Looking for the best Estes Park tent camping? Find the best information on tent camping near Estes Park, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Five miles north of Nederland, National Forest System Road (NFSR) 226, commonly known as Gordon Gulch, turns east off of Colorado Highway 72. NFSR 226 intersects other forest roads: NFSR 314, 228, 233 and their off-shoots. There are 15 numbered, designated campsites scattered along the road system within 1.5 miles east of Highway 72. Camping is permitted in designated sites only. Take care when driving in this area. Snow and mud can persist through most of the year. The free Boulder Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map displays National Forest System (NFS) routes open to motorized travel and is available online and at the Boulder Ranger District offfice.
Streams; treat water for drinking.
With a few exceptions, dispersed camping is allowed on National Forest System lands. Restrictions protect resources, minimize road damage, and reduce conflicts between landowners and visitors. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in one location. After 14 days, the campsite must be moved a minimum of three miles. Camping can then continue for another 14 days. Camping is restricted to 28 days in any 60-day period. Some areas may require the use of designated campsites, and some areas, such as Indian Peaks Wilderness, require camping permits. More than 40% of lands within Boulder Ranger District's boundaries are private property. It is your responsibility to know if you are on private or public land.
Longs Peak Campground is closed for the 2024 season. This campground opens in early July and closes each year in early September. Located about 20 minutes south of Estes Park on Hwy 7. This small, tents-only campground is located in a forested area that is 9,500 feet above sea level (3000 m). This campground has vault toilets and there is no water available. Campers must bring their own drinking water when camping at Longs Peak Campground.
Free camping (dispersed) is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas - such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites - and in some of our most visited places. Be sure to check for regulations in advance and look for signs in the area to indicate if camping is allowed.
Some areas allow camping in designated sites only.
Know Before You Go
Check the weather and road closures before heading up. Follow Leave No Trace principles. There are no facilities or trash receptacles. Pack out what you pack in. Make sure camping is allowed. Many lands within the national forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. Check that you’re on National Forest lands: maps. Don't stay too long. Camping is limited to 14 days.within any continuous 30-day period. at any location within the same 20-mile radius. see Order Plan on building a campfire? Campfire restrictions can occur any time of year. Check for fire restrictions and if you build a campfire, know how to extinguish it.
NOTE: Campers who build any fires face fines up to $5,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment for open fire violations.
Leave No Trace must be observed, as in any outdoor space.
In any season this area is prone to very strong dry winds that can pick up a hot coal from a campfire that has lain dormant for as much as three days and ignite dry vegetation, causing horrific devastation. People from outside Colorado may not understand how tinder dry this area can be. 197 homes in this area have been destroyed by wildfires. All of these fires were started by humans.
Local residents overlook this area and if they see visible flame or smoke they will call the Boulder County sheriff. Any campers who require a campfire are recommended to disperse camp near Sugarloaf Mountain where fires are permitted.
Camping is allowed at numbered designated campsites. No fee is charged. Practice Leave No Trace Principles.
Camping is limited to 14 days in one location. After 14 days, your camp must be moved at least three miles away.
Maximum stay is 28 days within a 60-day period. After 28 days, all property and people must leave the Roosevelt National Forest.
The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is the most popular destination on the Boulder Ranger District. Because of the area's high elevation, the best time to visit is after the snow melts in July and August. For road status, check the Road Status Table. PLEASE NOTE: Visitors that hike trails leading west from the Long Lake or Mitchell Lake Trailheads are responsible for following all Indian Peaks Wilderness permit requirements and regulations including group size, camping and campfire restrictions. Late June through mid-October (summer operating season): Summer Season Map Motor vehicle access is available 24 hours a day To protect muddy and snowpacked trails, the Long Lake and Mitchell Lake Trailhead parking areas do not open typically until late June A fee applies. A self-service fee station is located beyond the entry booth Expect 1-2 hour traffic delays on weekends (there is no bypass route for campers with reservations) Camping is allowed at Pawnee Campground (open July through early September). Check summer trail conditions before your visit See "Restrictions" below for additional regulations Mid-October through late June (winter season): Winter Season Map The gate is closed and the area free of charge for winter recreationists Park at the Brainard Gateway Trailhead Between November 15 and April 30, dogs are only allowed on the Brainard Lake and Lefthand Park Reservoir Roads Check winter trail conditions before your visit See "Restrictions" below for additional regulations Recreational shooting closures exist year round in this area. Hunting is allowed in accordance with regulations set by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Moose are present in the area. Be considerate of all wildlife. Approaching closely can be threatening to the wildlife and their reactions are dangerously unpredictable.
