374 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Rocky Mountain National Park's main east entrance is about 5 miles from downtown Estes Park, which makes this the practical base for most visitors coming from the Front Range. In-park campgrounds at Moraine Park and Glacier Basin take reservations months out and require a separate timed-entry permit during peak season. Developed campgrounds outside the park boundary in and around Estes Park have more realistic booking windows, typically weeks rather than months, and some allow walk-up sites on weekday mornings. Estes Park's dispersed camping options cover the national forest land on the edges of town for those who want no-fee sites without a reservation.
The Dyrt campers checking in here note that July and August are the hardest months to find last-minute availability at any price point. Granby is about 45 miles west via Trail Ridge Road and has national forest access with a different crowd and more open dispersed terrain when Estes Park is saturated.
"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."
"Great location, near everything in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Flat spaces and easy in and out."
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."
"Wonderful view of the surrounding mountains, quiet, clean, staff was friendly. They had wood and ice for sale."
from $35 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Close to Estes Park downtown and a short drive to Rocky Mt Park entrance. Clean facilities, friendly staff and very affordable!"
"Great place to camp and enjoy Estes Park and RMNP. Very clean. Well laid out and views of the surrounding peaks. Not roughing it but quiet convenient and worth a visit."
from $45 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Just south of Estes Park, this small organized campground was perfect for our first trip of the season. The bathrooms were clean, and close to almost every site."
from $45 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Very conveniently located, only a short drive into Estes Park. Lots of trails for hiking and biking in the park. Each campsite had a bear box, picnic table, and fire ring."
"Close to the park and t-shirt shopping in Estes Park."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"Cell service is non-existent, but you can go a mile to the park entrance for service. CG was clean and well maintained. Each site has a bear box."
"close together and most are shaded but there ain’t much privacy in between. bathrooms were nice and new but no showers. ice was available from 5-6:15 pm daily. great views of the mountains and very close to"
from $35 / night
Check Availability"great location right near most attractions in Estes park. Inexpensive. They gave showering/bathroom facilities. There’s is a store for your camping essentials. Fire pits, great view of the mountains."
"This was our first stay in Estes Park, and we couldn't be happier with the KOA facilities and staff. The staff were *extremely* helpful and welcoming."
"Required 4x4)
10 minutes from Estes Park, lots of local places to go. The camp ground down below will even let you shower for 8$. Sweet!""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."
"The selling point of this campground is location. It’s as close to Rocky Mountain National Park as you can get without actually camping on NPS property."
"There is a good burger place close by across from the gas station. Close to Rocky Mountain NP, Estes Park Lake & town. This lake is great for Kayaking & fishing."
"Estes Park Jellystone Campground is everything you’d want in a campground in the Rocky Mountains! Minutes away from NP entrances and Estes Park, yet totally secluded in the mountain wilderness."
"esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjo6cLSyevVAhUJs1QKHUQoCJoQFggnMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jellystoneofestes.com%2F&usg=AFQjCNEh7Uj0GWis6Cx9rIe_x5bCEkYScw) outside"
ScoutDuring our trip, it’s been very empty many spots available
Unfortunate it seems like other campers in the past have left their garbage so be wary of where you’re camping. You might have to clean.
ScoutThe camping spot was amazing. I had to drive over 30 minutes on rocky terrain to find an open campground. That being said, it was a nice spot that was far from others. Would recommend going and setting up on Thursday or Friday to lock in a spot.
GuideTook some friends here on their first ever camping trip the first weekend of Sept ‘25 and we had a great time. Convenient access to the park, quiet hours were well respected, and the tent site we stayed at (listed on the website as “best view in the campground”) did have an incredible view. We were also a bit above the rest of the sites nearby and had only a neighbor below us so it felt decently private for such a busy campground. The running water was nice to have for easing my friends into the world of camping! Camp store came in handy as well.
Specific site came with picnic table under cover as well as 4 Adirondack chairs and a fire pit. Site was a couple steps up from the parking spot.
GuideSecluded, stunning, and fun for all ages! The manager, Amanda, along with the other staff were all so welcoming and easy going. I camped here 3 nights and wish I had stayed all week long. The vault toilets were the cleanest I’ve ever seen. Tent sites were well kept and the sunset rainbows by the river followed by dark skies were indescribable. Monarch lake up the road was the cherry on top, being able to use their boards to float on an alpine lake and catch fish for dinner on the fire. There is a spring water spout on site, playground, showers, and even WiFi in the lodge to get work done while kids play games. I can go on… hands down best place to stay for a family who wants to experience being off the beaten path and still have access to comfortable amenities.
