A
Aaron B.
Scout
ScoutSugarloaf Road Camp
Nice Spot, a bit crowded.
Lots of good spots along this road. Busy, but spread out well enough. Overall very nice, but wish it was easier to find runs or bike rides directly from camp.
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 (384)
1. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
93 ReviewsEstes Park, CO14 milesWebsite+1 (970) 586-1206$30 - $60 / 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 ReviewsEstes Park, CO13 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsEstes Park, CO11 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsEstes Park, CO13 milesWebsite+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
28 ReviewsEstes Park, CO8 milesWebsite+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."
"Hermits Hollow is a nice place to camp near Estes, offering a quiet retreat away from the crowds. We only stayed the night, arriving late and leaving early. "
6. Hell Canyon Dispersed
27 ReviewsPinewood Springs, CO6 milesWebsite+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!"
7. Allenspark Dispersed Camping
27 ReviewsAllenspark, CO11 milesWebsite+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
35 ReviewsWard, CO14 milesWebsite"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 ReviewsEstes Park, CO6 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsEstes Park, CO10 milesWebsite+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. "
Recent Camping Photos near Pinewood Springs, CO
871 Photos of 384 Pinewood Springs Campgrounds
Marcos D. R.
Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot
michael M.
LaVern M. Johnson Park
JUSTIN H.
Hell Canyon Dispersed
Adam G.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Estes Park
Joy M.
Pinewood Reservoir Campground
Lisa K.
Big Thomson Campground at Carter Lake
Lauren L.
South Shore Campground at Carter Lake
Ryan M.
Forest Road 119
Lisa
Bobcat Campground — Hermit Park
Jacob D.
Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park
Melissa V.
Eagle Campground at Carter Lake
Jessica H.
Flatiron Reservoir Campground
Recent Reviews near Pinewood Springs, CO
2542 Reviews of 384 Pinewood Springs Campgrounds
Kim G.
LegendElk Creek Campground & RV Park
Great campground next to RMNP
Beautiful rustic setting near the western entrance to RMNP. The town of Grand Lake is a mile away. We rode our bikes down there (it is uphill coming back). The people are super friendly and the bathrooms are clean. The laundry is available 24/7. We’d stay here again.
MrCopperhead1974
GuideComanche Peak View Campground
Remote at its best
Beautiful area rough roads long drive in
- HHouston P.Scout
Green Ridge Campground
Scenic Rockies
This is a great area with spacious tent sites. The Mountain View’s are spectacular. Multiple restrooms available for bathrooms only. Easy close access to the Colorado river and the lake.
- SScott S.Guide
Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park
Always a favorite
We had to get away after several tough days of moving. So easy to book and get a great easy pull through site. We come here many times for the simplicity
- Kim G.Legend
Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain
Beautiful resort with 360 views
We stopped here before heading further up the road to camp at an RV park in Grand Lake. This is a new resort, completed in 2019. Sun Outdoors has owned it the whole time, they just renamed it. Nobody is here on May 14. The facilities, although not all open, are first rate. Check-in was professional and efficient. We didn’t have a reservation. It is VERY windy here. I imagine that this is usually the case here.
Kathryn W.ScoutEvans RV Park
Evans RV Park, outside of Greeley, CO
Very clean, nice park! Very strict rules. Read their policies and rules carefully before you rent a space.
- GGwendalyn M.Scout
Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
Nice campsite, loud guests
We are staying at this campsite tonight, 5/12/26. The sites are very nice and large, but there are people partying all through the night. I can’t see them, but I can hear them through the woods.
Aza R.
TravelerSouth Shore Campground at Carter Lake
A wonderful getaway with the family
Carter lake is a staple visit in our family. We love kayaking on the lake, hiking the Sundance trail, and even enjoying a picnic at the day use areas every so often… so it seemed like a no brainer that this would be the location for our maiden voyage in our new (to us) Class C Motor Home.
The campsite was well maintained, the power box worked well, and our neighbors were friendly.
If you choose S16 you get an area to park your rig and a platform with a picnic table and a space for a tent. With the exception of 2 hike in spots behind you this feels like a very private spot with ideal access to a restroom.
If you choose S16 you are less secluded but get a better view in my opinion. Sure some of the view is of the lower loop but I had better sunrise over the lake views which felt like magic. This spot is in the middle of the loop and you have people next to you behind you and in front of you, recommended if you are a social camper.
Wherever you stay at Carter lake south shore campsite you won’t go wrong!
We will be back soon!
Guide to Pinewood Springs
Dispersed and established camping options surround Pinewood Springs, Colorado, nestled in proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park. The area provides access to multiple camping environments, from the free Hell Canyon dispersed sites to developed facilities like Moraine Park and Glacier Basin campgrounds within the national park. Campground categories include established sites with amenities, primitive dispersed areas on public land, and private camping operations such as Estes Park KOA and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. Most established campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, while some sites like Allenspark Dispersed Camping primarily serve tent campers seeking a more rustic experience.
Road conditions and access vary significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles or 4x4 capabilities. Sites in Hell Canyon and Allenspark areas follow forest service roads with limited signage and sometimes challenging terrain. Most developed campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through September, while dispersed sites may be accessible year-round depending on snow conditions and elevation. Fire restrictions frequently apply, particularly during summer months when wildfire danger increases. A visitor noted of the Hell Canyon area: "There were a few spots following up the trail. Beautiful area and pretty quiet overall. The weather was so nice we slept in hammocks all week."
Campgrounds with amenities such as flush toilets, showers, and electric hookups cluster near Estes Park, where they serve as convenient basecamps for Rocky Mountain National Park exploration. LaVern M. Johnson Park in Lyons provides family-friendly camping with playgrounds and water features, situated within walking distance of town services. Dispersed camping areas receive mixed reviews regarding privacy and site quality. One camper reported: "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." Cell service remains sporadic throughout the region, especially at primitive sites and in canyon areas. Wildlife encounters, including bears, occur regularly, necessitating proper food storage at all camping locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Pinewood Springs, CO?
What camping is available near Pinewood Springs, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Pinewood Springs, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 384 campgrounds and RV parks near Pinewood Springs, CO and 124 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Pinewood Springs, CO?
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 93 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pinewood Springs, CO?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pinewood Springs, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 124 free dispersed camping spots near Pinewood Springs, CO.
What parks are 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.
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