Best Campgrounds near Glen Haven, CO

The foothills surrounding Glen Haven, Colorado feature diverse camping options within close proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park. Moraine Park and Glacier Basin campgrounds, both within the national park boundaries, provide established sites with basic amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Just outside the park, Estes Park offers several developed options including Mary's Lake Campground and Spruce Lake RV Park, which provide more extensive hookups for recreational vehicles. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Hell Canyon Dispersed camping area offers free sites with minimal facilities but greater solitude. Most campgrounds in this region sit between 7,500-9,000 feet elevation, offering pine forest settings with mountain views.

Reservations are essential during the peak season from late May through September, particularly for national park campgrounds which often fill months in advance. As one camper noted, "Make reservations early. Fills up fast because it is such a great place to camp." Many roads to dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain or snowmelt. Weather patterns in this region include afternoon thunderstorms during summer months and potential snow as early as September. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with better coverage near Estes Park and limited to no service in more remote locations. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, and bear-resistant food storage is required at most sites.

Mountain views and wildlife viewing opportunities rank among the most frequently mentioned highlights in camper reviews. Sites along the Big Thompson River are particularly sought after, with one visitor describing "a beautiful river flowing nearby" with "mountain views in every direction." Proximity to hiking trails represents another key advantage, allowing campers to access backcountry areas directly from their sites. While national park campgrounds offer the most direct access to popular trails, they typically lack showers and hookups. Private campgrounds near Estes Park provide more amenities but less privacy between sites. Campers consistently recommend arriving early for first-come, first-served sites, especially during summer weekends when all campgrounds in the region reach capacity by early afternoon.

Best Camping Sites Near Glen Haven, Colorado (346)

    1. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    91 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 - $70 / 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."

    "Very enjoyable spot, close access to trails and entrance and exit of the park."

    2. Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    60 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    11 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."

    "The spaces are large, but quite close to one another with few trees for privacy. Each site here is variable, with some open with no trees and others nestled in some mature trees."

    3. Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

    46 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 964-7806

    $45 - $70 / night

    "There’s access to a small playground for kids. The pool looked nice, the lake is right across the road. Overall a good campsite."

    "Since there was construction going on at the national park campgrounds and none were available, we found Mary’s Lake to be a great alternative to take our chances at camping in the park."

    4. East Portal Campground at Estes Park

    40 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 964-7806

    $45 - $80 / night

    "The bathrooms were clean, and close to almost every site. They had a very nice playground for the kids with a climbing wall."

    "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."

    5. Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park

    26 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 577-2090

    $35 / night

    "Best place to camp in Estes Park/Northern Colorado! Wooded sites mean privacy from your neighbors and shade during the day. Vault toilets are very clean, well kept."

    "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."

    6. Estes Park KOA

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

    "We didn't feel the "Oh, God... another tourist" vibes we got from basically everyone else in Colorado. On the contrary, they couldn't have been happier to see us and welcome us to their little city."

    "We have stayed here 3 or 4 times due to the close proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park.  The campground is extremely well managed, clean and well maintained. "

    7. Hell Canyon Dispersed

    30 Reviews
    Pinewood Springs, CO
    8 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!"

    8. Aspenglen Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    23 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 / night

    "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"

    "Loved the location inside Rocky. We were lucky to get two nights from cancellations and were happy even though we had 2 different sites so had to move."

    9. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Estes Park

    19 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-4230

    "Minutes away from NP entrances and Estes Park, yet totally secluded in the mountain wilderness. We got a site furthest away from the entrance / highway, up a steep road (Yogi’s “Hey Hey Highway”)."

    "We stayed in site 100 and the other sites were a bit close by. No trees between us and the site on either side, but we did face the hill so the view was nice."

    10. Spruce Lake RV Park

    20 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    8 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."

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Recent Reviews near Glen Haven, CO

2370 Reviews of 346 Glen Haven Campgrounds


  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Spruce Lake RV Park

    Nice location

    There are a few of these campgrounds in estes park. They are all about the same. All close to the park and to restaurants and shops in town. This one, spruce lake rv is a little better because it had a pond you can fish in. But its not amazing just a gravel lot with a pond in the middle. Has a playground for the kids. Verizon 5g signal is good. But you are packed in tight here and overpaying

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Hell Canyon Dispersed

    Good dispersed road

    Good spot for dispersed camping. Maybe 6 spots total going all the way up the road. 4x4 recommended. Fires allowed in established rings only, always check with Roosevelt National Forest website to see if fires are allowed during your stay as this varies by season.

