Do you enjoy camping but don't want to rough it? Glamping is a great option. The Dyrt can help find the best glamping in and around Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, CO. These scenic and easy to access Colorado glamping locations are perfect for any adventurer.
Glacier Basin Campground is currently closed for the winter 2024/2025 season. This campground is located inside Rocky Mountain National Park at an elevation of 8,500 feet. To get to Glacier Basin Campground, drive up Bear Lake Road approximately 5 miles. The entrance to Glacier Basin Campground is across from the Park & Ride Parking Area. There are 150 campsites available by reservation only. Reservations are only available via Recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of a desired camping date. Any sites that are open are listed as "A" for available. Any campsite listed as _ NR _ has Not Yet Released; this means that those campsites are not yet available to be reserved. A number of campsites are available to be reserved up to 6-months in advance on a rolling window. Some campsites are available to be reserved 2-weeks prior to your desired camping date. Some campsites are available to be reserved 1-week prior to your desired camping date. Group campsites are available to be reserved 1-year in advance on a rolling window.
Rocky Mountain National Park has over 350 miles of hiking trails that range from flat lakeside strolls to steep mountain climbs. One of the most popular activities in the park is wildlife viewing. There are excellent wildlife viewing opportunities to see elk, Mule deer, Bighorn sheep, hawks, a wide range of songbirds and more throughout the park. Rocky Mountain National Park offers some unforgettable scenic views along of the land above trees, over 1/3 of the park is alpine tundra. Enjoy incredible scenic drives along Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road.
A pleasant mix of Douglas fir, Lodgepole pine, Ponderosa pine and the occasional Engelmann spruce forests the campground, offering equal amounts of sun and shade. Grasses, shrubs and seasonal wildflowers fill the open meadows. Wildlife is plentiful in the park, and while mule deer and the majestic Rocky Mountain elk are the most commonly seen, black bear, coyote, bighorn sheep and moose inhabit the region as well.
The Town of Estes Park is a short drive from the campground, located outside of RMNPs Beaver Meadows and Fall River Entrances. Dining, shopping, rafting, fly fishing, horseback riding, and golfing opportunities await. Lake Estes offers boating, sailboarding, and fishing.
$70 / night
This campground with 89 RV sites and 28 tent sites is the perfect destination for all types of camping enthusiasts from retired big riggers to families who enjoy the simple comforts of tent camping.
$20 - $55 / night
The Arapaho Bay Campground is located in the Arapaho National Recreation Area on Lake Granby, southeast of Grand Lake. Visitors enjoy the area for its great boating, fishing and hiking opportunities.
Lake Granby is part of the Arapaho National Recreation Area. It offers boating, sailing, swimming and fishing. Anglers cast for kokanee salmon and a variety of trout, including rainbow, brown, mackinaw and cutthroat. National Fishing Week is held the first week of June each year. Numerous hiking and horseback riding trails are located within the Arapaho National Recreation Area, including the Roaring Fork Trail, Monarch Lake Trail and the East Shore Trail (which is part of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail).
The campground is situated on Arapaho Bay, on the eastern tip of Lake Granby, at an elevation of 8,300 feet. Afternoon thunder showers should be expected during the summer months. Due to the mountain pine beetle infestation and consequent hazardous tree removal, the campground offers little to no shade.
Rocky Mountain National Park's west entrance is just north of Grand Lake. With lush valleys and craggy peaks reaching elevations over 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.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578.
$17 - $25 / night
Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers multiple campgrounds, cabins, yurts, RV sites, group sites, and a guest house. From Memorial Day to early October, there are 132 campsites in two campgrounds: Reverend’s Ridge and Aspen Meadow. Reverend’s Ridge offers 38 tent sites and 59 sites with electrical hook-ups. Facilities at Reverend’s Ridge include flush toilets, shower, ice machine, laundry facilities, and a dump station. Aspen Meadow offers 35 tent sites and vault toilets. As of January 1, 2019 both campgrounds will be Reservation Only. Golden Gate also offers 20 backcountry tent sites and four backcountry shelters. Our backcountry sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis year-round. Please register for backcountry sites at the Visitor Center.
$18 - $90 / night
Green Ridge Campground is located on beautiful Shadow Mountain Reservoir, southwest of Grand Lake in north central Colorado. Visitors enjoy the area for its great boating, fishing and hiking opportunities.
Shadow Mountain Lake is part of the Arapaho National Recreation Area. It offers boating, swimming and fishing. Anglers cast for kokanee salmon, as well as rainbow, brown, mackinaw and cutthroat trout. A boat ramp and dock are located within the campground. The Colorado River can also be accessed from the campground. National Fishing Week is held annually the first week of June. Numerous hiking and horseback riding trails are in the vicinity, including the East Shore Trail (which is part of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail), Roaring Fork Trail and Monarch Lake Trail.
The campground is situated between the southern shore of Shadow Mountain Lake and the banks of the Colorado River, at an elevation of approximately 8,300 feet. Afternoon thunderstorms should be expected during the summer months. Due to the mountain pine beetle infestation and consequent removal of hazardous trees, there is little to no shade available in the campground. Since 2008, 3,000 pine seedlings have been planted to remedy the problem in the future.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578.
