There are 29 first-come, first-served campsites that allow tents, campers, trailers, and RVs.\_\_Sites are best for tent camping due to\_\_unpaved roads, steep hills and short pull-ins. Picnic tables, fire rings, and portable toilets are provided.\_\_14-day stay limit. There is no drinking water, electricity, hook-ups, dump stations, nor showers. A maximum of eight people are allowed per site.Although not a full-service campground, Meeker Park Overflow Campground tends to fill to capacity on weekends due to its proximity to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Longs Peak Trailhead is approximately two miles north of the campground, and the Wild Basin Trailhead is about two miles to the south.[Click here][1] for a map of this campground. 

[1]: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5407236.pdf

Meeker Park Overflow Campground

No reservations. No bathrooms, just porta-johns. But these were maintained scrupulously on our visit. 

  

Heavily wooded area, wonderful views of Mt Meeker and the surrounding peaks. Campground host was friendly and helpful. We arrived around 3:30 on a Friday and had several sites to choose from, but they filled fast and after 5 or so it was a long parade of folks disappointedly driving through. 

  
Chipmunks and hummingbirds throughout the area. A quick and gorgeous drive to Estes Park to the north. No water, bring your own. Hostess had firewood for sale. Lots of easily accessible slash around the area for fires as well.

Lovely campground with minimal frills

Very close to Rocky Mountain National Park south of Estes Park. Very crowded in the summertime due to its proximity. Sites are somewhat close together and offer little privacy.

Close to Rocky Mountain National Park but very crowded in summertime

No services other than porta-johns. Private quiet nature setting. Close to the park. Lots of Hummingbirds in our site.

Cheap, private, close to RMNP

When traveling in this area and looking to explore Rocky Mountain National Park or the surrounding areas finding camping ahead of time is very important. During summer months campground fill quickly and overflow camps like this become your backup plan which sometimes can be difficult to squeeze into last minute. 

  

From May until September this campground opens its doors to the masses for only$12 per night. Clearly a lot less expensive than some of the campgrounds offered in the area, this camp is quite appealing for those who wish to find inexpensive camping and can enjoy their time in nature without all the frills of an improved campground. This campground is first come first serve which is very important to know if you are wanting to stay in the area and will be arriving later in the day or near a weekend. 

  

When I visited the season had just opened, literally the day of and there was no one on a weekday at the campground early in the day. I took a stroll around the campground and noticed there is an honor box for paying camp fees and that rangers were in the area driving through the various properties placing kiosk signage up and checking sites. 

  

This campground offers no running water for those camping here. There are toilets but they are primitive and non-flushing. The sites looked comfortable and like they would be great for camping in a tent or mid-sized RV however they could become a little cramped if visiting in larger units. 

  

The floor of the campground is blanketed with pine needles which give a fragrant welcome. 

  

Each campsite has a picnic table and bear box on the site in addition to a fire ring with a small grill on top. You are encouraged to bring your own fire wood and not collect the fallen and absolutely cannot cut firewood in this area. 

  

Just across from the campground is a pull off and picnic area for Roosevelt National Park which does not offer camping but does have additional areas for hiking and enjoying the nature of the area. There is also another restroom in this area. 

  

One of the things I found to be very helpful about this campground for controlling traffic and also for accommodating groups was the placement of a few larger sites with additional parking toward the front of the campground. I noticed when I pulled in that in the front portion of the loop there were wider areas which made navigating a bit easier for RVs and also near the dumpsters in this area there seemed to be additional parking. Again during the first part of the season with no traffic passing through this might have been deceiving but it looked to be a great option. 

  

TIPS: 

*   Check out Lucy Lake and the Camp Church in the area. The lake is an amazing location to see some of the picturesque views of Long’s Peak and hike without having to actually go into the park. The church is an actual Catholic Church build originally for a summer camp, its unique design and location are worth a pull off. 
*   Bring everything you might need with you. The closest store is more than 15 miles away so you will not be able to pick up last minute supplies without running into the larger community. Make sure you bring plenty of water for everyone and anything you might need for your stay. 
*   Check the reports for the area before you tent camp. This area has bear and upon occasion they have a few rogue bears visiting camps. You can find information in advance by checking out tourism centers in Estes Park or by looking at the Rocky Mountain National Park site.

No Frills First Come First Serve Alternative For RMNP

We got there earlier in the day, many spots were open. Our senior access card got the rate reduced from 13$ to 6.50$. The campground was very clean and quiet, only thing you could hear at night was the distant sounds of the highway. Ground was pretty hard and tent sites were medium sized but overall highly recommend!

Nice quiet campground

Great spot! Very clean, spaces are large enough and everyone there was very respectful and the camp host was great. Bathroom were super clean. We brought our own firewood but there was some for sale. 

Definitely goin again!

Beautiful, cheap, first come first serve USFS campground near RMNP. 

  

The sites are not very private, but they are spaced apart nicely. There is a host on site. 

  

Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, and a bear box. This is bear country so please keep your food packed away! 

  

Cost is $14/night, 50% off for golden age, senior and access pass (not the annual pass). 

  

Cell service is weak/non existent here.

  

Open approx May - Sept, probably varies each year, check their website for exact dates.

Beautiful, Cheap

Amazing spot great views porta potty bathroom super clean there is a super cool lady that takes care of the campground with the best customer service I highly recommend!!!

Amazing Spot

We planned a last minute trip and all reservation campgrounds were full. Took a chance and immediately found a spot here!  Set up and had a couple of great hikes!  Great view of Mt Meeker and bonus was walking distance to St Malo which was beautiful!