Best Campgrounds near Pinewood Springs, CO

The region surrounding Pinewood Springs, Colorado features diverse camping opportunities in the Rocky Mountain foothills. Located between Estes Park and Lyons, this area provides access to both developed campgrounds and dispersed camping. Rocky Mountain National Park campgrounds like Moraine Park and Glacier Basin lie approximately 20 miles northwest, offering established sites with amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Several dispersed camping areas including Hell Canyon Dispersed and Allenspark Dispersed Camping provide free, primitive options for those seeking a more rustic experience. Both tent and RV camping are accommodated throughout the region, with certain developed campgrounds also offering cabin rentals.

Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly by location and season in this mountainous terrain. Many campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park operate seasonally, with Glacier Basin open from late May through early September. Reservations are essential for developed campgrounds, particularly during summer months when sites frequently reach capacity. Dispersed camping areas like Hell Canyon require high-clearance vehicles in some sections, with primitive road access and no facilities. Winter conditions often limit access to higher elevation sites, while spring snowmelt can impact trails and roads. Cell service is unreliable in many camping areas, particularly in dispersed sites and remote sections of national forest land. A visitor noted that "dispersed camping near Allenspark has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down you will find many more unnumbered campsites."

Campers consistently praise the scenic mountain views and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the area. Several developed campgrounds provide easy access to hiking trails, with some sites positioned near lakes or streams. The proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park represents a major draw, allowing day trips for hiking and sightseeing while maintaining a base camp. Areas near Estes Park provide convenient access to town amenities while still offering natural settings. Dispersed camping locations typically provide more privacy and solitude compared to established campgrounds. A review highlighted that Allenspark Dispersed Camping earned high ratings, noting "This is one of my all-time favorite places to hike and camp in Colorado. You simply cannot find more scenic and free camping in Colorado." Mixed-use campgrounds accommodating both tents and RVs are common in the region, with most developed sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables.

Best Camping Sites Near Pinewood Springs, Colorado (378)

    1. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    91 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    14 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
    13 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
    11 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
    13 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. Hell Canyon Dispersed

    29 Reviews
    Pinewood Springs, CO
    6 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!"

    6. Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park

    25 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    8 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."

    7. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    28 Reviews
    Allenspark, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "We found a spot with several fire rings close to the water and just a short walk from parking along the road."

    "Take the road far enough and you’ll get past those with homes and find some decent BLM off road camping/overnight parking places. Road gets a bit more 4x4 like as you keep going"

    8. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    34 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    14 miles
    Website

    "You are pinned up against private property around the lake, the camp sites are in the dirt area when you get to the lake down to the left."

    "The location is great, there’s about 10 designated camp sites to choose from and great hiking trails nearby. The drive in is easy."

    9. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Estes Park

    19 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    6 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. Estes Park KOA

    25 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    10 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. "

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Recent Reviews near Pinewood Springs, CO

2480 Reviews of 378 Pinewood Springs Campgrounds


  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    ESTES PARK / ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK KOA HOLIDAY

    Great Views

    This is a really nice KOA. It doesn't seem like there are any bad sites, but there are a few premium sites that would totally be worth the extra money if you are here a few days and spending evenings at camp. Amazing views from a private deck. We were next to these, and still had great views and a nice fire pit and table area.

  • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    N Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping

    2x winner

    Have now camped here twice, in June & late September, both on Friday nights, and it has been perfect. Loads of well spaced spots, secluded, gorgeous views.

  • Brittanie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Nice Pull Off Dispersed Site

    Easy access

    Easy to access spot with plenty of parking. There is a slope around the area so will possibly need leveling blocks. Campfire ring and great views.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    Good overnight spot

    Stayed here overnight and car camped before going into Estes Park. There are some more private wooded spots on the way in, but these were full so we stayed in an open area further down the road where there was not much/any privacy from neighbors. Super windy in early August. Pretty good views. Moderately busy. Road in was not too bad.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Gold Lake Area Dispersed

    Great dispersed camping

    I stayed at a small spot maybe a mile further down the road from where these coordinates lead you to. There was a fire ring and it was right on the lake. My spot was just before the large spot with the uphill drive that overlooks the lake. Perfect balance of solitude and presence of distant neighbors. Road to get in is a little rough but not the worst and I even saw some sedans doing fine. Easy one hour drive into RMNP in the morning.

  • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    North Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping

    Gorgeous, spacious

    Surprising amount of availability for a Friday night after work, big well spaced sites, beautiful views, quiet, and private!

  • Tom D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Fort Collins Lakeside KOA

    Central to Fort Collins and the Northern Denver Area

    I had a medical emergency and had to stay in the area for a few days. After one night in the hospitals parking lot we found this KOA nearby. The camp ground staff were impressive in their help and understanding. They said they would make sure we had a site for our 45’ bus. Once in the site they continued to show care for how I was doing to the point of holding our site in case we needed to stay longer. I could not ask for better customer service. I give Mandi and Mark solid 10’s!

    Now the bad. Many sites, like ours lack grass or weeds to keep down the dirt and mud. Tree stumps are left protruding inches above the soil level leading to a tripping hazard on the way to the restrooms and shower house. We had exposed roots in our site. I cannot imagine that the owners would not see these hazards and want to remove them for safety. Our elderly dog tripped and fell on one such stump. Sites are fairly close together.

    For the price, I expect nice grassy areas not just at the sites but other larger expanses of areas around the park. I think the owner can do much better ascetically.

    We would stay again but only for the customer service.

  • Adam  B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Arapaho National Forest Stillwater Campground

    Nice location

    Location is very nice right on the lake with beautiful views level rv spots for the most part. Down side was the shower closet to us was closed and the other shower was a bit of a walk and the women’s shower was only luke warm. Cell service was good Verizon and ATT. Leave it better than you found it.

  • S
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Herman Gulch Trailhead

    Highway noise, but car camping friendly

    Lots of car noise from the highway but otherwise a good spot to park overnight and sleep in your car. Gravel/asphalt road, easy access, porta potties.


Guide to Pinewood Springs

Camping near Pinewood Springs, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly spot, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby, perfect for all skill levels. One camper mentioned, "The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters" at Glacier Basin Campground.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A reviewer at Timber Creek Campground shared, "Moose in campground, and elk calling at night," making it a great spot for animal lovers.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes and rivers, ideal for fishing. One visitor at Arapaho Bay Campground noted, "I day-camped for $5—multiple points to picnic with tables with loads of shade."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Moraine Park Campground states, "Just beautiful and in the park so don’t deal with timed entry."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A visitor at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake mentioned, "Common bathroom, shower, dish and clothes washing facilities centrally located, clean and well maintained."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment. One reviewer at East Portal Campground said, "Quiet, no generators heard as big rigs won’t fit!"

What you should know

  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Glacier Basin Campground is open from May 23 to September 11.
  • Crowded Conditions: Popular spots can get busy. A camper at Cottonwood Campground noted, "There are a lot of spots for RVs so you are a little bit packed."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain facilities. A visitor at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area mentioned, "The road is in very poor condition and there were at least 2 large piles of trash."

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. One reviewer at East Portal Campground highlighted, "Big playground and not crazy expensive."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Kids will love seeing animals. A camper at Timber Creek Campground shared, "We saw elk and mule deer in the campground on multiple occasions."
  • Clean Facilities: Choose campgrounds known for cleanliness. A visitor at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake said, "Friendly hosts, clean bathrooms with hot pay showers."

Tips from RVers

  • Space for Big Rigs: Some campgrounds are more accommodating for larger RVs. A reviewer at Glacier Basin Campground noted, "Sites are reasonably well separated."
  • Check for Hookups: Make sure to verify if the campground has electric hookups. A camper at Deer Creek Campground mentioned, "Great place to RV camp with a good amount of hookups."
  • Plan for Road Noise: Some campgrounds may have nearby road noise. A visitor at Timber Creek Campground said, "There’s a bit of road noise from Trail Ridge Road traffic but we didn’t think it was too bad."

Camping near Pinewood Springs, Colorado, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family-friendly fun. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Pinewood Springs, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pinewood Springs, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 378 campgrounds and RV parks near Pinewood Springs, CO and 121 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Pinewood Springs, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pinewood Springs, 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 Pinewood Springs, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 121 free dispersed camping spots near Pinewood Springs, CO.

What parks are near Pinewood Springs, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Pinewood Springs, CO that allow camping, notably Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland and Rocky Mountain National Park.