GuideStayed in early Sept ‘23. Didn’t get lucky with a spot in RMNP so picked this as our back up option and it worked out well. Bit of a drive to the park and definitely get stuck in the entry lanes traffic but still gets you almost there. Quiet campground and there was a bear spotting the day before we arrived but we didn’t see any. Poured on us but the tent pad was decently flat and we stayed dry with no major puddling.
GuideStayed Fri-Sun the first weekend of June. Our specific site was inside the loop so we had no direct neighbors, just people across the way. Located behind the bathrooms but honestly didn’t hear anyone going in and out overnight. The Della Terra wedding venue plays their music SO LOUD at night you can hear every word of every song and that really ruined the vibe both nights (Sat it went on until after 11pm). One of our across the way neighbors also stole our firewood which hasn’t happened to me before at a campground and they said the ranger said it was fine so that was a bit wild. Lots of trees and a beautiful view though and I would definitely stay again as long as there’s no wedding happening at Della Terra. Also 0 cell service despite the Dyrt profile on the campground.
TravelerYou need decent clearance because there is huge ruts in the road. We tried to view past Camp Site 6 and almost got stuck. I would stay with the first few unless you got some good tires. Not a good road for a trailer. We didn't get a pic of Camp Site 2 because someone was in it but is very nice (fav spot). Camp Site 3-5 are a stone throw apart with Camp Site 1 being solo. Camp site 2 is within view of Camp Site 3 (bundle of trees a part)
Camp Site 6 is also solo but has very bad ruts and is down a decent hill. We had to get a running start to get past the ruts. Didn't get pics of Camp Site 6 due to someone being in it.
Decent with a truck. We had a high clearance 2 wheel drive and was able to make it to the first few camp sites. Jeeps should be fine.
GuideA group of about 9 of us stayed at three sites on Loop C for a couple of nights before and after a we attended a wedding at Della Terra up the hill. If you want to camp for a wedding there, this was a fantastic spot!
Clean bathrooms and potable water! There are lots of dogs and families, so it isn’t the quietest of places, but it’s convenient! Your camp reservation acts as your times entry pass, but make sure to check into the campground immediately!
Dogs need to be on leash, and there are dumpsters/recycling available, as well as a little shop open odd hours for firewood and snacks if needed!
We had almost no service, but there are metal fire pits, picnic tables, and a bear box at each site!
GuideThis was a great spot for RTT and tent camping! We pulled in around 5pm on a Saturday—we’re surprised it was available. Good a few spots down this road, but the one we stayed at had a lot of space and a little stream running through. Definitely some dummies who left a bunch of broken glass, shell casings, and a few cigs. Don’t be like them! Let the spot stay gorgeous forevs!
We did see a moose near camp at night! Make sure you have control of your pets!
Camping near Estes Park centers around Rocky Mountain National Park's elevation zones, which range from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet. Summertime temperatures typically reach 70-80°F during the day while dropping into the 40s at night. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, with lightning presenting a significant hazard for campers planning high-elevation activities.
Hiking from camp: At Hermits Hollow Campground, the Kruger Rock Trail begins inside the campground. "It is a nice hike with an amazing view of the Rockies and Estes at the top. Bring your crayons - there are two trailmarkers on the trail that you can do rubbings of," notes a camper.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening offer prime wildlife opportunities. "Deer wander in the morning," reports a visitor to Moraine Park Campground. At East Portal Campground, "Mule deer came through every evening right by our camper to eat grass. One morning 3 large Bull Elk and a young bull came through the valley and up through the campground."
Fishing: Several campgrounds provide stream access for fishing. "There is a small reservoir for fishing" near East Portal Campground, though visitors noted they "didn't try it." Middle St. Vrain Creek runs alongside many of the dispersed camping sites in Allenspark, providing easy fishing access.
Quiet camping options: For those seeking less crowded alternatives, Aspenglen Campground receives praise. "Due to the size, there aren't any big RVs. Lots of tent campers and small RVs like our teardrop- so quiet," writes one visitor. Another notes it's "less popular" than other park campgrounds.
Night sky viewing: The area offers excellent stargazing opportunities. At East Portal, campers reported: "The stars were stunning too. We saw shooting stars and even the northern lights (flashing kind not curtains)."
Camp proximity to shuttles: Glacier Basin Campground offers transportation convenience. "The free shuttle bus makes a stop near the check in station, and the Park & Ride is a short walk away," explains a camper. This eliminates the need to drive into crowded park areas during peak season.