Rocky Mountain National Park's west entrance is located north of Grand Lake. 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.
$17 - $25 / night
At 7,500 feet, this campground is an ideal base camp for exploring the town of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Tent and RV sites.
$30 - $120 / night
$40 - $60 / night
$5 / night
Ranger
And in fact I believe they were KOA of the year 2023 or 2024. More expensive than we're used to, but has nice amenities. Sites level with concrete pads, fairly large. Some space between with trees. Nice metal patio furniture provided at each site(chairs, table, fire pit). Has decent showers, hot tubs, and off leash dog park. Inexpensive pancake breakfast and pizza/wings to your site are available, also an onsite store. Kind of at the top of a rise, so good views but also kind of chilly for July (60s/40s). Massive thunderstorms with hail and heavy rain two evengings (CO mountains tend to get afternoon t-storms). Communicate via text to let you know about goings on. Good radio station out of Idaho Springs KYGT 102.7 and 103.9
Guide
Great trip. Beautiful campground. Beautiful scenery
Guide
Great trip. Beautiful campground. Beautiful scenery
Guide
I spent the night at Base Camp because the campgrounds North and South of Ned were full and it was dark and getting late. You have to be lucky with those ones to get one of the few good spots that are there. I have been to the convenience store at BC before and it was closer to Idaho Springs (I was going there the next day to meet a friend). $39 per night for a tent site is INSANE. I could have stealth camped and there was another spot I could’ve gone too but BC was close and I was tired. I guess that’s how they make their business. Begrudgingly it worked for what I needed.
Guide
When I arrived, I found out the water had been turned off for the season and the dump station was closed, this should be noted on the website in a spot where you can’t miss it Almost all the spots are on the slope so there are steps you have to go down to your table. Spots are very close to each other, no privacy. Tables are old, wooden, and slanting in a lot of the spots. The worst part is the traffic noise, I definitely won’t return to this campground.
Guide
Staff were super friendly. The place did everything we needed for an overnight stay the drive in from RMNP was fantastic. Showers were clean(dated who cares, they worked. I’m not an instagrammer)
Traveler
Some of these spots have a decent shade parts of the day. Decent privacy on a few spots. Maybe 10% full on a Wednesday night in September.
GuideWe loved this campground for the stunning views, super clean bathrooms, and the easy access to hiking in RMNP. So many trails to choose from, either directly from the campground, or across the Bear Lake Road to the Park N Ride. Can't say enough about the views, especially if your site is in the open center area like ours was at C119. There are lots of sites with shade as well. Sites are pretty close together but since we did not take our pups (they can't go on the park trails) we didn't mind.
Very difficult to snag a reservation but daily persistence paid off and we got one night which was the last night of their season. So glad we did. Will try again for next year!
Guide
If you are used to RV sites or KOA you will be ok with this. On a scale of 1-5 here are my impressions.
Overall esthetic 2. The lake is nice. The rest of the area is well compacted dirt with some scattered trees. City/road noise 2.
Ranger3 nights starting Thursday after Labor Day. Was able to get the reservation 2 weeks ahead as it was released for use. Camping at this campground also gives you a time+ entry permit good for bear lake road. After 1 pm the first day and then anytime on following days. They have planted many new pine trees a few years ago to replace the ones destroyed years ago. Even then the shade in much of C loop is nonexistent. Thus a tarp is a good thing. Sites are reasonably well separated. In a few years as the new trees mature the privacy between sites will be good or very good. Restrooms were clean. Their time actuated lights makes the campground dark if no one is using the head. That is very good because star watching was excellent (near a new moon). Evening ranger program was held in the amphitheater each night. Hiking trail to sprague lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters. We saw a weasel and a flock of turkeys. At sprague lake around 9 am the local moose goes wading to eat. And of course you are in the park, so you can drive to see elk, coyotes, pika, marmots and more. Great place. T-Mobile varied from 2 bars LTE or 2 bars 5G. Sufficient connectivity
Guide
Lots of room to spread out but some weird regulations. Like only 3.2% alcohol?
Guide
We camped right on the reservoir and watched the sun set from our site. Nice allocated areas to set up tents on flat ground and a good sizes fire pit. Just know there’s no firewood left to scavenge on the grounds.
Just a couple small things: There was lots of big rigs (although not right next to you) and you could hear highway 34 for a good portion of the stay.
GuideBeautiful views and a great spot of Bear Lake Rd.
GuideNice campground right along the lake. Friendly host that had a few supplies and provided firewood. We saw a bull moose too!
GuideSuper awesome fishing out here if you know where to go. Great camping. We’ve enjoyed this area!
Scout
Was an old KOA. In fact, there are two typical KOA A frame buildings that need to be torn down due to their lack of upkeep. The grounds were overgrown with weeds knee high.
