The Estes Park area offers tent camping options ranging from 7,500 to 9,700 feet in elevation, with Roosevelt National Forest and Rocky Mountain National Park surrounding Glen Haven, Colorado. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 65-80°F, dropping to 40-50°F at night. Seasonal road closures affect many dispersed camping areas, with some forest roads remaining closed until late spring due to snow conditions.
What to do
Hiking to Ypsilon Lake: Located near Upper Chipmunk Backcountry Campsite, this 4.2-mile trail provides access to stunning alpine lakes. "From the campsite, the hike to Ypsilon Lake isn't far and makes for a great additional day hike once you've set up camp," notes Isabelle K., who adds that "We also pushed on to the higher Spectacle Lakes, which is a very strenuous hike which requires some scrambling and route finding but 100% worth it."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at Backcountry Campground — Horsetooth Mountain Open Space offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "This backcountry site is a hidden gem just off of the commonly used Horsetooth Rock trail. Awesome panoramic views and plenty of wildlife," reports Isabelle K. The trails around the campground are particularly active with wildlife at dawn.
Kruger Rock Trail: A moderately challenging hike starting directly from Hermits Hollow Campground. "The Kruger Rock Trailhead is inside the campground, and 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," suggests Erin K., highlighting a unique activity for hikers of all ages.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park, campers appreciate the natural separation between camping spots. "It is quiet, it is roomy, it is beautiful. Truly one of my favorites," writes Chandler E. The campground design takes advantage of natural features to create more secluded tent camping experiences.
Local alternative to national park: Many campers prefer the less crowded camping around Glen Haven. "This campground is the ones that the locals go to when not in RMNP. It is in Estes but far enough away to not be inudated with tourists," explains Chandler E., highlighting why locals choose this location over more popular areas.
Creekside camping: The sound of flowing water creates a peaceful atmosphere at Allenspark Dispersed Camping. One camper noted, "Initially, the campgrounds were hard to find. Keep driving down Ski road until you find a fork in the road, and from there onwards are the campsites. Good whitenoise from the creek." This natural sound barrier helps mask noise from other campers.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: The mountain climate demands proper gear even in summer. "We came across this place and stayed for 1 night. There is bear boxes and some bathroom. Sites have fire rings," reports Jaqueline E. about early April camping at Hermits Hollow, where spring snow can still affect camping conditions.
Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require careful navigation. "A 2wd car can access quite a bit but if you want to go further up Ski road, definitely bring a 4x4 with high clearance," advises Jason H. at Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot. Road conditions worsen after rain or snow.
Bear safety requirements: Hard-sided bear canisters are mandatory in much of the area. "The bear box is for more than just food. If you have anything that smells good, the animals (not just bears) WILL try to get into your vehicle to steal it. Sprays, lotions, deodorants… etc.," explains Daisee Mae S., highlighting that scented items beyond food require proper storage.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner backpacking option: For families wanting to try backpacking, Horsetooth Mountain provides an accessible entry point. "This would be a perfect first backpacking trip for beginners! From the parking lot, it's only about a mile and a half. The site is off the main trail and is secluded enough so you don't see hikers or bikers," recommends Miranda K.
Prepare for temperature swings: Tent camping near Glen Haven requires adaptability to rapid temperature changes. "We stayed a couple of nights and decided to move on because the park ranger gave us a visit about 3-4 times a day. We wanted to be left alone not make friends," notes Daisee Mae S., who also mentioned seeing "a lot of animals" during their stay.
Established sites for easier family camping: Longs Peak Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park offers more predictable conditions for families. "Amazing hikes and plenty of wildlife. The spaces are small but accommodate an RV or a single tent. Bear boxes and toilets close to everything," explains Neal C., making this a practical choice for families with younger children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for trailers: Many dispersed camping areas have tight turns and elevation changes. "The road to this campground can be fairly rough in some spots," as one visitor noted. "We took our car and tent camped. We didn't take our camper as the switchbacks are very tight and the road is very steep," adds Daisee Mae S., warning RV users about access challenges.
Seasonal accessibility: RVers should check road status before traveling. "Forest roads are not paved but AWD isn't really necessary," Hannah F. explains about access to Hermits Hollow, though conditions vary seasonally. Many forest roads remain closed until late spring, with official opening dates varying annually based on snowmelt and maintenance schedules.
