

Here’s a sample itinerary for a camping drive from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park in your RV. If you’re planning a road trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, you can research locations to stop along the way. Find the best RV parks, campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on themost talked about places recommended by Trippy members and AllStays. Scroll down to see all the RV campgrounds along the way.

11:00 am start in Denverdrive for about 24 minutes

stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:24 pmdrive for about 49 minutes

stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:13 pmdrive for about 51 minutes

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questionsbecause there’s an entire community of travelers talkingto each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is whereyou can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets,trip dates & more!

Great Sand Dunes National Park

BANFF National Park – AMAZING Canada Rocky Mountain Views RV Camping

It may be called the Rocky Mountains, but believe it or not, the Rockies are home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. Located in Colorado, The Great Sand Dunes National Park& Preserve is a sandy playground and a must-see destination for adrenaline seekers looking to sand surf, sand sled, or shred the dunes on a fat-tire bike.

A family fun day at Medano Creek will feel strikingly similar to a day at the beach, as the Medano creek surges and breaks softly on the sand dunes, like waves. Dont forget a tube and some water shoes to enjoy the fun.

Try dark sky photography if youre RV camping here after dark. In the springtime, the Mosca pass hike is a bed of wildflowers. Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy casting for Rio Grande cutthroat trout.

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All About Camping In Rocky Mountain National Park

Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park is a truly unique experience. Breathe in the fresh alpine air flavored with a hint of pine and, if youre lucky, you may be joined by some friendsfrom the local elk herd that is.

Sweeping views of the majestic rocky mountains and a night sky full of sparkling stars will be there to greet you from your tent flap.

Each campground in the park sits at an elevation higher than 8,000 feet above sea level, providing a real mountain adventure! Usually camping at that elevation requires a hike in, but at Rocky Mountain, you can experience the high life with the convenience of car camping. Plan for brisk, cold nights and maybe a thunderstorm or two as well as some of the best mountain scenery you can drive to.

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RV on Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park Photo: Depositphotos

For summer 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park has launched a day-use reservation system. You will need to have a day-use reservation to be admitted to the park, unless you already have a amping reservation. Learn the details here.

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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 countrys 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 Colorados best activities, it is no wonder it is so popular.

Just because its popular doesnt 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.

Note: Some campgrounds have delayed openings due to Covid-19. Check individual campground websites for reservation options.

Article Continues Below

Rocky Mountain National Park Campgrounds

RV Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park

The first step in planning your perfect camping trip in Rocky Mountain National Park is to understand a bit about the geography of the park. RMNP sits in the northern Front Range and is generally divided in half by the continental divide.

On the east side of the park, the main hub of activity is the town of Estes Park, while on the west side youll find Grand Lake. Connecting the east and west side of the park is Trail Ridge Road, a spectacular drive that is a highlight for many visitors RMNP trip.

Generally speaking, the east side of Rocky Mountain is more frequently visited, as it is much closer to Denver and the rest of the Front Range.

Youll find good camping options on both sides of the park, and weve generally broken down your options geographically so that you have a good sense of what is available depending on which part of the park you want to explore.

Check out the map below to get a general sense of where the developed campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park are located.

In addition to the overview map shown above weve also created an interactive map with all of the campgrounds included in this guide displayed.

Campgrounds with a green tent icon are the developed campgrounds within the park, the blue camper trailer icon represents RV campgrounds near the park, and finally the red tent icon represents car camping options near RMNP.

Enjoy!

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Camping Near Rocky Mountain National Park

Given the popularity and scarcity of options, it is always possible that you wont be able to find a campground within Rocky Mountain National Park. However, dont give up as there are plentiful camping options just outside the National Park boundary!

Check out your best options for RV camping, car camping, and free dispersed camping near Rocky Mountain National Park below:

Driving Through Rocky Mountain National Park In Your Rv

Rocky Mountain National Park is very RV friendly. Except for rustic Old Falls River Road, most roads are open to RVs. Trail Ridge Road, the incredibly scenic road that passes through the whole park from East to West is wide and smooth traveling. That said, if you are driving an RV or towing a camper you should keep in mind a few things.

Most trailheads will not have room for extra large vehicles. You are better off parking at the Park and Ride lot and hopping on the shuttle. Glacier Basin Campground and Moraine Park Campground have shuttle stops that are easy to walk to so no need to move your vehicle when camping there.

Trail Ridge Road may be wide and easy to drive but be aware of your vehicles engine limitations. You will be driving on the highest paved road through any National Park at over 12,000 feet. So if your vehicle is not liking high elevations, its definitely not going to like this road. For more information on driving Trail Ridge Road check out our detailed post.

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Best Rv Parks Near Rocky Mountain National Park

When you are planning your summer adventures, make sure you take advantage of the fee-free days at all the national parks this year!

To make the most of your trip, check out these 5 RV parks near Rocky Mountain National Park. Make one your base camp for adventure and exploration of this breathtaking national park.

Make sure you plan ahead! This stunning national park brought in over 4.5 million visitors in 2019 mostly during the summer and fall months.

Here are the 5 best RV parks near Rocky Mountain National Park for you to visit.

When To Camp In Rocky Mountain National Park

Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park by RV Adventures

The Moraine Park Campground is the only campground in Rocky Mountain National Park this is open year round. However, most visitors will prefer the warmer temperatures and easier access to the park during the peak summer camping season.

Peak camping season in Rocky Mountain National generally begins around late-May and lasts through the beautiful fall weather towards the end of September. On either end of these times youll need to be prepared for snow and cold temperatures.

The winter months bring cold temperatures, snow, and generally inhospitable conditions to RMNP. Those who are hardy enough to brave winter camping in Rocky Mountain will need to stay at either Moraine Park or for the even braver, plan a winter wilderness camping trip.

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Do I Really Have To Go Back Home

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you’re on vacationwho wants the trip to end? It’s okay, you can start planning yournext trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for aRocky Mountain National Park to Denver drive in an RV, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip.

Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Denver? Try searching for places within 2 hours of Denver.

You can also compare the travel time if you’re flying or drivingby calculating the distance from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park. Or get a full Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park flight plan.

Don’t forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation.You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong,or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Denver well, please help your fellowtravelers and answer their questions about Denver!

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:

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. Youve 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:

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Beaver Meadows Visitor Center

A stopover at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is essential when you visit Rocky Mountain, National Park. In this visitor center or any other visitor center within the park, you are provided with the parks educational overview. The park rangers in this Visitor center are very knowledgeable and helpful. They will advise you on the trails to take based on your skill level and the time that you will be in the park. At Beaver Meadows Visitor Center you will access books and maps about the park and also get walking sticks and other equipment that you do not have but are necessary. You can spend at least one hour here.

Our Top 11 Rocky Mountain National Park Boondocking Spots

Riverview RV Park and Campground, CO

Rocky Mountain National Park has over 100 peaks, hiking trails of more than 350 miles, and about 147 lakes that you need to explore for you to exhaust the major sceneries there. The park is open 24/7 and it would be beautiful if you wake up to a mountain sunrise. There are many Rocky Mountain national boondocking spots around the park but the following are the best and most of them are located in Estes Park:

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