Dispersed camping is prohibited within ¼ mile of either side of South St. Vrain Creek beginning at the Ceran St. Vrain trailhead and ending ¼ mile from the intersection of South St. Vrain Creek and National Forest System Road 252.1. MAP: https://trails.colorado.gov/trailheads/ceran-2341
The easy Ceran Saint Vrain Trail follows the South Saint Vrain Creek downstream for 1.9 miles. The trail ends at National Forest System Road 252, a rough four-wheel drive road. This road climbs 0.5 miles northwest to a four-way intersection from which it is a steep half-mile to the left up to Miller Rock. Miller Rock is a scenic high-point that offers 360-degree views.
Motorized vehicles prohibited. Dispersed camping is allowed at sites that are least 200 feet away from the trailhead, trail and creek. Campfires are permissible unless seasonal restrictions are in effect (contact district office). Fishing and hunting are allowed in accordance with regulations established by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
$1 / night
Free camping (dispersed) is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas - such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites - and in some of our most visited places. Be sure to check for regulations in advance and look for signs in the area to indicate if camping is allowed.
Some areas allow camping in designated sites only.
Know Before You Go
Check the weather and road closures before heading up. Follow Leave No Trace principles. There are no facilities or trash receptacles. Pack out what you pack in. Make sure camping is allowed. Many lands within the national forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. Check that you’re on National Forest lands: maps. Don't stay too long. Camping is limited to 14 days.within any continuous 30-day period. at any location within the same 20-mile radius. see Order Plan on building a campfire? Campfire restrictions can occur any time of year. Check for fire restrictions and if you build a campfire, know how to extinguish it.
Guide
This campground has a great view and is conveniently located to town. Tent camp sites are not fantastic or maintained very well.
Guide
We had the spot that was right on the creak. The sound of it made you fall right asleep! It was so so pretty! Only 30 minutes away from Estes Park. The only downside to it was that there was absolutely no service whatever.
Traveler
Its in a beautiful spot, tree covered, and a river runs through it. About 10 mins outside of Loveland and 40 mins from Estes park. Downside: free WiFi is worse than dialup, and was told it wasn’t worth paying for the premium cuz it wasn’t much better.
RangerThis is real close to RMNP and yet around the corner from Estes park. It is a bit dusty like a lot of Co. But RR's are well maintained and clean. Try even do trash pick up. The lodge had a band on weekend and there is a big dog run and activities.
GuideThe campground is located along a river with walking paths. There are some shade trees but some of the sites are very sunny without any shade. Sites are very close together and a bit noisy. We did not have any shade at any time of the day making our site very hot. There are lots of amenities and music on the weekends during the summer. The location is not too far from Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park.
Guide
Boyd Lake State Park provided an opportunity to explore Rocky Mountain National Park over a week’s stay. It is about an hours drive from Estes Park on very winding roads. There are some parts of the park that have more trees than our site had. Bathroom was clean although the power outlets didn’t work. Did not use lake. The adjoining town of Loveland has everything you could ever ask for as far as food and shopping.
Traveler
Glen Echo is an exceptional one-stop Poudre Canyon camping experience. While they do offer large and small cabins, long and short term RV spots, we tent camped for two nights on two different riverside sites - numbers 1 and 6 - and both were awesome! Both spots offered amazing rushing water views, a nice mixture of sun and shade, picnic tables, and fire rings. One of the spots - site 1 - had electric hook-up. Aside from the great tent sites, they have on-site a general store/market, fuel, a liquor store and restaurant/cafe, which made life super convenient because it's located about mid-way through Poudre Canyon and there's not a lot out there. Also, clean showers, which was a nice surprise. Cannot recommend this chill camping destination enough!
Traveler
This Rocky Mountain National Park campground is fantastic. I tent camped with my husband for 3 nights in Loop B. We saw tents and all sizes of campers many with families. Our tent site included a nice tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, and a shared bear box. The fire ban had been lifted and we could buy fire wood each evening-and ice cream! Clean bathrooms with flush toilets. This campground is very close to a number of trails. We hiked the Sprague Lake Trail. It’s 2 miles round trip and pretty easy. Breathtaking views. If you don’t hike, you can drive all the way to the Trail Ridge gift shop and cafe at the top. This park fills up quickly-amost 3 million visitors a year-so plan to get started early. We love RMNP. We will be back this fall!
Guide
Campsites are very close together - you should have seen this place over Fourth of July Weekend! It was packed. It's a bit close to the road for my liking as well. You can tent camp or go in an RV. Location is good - near Estes Park and not far from RMNP.
Legend
This was my first time staying at a KOA campground and I was blown away by the amenities offered here. Upon first pulling up to the campground, I was met by a security checkpoint and was directed to the main office to register and obtain a car pass. The attention to detail and security measures were another surprise to me, as I have always been more accustomed to primitive campgrounds. As previously mentioned, I was astounded by the variety of amenities offered to guests including wifi, a pool, mini golf, a massive playground, arcade, volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoe pits and more. This all in addition to the usual premium campground amenities such as showers, laundry facilities, RV dump station, camp sinks, an office store with basic goods and snacks, etc.
