414 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The area around Allenspark, Colorado includes access to various types of camping and campgrounds within the Roosevelt National Forest and near Rocky Mountain National Park. Olive Ridge Campground offers established sites with tent pads and bear boxes, while Allenspark Dispersed Camping provides free primitive sites along Ski Road. Camping options range from developed facilities with picnic tables and fire rings to dispersed areas with minimal amenities. Both tent and RV camping are available at several locations, though RV access may be limited at higher elevations or on rougher forest roads. The region's proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park makes it popular for visitors seeking alternatives to the often-full park campgrounds.
Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from May through September or early October due to high elevation weather patterns. Olive Ridge Campground lacks drinking water on site, requiring campers to obtain water from Crystal Springs in Allenspark. Dispersed camping areas like Gordon Gulch may require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain or snow. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most camping locations, with one reviewer noting, "The only downside was absolutely no cell service." Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, and campers should check current regulations before planning trips. Elevations range from 8,000 to 10,500 feet, making for cool nights even in summer.
Campers report high satisfaction with the natural settings and proximity to hiking trails. The Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park is accessible from Olive Ridge Campground, offering challenging hiking opportunities. Dispersed camping areas provide more privacy and often feature creek-side locations. A visitor commented that Allenspark Dispersed Camping provides "an exceptional spot to stay. Our spot was near the creek, the sound was beautiful." Sites at Olive Ridge are described as "well protected from the sun" with "a lot of trees." Developed campgrounds typically offer a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites, with some campgrounds filling quickly during summer weekends. The combination of mountain views, forest cover, and water features makes the Allenspark area popular despite the lack of amenities like showers or hookups at most locations.
"Took the kids camping in Colorado for the first time and we had a blast. It rained on us a lot but it didn't stop us. Took a great hike up deer mountain....stunning views. Can't wait to go back."
"Very enjoyable spot, close access to trails and entrance and exit of the park."
from $35 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Firewood sold next to the entrance by the same husband and wife that have been selling firewood there for 35 years. There is a shed full of firewood."
"The spaces are large, but quite close to one another with few trees for privacy. Each site here is variable, with some open with no trees and others nestled in some mature trees."
from $35 - $70 / night
Check Availability"You are pinned up against private property around the lake, the camp sites are in the dirt area when you get to the lake down to the left."
"Like many Colorado disperse camping spots."
"There’s access to a small playground for kids. The pool looked nice, the lake is right across the road. Overall a good campsite."
"Since there was construction going on at the national park campgrounds and none were available, we found Mary’s Lake to be a great alternative to take our chances at camping in the park."
from $45 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Allenspark Dispersed Camping provides an exceptional spot to stay. Our spot was near the creek, the sound was beautiful. The only downside was absolutely no cell service."
"We found a spot with several fire rings close to the water and just a short walk from parking along the road."
"The bathrooms were clean, and close to almost every site. They had a very nice playground for the kids with a climbing wall."
"Estes Park Campground at East Portal is a short drive away from both RMNP and the city of Estes Park, so you are nearby everything."
from $45 - $80 / night
Check Availability"So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."
"Getting here is easy, only a few miles away from Nederland and I had cell service (verizon) the entire time."
"Best place to camp in Estes Park/Northern Colorado! Wooded sites mean privacy from your neighbors and shade during the day. Vault toilets are very clean, well kept."
"Hermits Hollow is a nice place to camp near Estes, offering a quiet retreat away from the crowds. We only stayed the night, arriving late and leaving early. "
from $45 / night
Check Availability"4x4 drive is a requirement. Good Verizon signal. Narrow road, however not busy at all. Stayed here for 4 days, no issue. The Google Maps directions is slightly wrong."
"Driving down to town during the day, there were some people (probably from the adjacent campground) hiking the road. Overall quiet at night (other than some road noise from 36). Not a bad spot!"
"If you are looking for the true Colorado experience-look no further. "
"While there are some hiking trails stemming from the main camping area, Camp Dick is not the best option for those who want to enjoy quiet nature walks since most of the trails also accommodate off-road"
from $29 - $58 / night
Check Availability
GuideGreat location that feels out of the way but is close to lots of trails and the towns of Granby and Grand Lake. It’s also right on the water, but levels were so low this year there wasn’t much water activity happening. Not much shade as most trees were lost to pine beetle kill. Definitely bring an extra shade if you can.
Scout**Site#98 is NOT Safe for Large RVs**
We stayed at Jellystone Park Estes Park for three nights in site#98 with our 36-foot fifth wheel. We paid$325.50 for our stay and left with expensive damage to our truck because, in my opinion, this site should never be assigned to an RV of this size.
Site#98 is located on a hill and requires a very tight left turn from a one-way road, with a drop-off on one side and a large boulder retaining wall on the other. When an employee escorted us to the site, he immediately told us it was a difficult site for big fifth wheels and even said another camper had ripped off his fender trying to back into it.