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort

    Nothing special

    This place is right outside the national park. Thats about the main feature. Its a huge open gravel lot where if its busy, 100s of rv are packed in as tight as they can get them. Standard hookups and cabins available. Nice mountain views and full verizon 5g signal. But this is just a sardine can. The plus side is you will probally see or hear elk

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    St. Vrain State Park Campground

    Great Stop Through State Park

    We were surprised how nice this was. Great little walks around ponds with Mountain View’s in the background. Only stayed a night on way to Tetons, but definitely was a surprise of the trip being right off the high. Would definitely use this as a stop again.

  • Haley B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    Great place for one night, confusing if you show up at night!

    We ended up driving too far and just parking next to the lake for the night to camp. Lots of dirt trails near the lake, maybe not for camping but we showed up after driving 6 hours. The gps takes you past the 2 visible pulloffs that would be great for campers

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Comanche Peak View Campground

    Solitude

    Great spot near Red Feather Lakes and probably the only dispersed spot around that has AT&T service. Nobody else was here while I was camping and hardly anyone drove by, it’s pretty far out here. Good views at the end of the road of the meadow if you can make it up, other wise the lower spots have some cool rock formations to check out.

    Highly recommend for car camping instead of trailers or RVs, though it is do-able. I came up here with a small off-road trailer just fine, and my family made it up with a 25ft RV but did bottom out at the first turn into the campsite as it is really rutted (short tho). If you come in, come in through Red Feather Lakes on 74E, that way you only have 8 miles of dirt road. Otherwise if you come in from the north it’s like 20 miles + of dirt and gravel, not anything bad but it is washboard-y.

    Also go check out Elf Lane (Illy road) in Red Feather if you like weird stuff 🤓

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Bevercreek Dispersed Camping

    Quiet overnighter

    It's a nice dirt road up the hill to these three or four sites. The first site is about a quarter mile before the last three sites. It can be windy as all the sites are completely exposed. No facilities or access to water available. Relatively flat pads that are quite generous in size could fit two or three smallish campers per site. Big rigs could pull in here as well.

  • L
    Oct. 16, 2025

    LaVern M. Johnson Park

    Downtown Lyons

    Nice campground downtown Lyons and on the river. Full hookups. Tents sites right next to the river. Slow and not reliable wifi but 5G. Showers nearby closed and further showers you need to pay for. Very nice camp host. I will return.

  • Ken B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park

    Nice campground

    The sites are spacious and far enough apart. Not much for views but the place was clean and the staff very welcoming. Close to the park and t-shirt shopping in Estes Park.


Guide to Glen Haven

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Glen Haven Campground?

Campgrounds in the Glen Haven area offer varying amenities. Roosevelt National Forest Camp Dick Campground provides well-maintained fire pits, riverside locations, and hiking trailheads accessible directly from camp. Primitive camping is also available with fewer amenities at State Forest State Park, which compensates with excellent hiking trails and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Most developed campgrounds in the region offer basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, while some provide access to water sources. For full-service camping with more amenities, look to established campgrounds closer to Estes Park.

Can I bring an RV to Glen Haven camping areas?

Yes, several camping options near Glen Haven accommodate RVs. Winding River Resort is RV-friendly with direct access to the Colorado River and family activities. Timber Creek Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park also welcomes RVs and is located adjacent to the Colorado River with running water facilities. When planning an RV trip to Glen Haven, check specific campground restrictions for length limitations, hookup availability, and reservation requirements. Many campgrounds in the area require reservations well in advance, especially during peak summer months.

What camping is available near Glen Haven, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Glen Haven, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 346 campgrounds and RV parks near Glen Haven, CO and 114 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Glen Haven, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Glen Haven, CO is Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 91 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Glen Haven, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 114 free dispersed camping spots near Glen Haven, CO.

What parks are near Glen Haven, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Glen Haven, CO that allow camping, notably Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG and Rocky Mountain National Park.