Bear safety requirements: Bear boxes are mandatory for food storage. At Glacier Basin Campground, "4-6 sites had to share a bear box" while at Aspenglen "each site has a bear box." One camper at Hermits Hollow notes: "Each campsite had a bear box, picnic table, and fire ring."
Shower availability: Most national park campgrounds lack shower facilities. East Portal offers "individual shower rooms" while Mary's Lake Campground has showers that "are coin-operated... throwing eight quarters into a machine for six minutes (if that) of hot water."
High-clearance vehicle needs: For free dispersed camping areas, road conditions can be challenging. At Hell Canyon, "The gate sign recommends 4x4" and "the road up is a bit rough but I saw many SUVs make it." Another visitor advises, "Need 4wd. My 2wd van made it up a little but I couldn't get passed one of the big hills."
Playground access: For families needing recreational facilities, Estes Park KOA offers "tons of activities" including "pool, mini golf, jump pad, camp store and golf cart rentals." Another family noted, "The facility offered tons of activities for the kids and they wore themselves out daily."
Kid-friendly hiking: East Portal offers gentle trails suitable for children. "On our first hike we saw horse back riders from the YMCA and stunning views including a small waterfall. Wildflowers were scattered across the mountainside," reports a family with young children.
Wildlife education: Ranger programs enhance children's experiences. At Moraine Park Campground, "nightly talks/shows at the amphitheater" provide educational content about park wildlife and geology. One family with children appreciated that "they do not take reservations, so go early or during the week!"
Site selection for larger vehicles: Campgrounds vary in accommodation for RVs. At Glacier Basin, "there is a limit of 35 feet for RV/Trailer length" while Jellystone Park notes "some sites are a little challenging to get into with a big camper, but doable."
Leveling challenges: Many sites require equipment for leveling. At Mary's Lake Campground, "lower sites are a little crowded when filled up" and "no shade trees for RV full hookup sites." A visitor to Jellystone noted sites might require "some leveling" due to the mountain terrain.
Hookup availability: Only private campgrounds offer full hookups. At Allenspark dispersed camping, visitors must be completely self-contained: "Zero cell service not much of a view. Creek is loud and drowns out noise," making it suitable for campers seeking to disconnect. Mary's Lake offers complete services with "clean laundry room, clean outdoor pool, free outdoor large hot water sink areas to wash dishes."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any affordable or free camping options around Estes Park?
Allenspark Dispersed Camping offers free camping about 30 minutes from Estes Park, with creek-side spots available. The peaceful natural setting and sound of flowing water create an ideal experience, though be prepared for no cell service. Another option is Hell Canyon Dispersed, located just 10 minutes from Estes Park. While 4x4 is recommended for access, some vehicles without it have managed the drive. A benefit of this location is that nearby developed campgrounds offer shower access for around $8, providing a budget-friendly way to enjoy basic amenities while camping for free.
What amenities are available at Estes Park campgrounds?
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Estes Park offers comprehensive amenities in a secluded mountain setting minutes from town and park entrances. The campground features family-friendly facilities including playground areas and recreation options. For those seeking an RV-focused experience, Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort provides well-maintained restrooms with trash pickup service, a lodge featuring weekend entertainment, a spacious dog run, and organized activities. Many Estes Park area campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities from basic (toilets, water) to full-service facilities with electric hookups, WiFi (though often limited in mountain settings), showers, and trash service.
Can you camp near lakes in Estes Park?
Pawnee Campground offers fantastic lakeside camping adjacent to Brainard Lake. At nearly 11,000 feet elevation, this alpine setting provides access to incredible lake hikes and abundant wildlife including fish, birds, deer, and moose. For a different lake experience, Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park serves as a convenient base for exploring the Estes Park region. Though about an hour's drive from Estes Park along winding roads, the lakeside setting offers water recreation opportunities and camping with varying levels of shade depending on site selection. Both options provide the serene lake environments many campers seek.
What are the best campgrounds near Estes Park for tent camping?
East Portal Campground at Estes Park offers an excellent tent camping experience with proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park. The campground provides a more secluded feel while still being minutes from park entrances. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Granite Gulch Campground — Hermit Park Open Space provides dry camping with bear boxes for safety. The friendly staff provides information about local wildlife and hiking opportunities. Both locations offer the natural beauty and alpine environment tent campers seek, with easy access to Estes Park's amenities.
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