Pine and aspen trees frame 56 sites at this Forest Service campground where campers flip signs from "open" to "reserved" to claim first-come, first-served spots. Located one mile from Allenspark along a road that can challenge smaller vehicles, Olive Ridge operates as a popular base for exploring Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park, just 10 minutes away on foot via County Road 84.
Sites vary considerably in privacy and layout. The non-reservation loop (sites 1-25 and 38) offers more secluded options, with sites 5, 19, and 20 allowing tent placement well back from the road among the trees. Finn S. notes that camp hosts "were 100% spot on with their recommendation" for site selection. Site 38 stands out with a large boulder formation, while the reservation loop's interior sites provide less privacy but easier access for larger RVs up to 60 feet.
Each site includes a fire ring, picnic table, bear box, and tent pad, with some accommodating two vehicles. The campground provides vault toilets but no water—spigots remain wrapped throughout the season. Campers can access free spring water about a mile down the road in Allenspark, where an art center also offers complimentary WiFi. Cell service remains unavailable throughout the campground.
The proximity to Wild Basin and Rocky Mountain National Park creates high demand, particularly on weekends. Mary S. advises ignoring early "Campground Full" signs since "people leave every day, even on a Saturday in July." Arriving midweek increases chances of securing preferred sites, while weekend visitors often find success by waiting for departing campers. For additional camping options in the area, consider places to camp around Allenspark.
The $29-58 nightly fee reflects the mix of standard and hookup sites available from mid-May through September. Camp hosts sell firewood and provide local trail recommendations, making this a functional choice for campers prioritizing park access over remote wilderness solitude.
Description
Overview
The Olive Ridge Campground is located within the Roosevelt National Forest, situated near the southeastern corner of Rocky Mountain National Park at an elevation of 8,350 feet.
Recreation
Olive Ridge is close to the Wild Basin area of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Several trailheads are in the area, including Wild Basin, Finch Lake and Sandbeach Lake trails. Popular activities include fishing, hiking and mountain climbing.
Facilities
There are 56 sites in the campground. Twenty six are suitable for RV camping and 30 are more suitable for tents. Tents must be confined to the provided tent pads (14'x16'). There is a maximum of eight people per single site. Sites #26 and #39 are oversized and will accommodate 10 people at an additional fee. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring or grill. Vault toilets, andd trash services are provided. Firewood is for sale in the campground.
Natural Features
This peaceful campground is heavily wooded with a mixture of ponderosa pine and aspen trees. The interior roads are gravel/dirt. Afternoon thunderstorms should be expected during the summer months.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578.
Nearby Attractions
Rocky Mountain National Park's main entrance is 14 miles north of the campground, in Estes Park. With lush valleys and craggy peaks reaching elevations higher than 14,000 feet, visitors are provided opportunities for countless breathtaking experiences and adventures. Scenic driving, hiking, backpacking, fishing, horseback riding and wildlife viewing are popular activities in the park. Estes Park is a full-service community 15 miles from the campground. Dining, shopping, rafting, fly fishing, horseback riding and golfing opportunities await. Lake Estes offers boating, sailboarding and fishing.
Charges & Cancellations
Modifications for this campground must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the call center at 1-877-444-6777 PRIOR to your reservation start date. Customers and contact center agents cannot modify reservations on or after the check-in date.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundOlive Ridge is located in Colorado
Directions
The campground is located on the west side of Colorado Highway 7, between Allenspark and Meeker Park at mile-marker 14. It is approximately six miles north of the intersection of Colorado Highways 7 and 72 (which is 21 miles west-north-west of Lyons), 15 miles south of Estes park, and 29 miles north of Nederland.
Coordinates
40.2088333 N
105.5223944 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 45 min from Boulder, CO
- 1 hr 8 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 1 hr 9 min from Greeley, CO
- 1 hr 12 min from Denver, CO