This campground is super family friendly and seems to be much more focused on offering RV sites and cabin type lodging. As I am a tent camper, my review will be focused on what is offered for those at a tent site. There are 5 tent sites, which are only available from May 1stto September 30th. The sites are rather close together but in a lovely location right along the lake. The sites cost $45/night on week days and $50/night on weekends for one or two people with a single vehicle, additional guests cost $10/night, additional car $5/night and fire ring rentals are $5/night. Tent sites include a parking spot, a raised and level tent platform, picnic table and grill. Open fires, hammocks and clotheslines are not allowed even at the tent sites.
Overall, this campground provides a very family oriented environment with luxurious amenities. This campground would be a great option for those wanting a camping experience without having to “rough it” whatsoever. The RV sites and cabin lodging also provide unique options for those not wanting to sleep in a tent. The price for tent camping seemed a bit steep for me, but made sense considering all of the facilities offered. The location just outside of Fort Collins provides easy access to town while still allowing for a more rural experience.
Traveler
You must first stop at the base to check in this is where very friedly people checked us in explained the bear behavior and bear safty. The site have bear boxes. We then paid the 9 dollar a day use fee . When we reserved we had already paid 43 dollars a day for dry camp. This is my only reason for 4 stars instead of 5. There is a short drive over a tall hill to a valkey with 3 camp grounds. Hermits hollow, Bob cat and kruger equestrian . Hermits hollow is better for small rigs and tents. Some sites are not level but all are nice. Bob cat is better for your midsize rigs and seems a bit more managable. Kruger equestrian is for hourse trailers. There is a great hike up to the top of kruger rock thats not to hard. Your not far from Estes Park a tourist town that has shops food and fishing.
LegendWhen visiting Estes Park if you are wanting to be close to all the action the KOA of Estes Park is the place to be. Offering a midsized tent section, a large close together RV section and several cabins to provide the perfect retreat for those visiting the location is within walking distance of the lake and within a short drive of some of the best attractions of the area including the Stanley Hotel, hiking at Lily Lake or Long’s Peak and the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.
I found this campground to be well organized, although it was less remote and did not feel like as much of a mountain retreat as many of the outlying camps of the area. The tent area seemed a bit less bustling than the RV section as there was a bit of green space versus the sandy and clay landscape of the RV and cabin area.
Something that really drew me into this campground was the deck spaces which offered elevated viewing of the surrounding. It was a really interesting component which allows you to see a much larger range than the camp itself and created a unique setting for enjoying the mountain breeze on a hot day or gave a nice view of the stars at night.
This location epitomizes the idea of KOA campgrounds offering elevated services such as WIFI, Cable TV connections and a dog park. In addition there is a store which offers a variety of items including propane and firewood.
Since I am a tent camper I really wanted to explore more of the tent area than other areas of the park. I noticed they had both water and electric sites and electric only sites. Each of these accommodate up to 6 people, although I would say that would make me feel a bit to crowded. The tent camps also allow small vans or pop ups in this area.
But here is the BIG KICKER…. The Price!!
Staying in Estes Park and being so close to everything comes at a HUGE price point. To have all the amazing amenities you will pay $53 or $58 for a tent site. To me this is WAY above budget and while it is a prime location the price point is not within reason for me personally. You can stay inside Rocky Mountain National Park at a price point that is half that of this park. You are paying here to be in the community for sure and have the access to the local shops and restaurants.
One special feature that comes along with staying in the area but is not included in the price is one of the best features, the wildlife! It is known that the most likely reason for a traffic jam in Estes Park comes from the elk and Moose in the area randomly hanging out in public spaces. It is not uncommon for them to roam into camp and make their presence known grazing around on any green space they can find. A stay here is a chance with an encounter of something which cannot be purchased in a price point.
Guide
Sites are a bit close together but provide a decent space. Full hookups and tent camping available. Sites are level on gravel and there is a fire ring and picnic table on concrete slab. 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!
Legend
Pawnee is a scenic campground located north of Nederland and south of Estes Park. It’s much closer to Denver than many of the other places I’ve been camping. Reservations are required. Almost half of the campsites are not very good though because so many dead trees were removed that there’s no shade or privacy at those campsites. I got a glimpse of the walk-in tent sites and they look ok. The best campsites with some shade and privacy are 13, 14, 32, 35, 37 and 39.
Scout
I stayed here in 2016 on a bicycle tour across America. It featured some fantastic views of the nearby lake and mountains and had very clean facilities. Only problem, from a camping in a tent perspective, is due to its location if a storm rolls in the wind can really hit from every angle. Otherwise the price is very reasonable.
