Camping sites near Glen Haven, Colorado range in elevation from 7,400 to 9,500 feet, situated in the transition zone between montane and subalpine ecosystems. The area experiences warm, dry days from June through August with temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F daytime and dropping to 40-50°F at night. Most campsites in this region require hard-sided food storage containers due to black bear activity throughout the summer and fall months.
What to do
Fly fishing access points: The Big Thompson River near East Portal Campground provides several access points for fly fishing. "We passed so many parking lot campgrounds and were so happy we chose here. We had trees! Our space was large enough to accommodate our 20 ft travel trailer with our truck next to it, still leaving plenty of room for the picnic table and a chair circle around the fire," notes one camper who enjoyed fishing nearby.
Scenic driving routes: Camping near Rocky Mountain National Park means easy access to Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States. From Glacier Basin Campground, you're just minutes from this iconic alpine drive. "Great location for the popular attractions in RMNP, also convenient that the shuttle stopped at the campground, and was located across the street," shares one visitor.
Wildlife observation points: Sheep Lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park offers reliable wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for bighorn sheep in early mornings. One camper at Aspenglen Campground noted, "This is closest to Sheep Lakes you can camp if you're hoping to see sheep. You will definitely see elk everywhere."
What campers like
Morning wildlife encounters: Dawn wildlife sightings are common at Moraine Park Campground, particularly in early summer and fall. "Deer wander in the morning," notes one reviewer, while another mentioned, "We got to see some beautiful Elk very close by, which was definitely a highlight."
Proximity to shuttles: Several campgrounds provide shuttle access, reducing the need to drive into crowded park areas. "The free shuttle bus makes a stop near the check in station, and the Park & Ride is a short walk away. The location is very convenient to the most popular hikes in RMNP," explains a camper about their experience.
Balance of convenience and seclusion: Hermits Hollow Campground offers a middle ground between developed and primitive camping. "Best camping near RMNP. 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," shares one visitor.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Signal strength varies dramatically across camping areas near Glen Haven. At Hell Canyon Dispersed camping area, "There were a few spots following up the trail! Beautiful area and pretty quiet overall! No bears/wildlife to be scared of! The weather was so nice we slept in hammocks all week!"
Reservation windows: For most National Park campgrounds, reservations open six months in advance and fill quickly, especially for summer weekends and holiday periods. One Glacier Basin camper advised, "Due to the size, there aren't any big RVs. Lots of tent campers and small RVs like our teardrop- so quiet."
Weather preparation: Summer afternoon thunderstorms are common between 1-4 PM, making morning activities safer. A camper at Moraine Park noted, "Still some snow on the ground in late May," highlighting the need to prepare for variable conditions even in summer months.
Vehicle requirements: For dispersed camping areas, appropriate vehicles are essential. A Hell Canyon visitor explained, "Road up is a bit rough but I saw many SUVs make it, the gate sign recommends 4x4. Great views and only got busy on the 4th of July."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Estes Park KOA offers numerous activities for children. "We spent 2 nights Tent Camping in June for Father's Day Weekend. The showerhouse was cleaned twice daily and the shower stalls were VERY roomy. The facility offered tons of activities for the kids and they wore themselves out daily to the point of falling asleep while eating dinner," reports one family.
Wildlife education: Rangers at many campgrounds offer educational programs specifically designed for children. "We really enjoyed this campground. Great place to take the family, as it's in the middle of RMNP. They do not take reservations, so go early or during the week! It fills up!" shares a parent who camped at Moraine Park.
Altitude acclimation: Children may need extra time to adjust to the elevation. Plan less strenuous activities for the first 24-48 hours of your stay. "This is a larger campground right in Estes Park! Spacious sites, stocked pond, pet friendly, and great staff!" notes a visitor to Spruce Lake Campground.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Most campgrounds in the area have length limitations for RVs. Mary's Lake Campground accommodates larger units, but even there visitors note, "Some sites have little to no shade so really hot during daytime. Site #135 is nice with good shade."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds provide dump stations. A visitor to Spruce Lake commented, "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. You are completely surrounded by the mountains and the views are amazing."
Power options: Generator hours are strictly limited in National Park campgrounds, while private campgrounds typically offer electric hookups. "Convenient for early morning sunrise hiking," notes an RVer about Aspenglen, emphasizing the advantage of staying charged up for early departures.
