Best Campgrounds near Estes Park, CO

Estes Park, Colorado camping options range from developed sites to more basic grounds for all types of campers. Moraine Park Campground sits inside Rocky Mountain National Park with good mountain views and basic comforts like flush toilets and drinking water that work well for families. Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake is close to town (just a mile from downtown) and has spots for tents and RVs with electrical hookups. Timber Creek Campground near the Great Sand Dunes is more basic with fewer facilities for campers who want a simpler setup. Most campgrounds connect to paved roads that are easy to drive, though some spots might need vehicles with higher clearance, especially in bad weather. You'll see lots of wildlife around Estes Park, so you need to store food properly to keep bears and other animals away from your campsite. Following Leave No Trace practices helps keep these camping areas in good shape for everyone. The Estes Park area has camping that works for both active outdoor trips and quieter getaways in nature.

Best Camping Sites Near Estes Park, Colorado (345)

    1. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    89 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $30 - $60 / night

    "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."

    2. Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    56 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 - $70 / night

    "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."

    3. Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

    44 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (970) 577-1026

    $20 - $55 / night

    "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."

    "Must be bear aware and there will be dear and possibly elk walking across the campground. Breathtaking views and sunrises. Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park all there!"

    4. East Portal Campground at Estes Park

    40 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-4188

    $35 - $50 / night

    "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."

    5. Estes Park KOA

    25 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-2888

    "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."

    6. Aspenglen Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    22 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 / night

    "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"

    "I got a walk-in site, and, besides not having trees perfectly situated for my hammock, I had no complaints - secluded, quiet, well-maintained, beautiful scenery, plenty of bear lockers, easy park access"

    7. Hermit Park Open Space

    18 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 679-4570

    $30 - $120 / night

    "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."

    "This campground has all the privacy you would expect yet provides easy access to Estes Park and the Rocky Mountian National Forest. The Laramie County Staff that were on site were kind and helpful."

    8. Spruce Lake RV Park

    18 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-2889

    "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."

    9. Hell Canyon Dispersed

    20 Reviews
    Pinewood Springs, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "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!"

    10. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Estes Park

    16 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-4230

    "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"

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Showing results 1-10 of 345 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Estes Park, CO

2213 Reviews of 345 Estes Park Campgrounds



Guide to Estes Park

Camping near Estes Park, Colorado, offers a fantastic mix of stunning views, outdoor activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent or rolling in with an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Explore Rocky Mountain National Park: This park is a must-see for its breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. One camper mentioned, "It’s a place I’ve camped so many times. Just beautiful and in the park so don’t deal with timed entry," highlighting the convenience of staying at Moraine Park Campground.
  • Hiking Trails: There are numerous trails for all skill levels. A visitor at Glacier Basin Campground noted, "The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for moose and elk. One happy camper at Timber Creek Campground shared, "Wonderful place. Moose in campground, and elk calling at night."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views. A review from Cottonwood Campground said, "The beaches off of the campground are nice with shaded outdoor tables and small food vendors."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A visitor at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake remarked, "Common bathroom, shower, dish and clothes washing facilities centrally located, clean and well maintained."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peacefulness. One reviewer at East Portal Campground noted, "Quiet, no generators heard as big rigs won’t fit!"

What you should know:

  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Glacier Basin Campground operates from May 23 to September 11.
  • Crowded Conditions: Popular spots can get busy. A camper at Moraine Park Campground mentioned, "It's a bit overcrowded. Lots of beetle damage."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area warned, "The road is in very poor condition and there were at least 2 large piles of trash."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A reviewer at East Portal Campground said, "Big playground and not crazy expensive."
  • Plan for Wildlife Encounters: Teach kids about local wildlife. One camper at Timber Creek Campground shared, "We saw elk and mule deer in the campground on multiple occasions."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and layers. A visitor at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake noted, "It gets windy in the afternoon so might want to skip the awning/canopy."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Size Restrictions: Some campgrounds have size limits. A reviewer at Timber Creek Campground mentioned, "RV allowed up to 30 feet."
  • Look for Hookups: If you need electricity, choose campgrounds that offer it. A camper at Deer Creek Campground appreciated, "Great place to RV camp with a good amount of hookups and showers/bathrooms on site."
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: Some sites are near busy roads. A visitor at Timber Creek Campground noted, "There’s a bit of road noise from Trail Ridge Road traffic but we didn't think it was too bad."

Camping near Estes Park, Colorado, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but being prepared can make all the difference. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort, there's a spot for you in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Estes Park, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Estes Park, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 345 campgrounds and RV parks near Estes Park, CO and 108 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Estes Park, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Estes Park, CO is Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 89 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Estes Park, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 108 free dispersed camping spots near Estes Park, CO.

What parks are near Estes Park, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Estes Park, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.