Guide
Very open campground, we camped in a tent but probably better for an rv
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.
Legend
When traveling in this area and looking to explore Rocky Mountain National Park or the surrounding areas finding camping ahead of time is very important. During summer months campground fill quickly and overflow camps like this become your backup plan which sometimes can be difficult to squeeze into last minute.
From May until September this campground opens its doors to the masses for only$12 per night. Clearly a lot less expensive than some of the campgrounds offered in the area, this camp is quite appealing for those who wish to find inexpensive camping and can enjoy their time in nature without all the frills of an improved campground. This campground is first come first serve which is very important to know if you are wanting to stay in the area and will be arriving later in the day or near a weekend.
When I visited the season had just opened, literally the day of and there was no one on a weekday at the campground early in the day. I took a stroll around the campground and noticed there is an honor box for paying camp fees and that rangers were in the area driving through the various properties placing kiosk signage up and checking sites.
This campground offers no running water for those camping here. There are toilets but they are primitive and non-flushing. The sites looked comfortable and like they would be great for camping in a tent or mid-sized RV however they could become a little cramped if visiting in larger units.
The floor of the campground is blanketed with pine needles which give a fragrant welcome.
Each campsite has a picnic table and bear box on the site in addition to a fire ring with a small grill on top. You are encouraged to bring your own fire wood and not collect the fallen and absolutely cannot cut firewood in this area.
Just across from the campground is a pull off and picnic area for Roosevelt National Park which does not offer camping but does have additional areas for hiking and enjoying the nature of the area. There is also another restroom in this area.
One of the things I found to be very helpful about this campground for controlling traffic and also for accommodating groups was the placement of a few larger sites with additional parking toward the front of the campground. I noticed when I pulled in that in the front portion of the loop there were wider areas which made navigating a bit easier for RVs and also near the dumpsters in this area there seemed to be additional parking. Again during the first part of the season with no traffic passing through this might have been deceiving but it looked to be a great option.
TIPS:
Scout
Olive ridge is a 15 - 25 minute drive from RMNP entrances, and close to Estes Park. Sites on the South end of the campground offer less privacy than sites towards the North. Bear lockers are available at every campsite. Most sites have space for one car, some have space for two. The vault toilets nearest the tent campsites experience high traffic and smelled pretty bad but were stocked with toilet paper. I'd recommend that you walk a bit to find a vault toilet closer to the RV sites since they get used infrequently and were generally cleaner. Hosts are active and offer firewood and matches for sale. Most campsites are partly/fully shaded. Some sites can fit two tents but not together on the tent pad unless they are small.
GuideBest of National Park camping ! This was a great weekend. We camped in our 26' Travel Trailer
Pros: Stunning Views, Clean Campground, Bear Boxes available at almost all tent sites. Small stream to fish at the entrance to campground. Great trails to hike close to campground. Shuttle stop at Campground to get around the park.
Cons: No electric Hooks Ups, No Shade, Close to Neighbors, Dump Station in awkward place. Site said it would fit our camper...it did but it was tight getting in and out due to big boulders along site.
Lots to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. I suggest a picnic lunch at Tuxedo Picnic Area along the stream. Afternoon trip down to Estes Park is always fun. Can't wait to go here again!
Scout
I didn’t get to my tent site until almost 9pm so I really haven’t seen the place during the daytime. However, when driving around looking for the 3 tent sites I noticed how no one was out and with the truck headlights it seemed to look very nice.
ScoutNote there's a 3 day limit on tent camping.
TravelerWe had a great stay at a tent site here. Our site was number 8, had a tree, and was by the bathrooms. The bathrooms were clean, and had a nice shower as well. Everyone was friendly, the staff and the other people staying there. Lots of RVs, but only three of the regular tent sites were taken and we had the most amazing view!
Guide
We needed a stop on the way out of Colorado and grabbed a quick night here in a tent site. Water was off for weather but stoves made much needed coffee in the cold.
GuideThe campground was clean and well maintained. We lucked out and got the best tent site - it was huge. The other sites were a little small but nice. Only drawback was that the tent sites were close to the road so you get some road noise. The staff was awesome and when we had to check out a day early, the cheerfully refunded our money. We definitely will stay there again.
GuideI checked in. The wind was blowing. Too cold for tent camping. Will be back. 🎃
Scout
Great tent camping nice space. Beautiful area! The camp host was very nice made us feel welcome.
Estes Park, Colorado, offers a stunning backdrop for tent camping enthusiasts, with a variety of options that cater to different preferences and experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Estes Park, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Estes Park, CO is Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area with a 3.6-star rating from 49 reviews.
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