Scout
Clinging to the side of the mountain, each well appointed site fits the camper's needs, from basic tent pads up to full water and electric connections for RVs. Common bathroom, shower, dish and clothes washing facilities centrally located, clean and well maintained. Sites are spread out a bit if also a little small. Every day I had mule deer visiters. I would definitely stay here again.
Scout
Good spot. County was in a burn ban so no fires or charcoal grills allowed. Lake had some weird rules. You have to buy a county park pass when making reservation.
Guide
The campground has spacious spots. Ours was large enough for a popup and very large tent. Our site was also a short walk down to Lake Dillon which was perfect for the kids and dogs to splash around in. Close proximity to Frisco is great too if you want to get some pizza for a meal.
Traveler
The campgrounds are spacious, with plenty of room between campsites. When we went the reservoir was full, and came right up to our site. The views are incredible and the bathrooms are clean. The only downside was the lack of shade.
Ranger
People live here full time. Bathroom is constantly busy, low water pressure and barely any privacy. No place for your dogs to do their business. The grass that is there is for tents. No place to hang outside your campsite. Not even a nice view.
ScoutStayed two nights in July. Apparently quiet time is just a phrase here — multiple groups around us were loud well past 10pm but nobody came around to check. Bathroom access was an issue in the AM due to only one stall.
Not a lot of shade, ground kinda pebbly. If you’re looking for a quick post up near Denver or Boulder, sure. If you’re looking for peaceful camping, you could do far better. I suppose it’d be different in an RV, but tenting wasn’t good.
Either way, if you stay here, bring good earplugs.
Scout
I have been a camper at Spruce Lake (1990’s) and Elk Meadow Campground (since 2000). So over 25 years with this company. This year I had to leave 3 days early due to a medical issue that my medical team recommend I return home ASAP. So I left 3 days early. After being a camper with them for over 25 years, sometimes more than once a season, they WOULD NOT provide a credit for the next season due to needing to leave. Even though they have done away with the General Store, a bathroom is usually out of service, no ice cream bars, scant RV supplies, cable TV, and now no WiFi….continuing to cut services for campers yet increase costs…..I will NOT be returning to this campground or sister campgrounds. Though they have wonderful views, I will choose to camp at other campgrounds in the area. This is pure greed on the owners and mangers part and no concerns about returning, loyal customers. One other note about this year’s stay, we were under a Red Flag Warning and a burn ban. Durning this high fire risk weather, there was a very large fire with sparks in the pit by the playground and a camper had one at their site. I witnessed and reported to the assistant manger who was walking her dogs long before there ban and warnings were lifted. The next day I asked her if she was able to get the fires extinguished. She said no because the fires were started after the bans and warnings were lifted. And that was an outright lie as I reported before the bans and warnings ran out and the fires were going full force when I reported. So this also tells me that the assistant manager and the campground really doesn’t wish to enforce laws to preserve the area from another catastrophic wild fire in the National Park and the surrounding mountain towns and citizens. As a past resident of Colorado this really should upset local people and visitors.
ScoutWe stayed for a couple of nights because everything else was booked up, the site was fine, staff were friendly and helpful, didn't use the pool/facilities as we had our travel trailer, but really the only reason not 5 star is just needs more tree's/foliage and effort into the sites themselves, it's just a bit barren around the sites.
Guide
Our stay at this place has been nothing short of perfect! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality. The staff here has been incredibly friendly and accommodating, going above and beyond to ensure that our every need is met. If it’s a tent already set up and waiting for you, one of the many tiny houses on site, or even a Cabin with all the amenities- they will be able to accommodate you. While we have thoroughly enjoyed our time here, it is clear that there are ongoing renovations and improvements taking place. The potential of this place is evident, and we cannot wait to see the final result. Based on what we have already experienced, we have no doubt that it is going to be amazing!
If you’re going to the Mishawaka for a show, the shuttle from Riverside runs to the Amish every 15 minutes making it SUPER convenient to attend a concert. Don’t forget to grab some food before the show too!!
TravelerMy wife and I spent a week here. We enjoyed seeing the kids playing in the playground and riding around the park on their bikes. Nearly every day a deer would come munch on the greenery right behind our rig. The staff were super friendly and I believe we received good value for our payment considering the prices and sold-out state of other nearby parks like Horsetooth Reservoir. The campground is right on the banks of the Big Thompson river which does provide a soothing background for those fortunate enough to have sites on its banks. The roads and campsites are dirt, and a little messy after a rain storm. I think more attention could be paid to mowing the weeds of campsites between users. The laundry facilities were underwhelming as well; there wer two broken washing machines while I was there, and I spoke to a permanent resident who stated that they don't do their laundry in the park because of the poor availability of the machines. The facilities were clean. It can be suddenly and very windy here, so most campers did not use awnings. The campground is about 35 minutes from Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Forest, two excellent destinations for anyone coming for a vacation.
RangerGreat campground with beautiful views of the mountains! We loved the access to bear lake road. Bathrooms were clean. Site was large. Ice and firewood for sale. We loved our stay here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland is Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 56 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland?
TheDyrt.com has all 52 glamping camping locations near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, with real photos and reviews from campers.