My husband is very experienced backing our fifth wheel, and after several attempts with direction from the campground employee, he was able to get us into the site. Unfortunately, getting OUT was even worse.
When we left, my husband had to swing the truck as far to the right as possible to keep the fifth wheel tires from going off the drop-off on the left. At one point, half of our left-side tires were hanging off the edge. While I was outside watching the tires and trying to help navigate this extremely precarious situation, the truck caught one of the boulders from the retaining wall on the right, which became wedged underneath our running board.
We then had to JACK UP OUR TRUCK—with our 36-foot fifth wheel still attached and sitting dangerously close to the edge of a hill—just to get the truck off the boulder.
What makes this situation especially frustrating is what happened afterward. A very kind campground employee who came to help us expressed his own frustration that they continue putting large RVs in this site. He explained that after the cabins across the road were installed, along with the retaining wall, there was no longer enough room for big RVs to safely pull out of site#98.
While I waited to speak with the manager, a THIRD employee also acknowledged to me that they have had issues with this site.
Yet when the manager finally came to speak with us, she claimed she had NO knowledge of site#98 being a problem and told us they allow RVs up to 38 feet in it. When I told her they should not be putting RVs that large in this site, her response was,**“It’s 2026 and they can’t tell people what they can put in a site.”**
That response was unbelievable to me. A campground absolutely can—and should—determine what size RV can safely fit into and maneuver through a particular site.
Three separate employees either warned us about this site or acknowledged problems with it, including one who specifically said there is no longer enough room for large RVs to pull out after the cabins and retaining wall were added. Yet management continues allowing RVs up to 38 feet in the site.
We were offered no solution for the damage to our truck, and management took no accountability for continuing to place large RVs in a site their own employees acknowledge has had problems.
We paid$325.50 for three nights and walked away with a damaged truck and an incredibly stressful—and potentially dangerous—experience.
We will NEVER stay at this campground again. If you have a fifth wheel or RV over 30 feet, I would strongly recommend staying elsewhere and specifically avoiding**site#98**.
Campgrounds have a responsibility to assign rigs to sites they can safely enter AND exit. Based on our experience, Jellystone Estes Park failed to do that.
ScoutPerfect spot to stay when going to a concert at red rocks.
TravelerDowdy Lake has a completely different vibe. It's bigger, busier, and a great spot for anyone who loves kayaking or paddleboarding. Our campsite backed right up to the lake, and even though the water was pretty low, the view was still gorgeous. The campsites are definitely closer together than some of the other campgrounds around Red Feather, but our site was fantastic. It had a long driveway, level ground, was easy to get our camper in and out of, and made a great spot for hand launching kayaks.
TravelerBig, spacious campsites that are private and level. It truly felt like we were tucked away in nature. So peaceful, with the cutest little lake just a short walk away. The camp hosts were great too. We can’t wait to come back!
Scout.
RangerBecause of this road, I'll have to replace my camper's stabilizing jacks, and I feel lucky that's the only damage. If you have a 4WD high clearance vehicle, you should be fine. There are several spots and beautiful views for all! I hiked around trail nearby, Sugarloaf Mountain Trail and really enjoyed it.
TravelerNicely wooded, large level site. Easy walking trails throughout campground. Clean and tidy. Only complaint was the lack of potable water for my van.
TravelerRoad a bit rough but doable with front wheel drive. Multiple sites. No services
Camping sites near Allenspark, Colorado sit at elevations ranging from 8,000 to 10,500 feet in the Roosevelt National Forest. Nighttime temperatures frequently drop below 45°F even in summer months, requiring campers to pack warm clothing regardless of season. Sites along Middle St. Vrain Creek offer both the soothing sounds of water and natural protection from the frequent afternoon thunderstorms that roll through the area.
Elk watching in RMNP: The Moraine Park Campground provides excellent opportunities to see elk herds, especially during early morning and evening hours. "Deer wander in the morning," notes camper S.M., while another visitor mentions, "We got to see some beautiful Elk very close by, which was definitely a highlight."
Fishing at Beaver Reservoir: Located about 20 minutes from Allenspark, this area offers fishing opportunities in a mountain setting. "Beautiful lake with several good sized RV spots," says James S. at Beaver Park Reservoir. The reservoir is stocked with trout, though access requires respect for private property boundaries.
Rock climbing near Hermit Park: Just 25 minutes from Allenspark, this area offers both beginner and intermediate climbing routes. "The rock climbing is off the chart," mentions Tawny G. from Hermits Hollow Campground, which serves as a good base camp for climbers.
Creek-side relaxation: Multiple campsites offer creek access for wading and relaxation. A visitor to Allenspark Dispersed Camping shares: "Lots of spots available... most camp spots are along the creek," making it perfect for those seeking water-based relaxation.
