Hikers can access Rocky Mountain National Park directly from East Portal Campground, which sits at the end of a dead-end road near a small reservoir. The municipally-managed campground operates from May through September and accommodates RVs up to 22 feet, though a few larger sites exist for those who call ahead. Sites feature raised tent pads surrounded by thin trees that work well for hammock hanging.
The campground's 40-plus sites cluster together on open terrain, creating what some reviewers describe as "cozy" spacing. Jennifer G. notes that "our space was large enough to accommodate our 20 ft travel trailer with our truck next to it, still leaving plenty of room for the picnic table and a chair circle around the fire." Clean bathrooms with hot showers and auto-flushing toilets receive frequent maintenance from cleaning crews. Bear boxes are shared between adjacent sites, and campers must store all food and toiletries inside them.
Wildlife moves through regularly, with mule deer appearing most evenings and elk occasionally crossing the valley. The on-site trail follows a river with small waterfalls and leads toward the reservoir, where fishing is permitted. Wildflowers scatter across the surrounding meadows during summer months. A small playground includes swings and a rock climbing wall, while the camp store sells firewood, ice, and basic supplies.
Cell service is unavailable throughout the campground, though signal returns about a mile down the road. The location provides easy access to both Rocky Mountain National Park entrances and downtown Estes Park. Sites with water and electric hookups cost $45-80 per night, with a dump station available on-site. B M. recommends site A64 for "excellent view of Rocky Mt. NP." For those exploring the broader region, campsites near Estes Park offer additional options. Reservations are accepted for this popular base camp location.
Description
So close, yet feels so far away from the hustle and bustle of Estes Park. This very popular campground is located at an elevation of 8,300 feet at the end of a beautiful road just west of town. There are wonderful views of the snow covered peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park and access to the East Portal Reservoir which has ample opportunities for fishing. This double loop campground offers shady sites suitable for tenters and campers with small RVs and trailers shorter than 22 feet in length. It is especially well-suited for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore nearby nature and trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sites at this campground open up to views of Rocky Mountain National Park and starry nighttime skies. A mature blend of ponderosa and lodgepole pines interspersed with groves of aspens makes it a wonderful home away from home. It is an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation. The camping season runs from mid-May to late September.
The Estes Park Campground at East Portal has 66 sites suitable for tents and small trailers and RVs. There is a maximum length of 22 feet for RVs. All sites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings, some with ADA accessibility. Guests also have access to drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers, water & electric hookups, dump station, firewood and ice sales, and a playground for the kids. Cell phone service is spotty and there is no wi-fi, so please plan accordingly.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundEast Portal Campground at Estes Park is located in Colorado
Directions
From downtown Estes Park, take U.S. Highway 36/CO 66 west approximately 1.7 miles. Take CO 66 to the left (aka Tunnel Road), for 3.3 miles to the campground. If you access your email confirmation using GMail, please note that the name of the campground, the location, and directions provided to you may be incorrect due to a known issue with GMail's "smart features & personalization" settings. Please use address above and/or turn off these settings for accurate information and navigation.
Address
3420 Tunnel Road
Estes Park, CO 80517
Coordinates
40.34272075999998 N
105.57697054999998 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 4/14/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 302 usersLast on 4/14/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/14/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 4/14/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 302 usersLast on 4/14/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/14/26
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
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 54 min from Boulder, CO
- 1 hr 1 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 1 hr 5 min from Greeley, CO
- 1 hr 21 min from Denver, CO














































