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.