Natural sounds: The moving water at many camping areas provides both ambiance and practical benefits. "Right next to a creek, the sound was beautiful," notes one camper about Allenspark Dispersed Camping along Ski Road. The creek noise helps mask sounds from neighboring campsites.
Wildlife sightings: Many campsites offer opportunities to see native wildlife. At Glacier Basin Campground, visitors report frequent animal encounters: "Gorgeous views, tons of wildlife," says Kenneth V., while Jessica T. notes, "Lots of animals sighting but also a lot of screaming kids to make them run away."
Hammock-friendly sites: Despite beetle kill in some areas, many sites still support hammock camping. "Loop C has enough trees to hang a hammock," reports John E. from Glacier Basin Campground, contradicting reservation site information that claimed otherwise.
Fire rings: Most established sites and many dispersed areas have existing fire rings. "Sites have fire rings," confirms Jaqueline E., though fire restrictions are common during dry periods, particularly from June through September.
High-clearance vehicle requirements: Some dispersed camping areas have rough access roads. "Road gets tougher the further back you go, but my low clearance vehicle made it by driving slow," explains Dian G. about Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area. After rain, these roads can become significantly more challenging.
Bear safety measures: Bears are active throughout the region. At Moraine Park Campground, "You ARE in bear country - be bear smart and safe and use your bear box!" warns Amanda M. Most established campgrounds provide bear boxes, while dispersed campers must be self-sufficient.
Limited or no cell service: Connectivity is minimal throughout the region. One camper at Gordon Gulch notes, "No cell service and it was glorious! But if we did need it, about a mile down the road we picked it back up."
Fire restrictions: Bans are common during dry periods, especially July through September. Check current restrictions before planning trips that depend on campfires. "No fires signs posted on the way up," reports a camper at Hell Canyon Dispersed camping.
Choose sites with natural play spaces: Kids enjoy exploring creek areas and forests. Jennifer G. from East Portal Campground shares: "My kids enjoyed playing with sticks and rocks in this little field-something every kid should get to do!"
Look for wildlife viewing opportunities: Many children enjoy animal sightings from a safe distance. "We saw horse back riders from the YMCA and stunning views including a small waterfall," notes Jennifer G., providing multiple points of interest for younger campers.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds have more ambient noise than others. "Lots of families with screaming children," notes Haley K. about Hermits Hollow, which might be a consideration depending on your family's preferences.
Pack for variable weather: Mountain storms develop quickly, and temperatures fluctuate widely. "Still some snow on the ground in late May," reports Megan B. about Moraine Park Campground, highlighting the need for warm clothing even in late spring.
Measure clearance needs: Many forest roads have low-hanging branches. At Camp Dick Campground, RVers note the campground is "big-rig friendly" but access roads may have limitations.
Limited hookup options: Full hookups are scarce in the immediate Allenspark area. "Very nice campground. Great starting point for visiting Rocky Mountain national park," says Jake N. about Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake, one of few options with electric.
Consider site exposure: Tree removal due to beetle kill has left some areas without shade. "The plus side to fewer trees is the better mountain views!" notes John E., highlighting how the changing forest provides trade-offs for RV campers seeking both views and protection.
Plan for dump station locations: Limited facilities mean planning ahead. Paul Y. mentions at Glacier Basin: "One negative is that 4-6 sites had to share a bear box," which can create logistical challenges for RVers managing food storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Allenspark camping areas?
Amenities at Allenspark camping areas vary by location. Roosevelt National Forest Camp Dick Campground offers well-maintained fire pits, access to hiking trail heads, and a rolling river nearby. At Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, you'll find approximately 15 numbered sites, plus additional unnumbered sites with scenic views further down road 233.1. Most dispersed camping areas around Allenspark provide basic camping with limited amenities - typically just fire rings (when fire bans aren't in effect). Be prepared to pack in water and pack out waste, as most dispersed sites lack toilets, potable water, and garbage services.
What campgrounds are available near Allenspark, CO?
Several excellent campgrounds surround Allenspark. Moraine Park Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park offers stunning views and access to hikes like Deer Mountain. For those seeking dispersed options, Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail provides a more remote experience but requires 4x4 capability to navigate the rocky, bumpy trail. Other nearby options include Winding River Resort, which offers family-friendly activities and direct access to the headwaters of the Colorado River, and Hermits Hollow Campground in Hermit Park, located near Loveland with reservable sites and water facilities.
Where can I find camping sites in Allenspark, Colorado?
Allenspark offers several camping options. Allenspark Dispersed Camping provides a peaceful experience with sites near a creek, though be aware there's no cell service and it's located about 1.5 miles down Ski Road. For a more established campground, Olive Ridge is just a mile from Allenspark with well-shaded sites among trees and easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park (about 10 minutes walking distance via County Road 84). Note that while Olive Ridge has first-come, first-served sites available even during peak season, it lacks drinking water facilities on-site, though water is available from Crystal Springs in Allenspark.
Keep Exploring
