7 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Rocky Mountain National Park's timed entry system during peak season means where you sleep matters more than it might elsewhere. Glamping properties outside the park boundary still put you within a reasonable drive of the main entrances, and a few sit close enough to the Estes Park corridor to make early morning trail starts realistic. Estes Park glamping options cover properties on the east side of the park, useful when Estes Park is the intended base.
On the west side, Grand Lake-area glamping properties sit right at the park's western entrance with different trail access than the Estes Park side. Elevation above 8,000 feet at most properties means nights get cold even in July. Bring warm layers regardless of the daytime forecast.
Reservations at popular properties close to the park entrances fill 2-3 months out for summer dates. Rocky Mountain National Park's dispersed sites are worth checking if you want a no-fee option in the national forest land surrounding the park.
"Wonderful view of the surrounding mountains, quiet, clean, staff was friendly. They had wood and ice for sale."
"I have a 22’ travel trailer I pull behind an F150. Since this campground is inside Rocky Mountain National Park, the roads are all paved."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 - $70 / night
"With no traffic, it’s only about 6 minutes from the park entrance. There certainly is a lot to do here and I appreciate the bear boxes at each site. Very well maintained."
"Trash. Great bathhouse with showers and toilets and sinks and countertops. A dishes sink in the back was a plus, too."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 - $70 / night
"We used it as our base to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. It was the perfect location for us. We visited the nearby town and went into the park several times. "
"Great central campsite to explore the surrounding areas Signal: 1-2 Bars LTE Verizon
Water: potable and cold, located in front of bathrooms, looked like you could thread a hose on just not super securely"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $29 - $88 / night
"Good campground not to far from Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s about 9 miles off the main road so it’s a good drive back in there but nice area right by the lake and some streams."
"Arapaho Bay Campground is on Lake Granby in the Arapaho National Forest to the south east of Rocky Mountain National Park's Grand Lake entrance."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $29 - $58 / night
"A lovely wooded campground literally on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park - we even saw moose from the back window of our RV! "
"If you love real bathrooms and showers, this is your place! There’s a wonderful petting zoo area, playground, basketball courts and much more."
from $40 - $60 / night
"The Stillwater Campground is right on Lake Granby, with great views of Rocky Mountain National Park and true Indian Peaks Wilderness."
"Campground sits by itself on a small peninsula in Lake Granby, CO. Has many drive up spots with gravel tent pads. Sites are not right on top of each other so you will have some space."
from $32 - $60 / night
"Plenty of trees for privacy especially if you're on the lake side. Typical NFS vault toilets but clean. Dumpsters for trash."
"Great access to Lake Granby with private access at the campground. Most sites are shaded and are very private. Campground is small and fills up fast during the season."
"Staff and Rangers are very friendly and helpful, very knowledgeable about the area. Other reviews mention only 3.2 alcohol, but that rule has changed!"
"Just pit toilets but they were clean and close by."
from $35 / night
"Convenient access to the park, quiet hours were well respected, and the tent site we stayed at (listed on the website as “best view in the campground”) did have an incredible view."
"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. "
"The rv park is close to town. It would be great if the rv park was on a shuttle stop. There is wide space between campers. The bathroom near my site was immaculate."
"Right behind our row of RVs(Row A, on the edge of the park) was the road into Rocky Mountain National Park. We were a 5 minute drive from our lot to the Beaver Meadows gate into the park."
from $40 - $81 / night
TravelerFrom a Sprinters point of view.
Sites are $45.00 a day plus parking
Sites were sloped, we took the flattest one we could find and it took 6” to block our van level.
Pit toilets were very clean.
Sites had trees and boulders, spaced roughly 50’ apart, but there visible traffic on the main road below.
It was a nice campground but we liked the Bobcat Campground a couple miles farther up the road.
See separate review.
GuideHorrible demonic should have been homeless The owners are the most greedy disrespectful sheep in wolf's people, smiles with, dont walk away they will stab you. Within the time I was there, we had a stalker( mar- may), a theif, a overdosed body( mar 7), a trailer firer( aug), health department investigation( aug) A drug raid( july) it all public information, police blotter? The owners were never around nor asked questions or concerns.( 11-2 mon, we'd, fri if lucky). Probably building there mansion in Longmont or in Missouri probably running there tax free business... The showers and bathrooms along with around the park. there great. Even if we have spending 1$ per min. They do have an amazing maintenance manager who is worth more then, cause he know and dose EVERYTHING. He been with them for years. The rest of the park not so grat, NOTHINGbut dirt road, pot hole ends up very muddy. Most tenant start off nice, but once ginger and Amanda get there venom into them turn in to snakes. I
TravelerThere are showers! This is the reason we came, but we stayed for the quiet and beautiful views. The campsites are close to each other but when we came, it was quiet and peaceful. $32/night when we came. Worth it for the showers.
GuideLake is super low but still a really pretty area. Beautiful drive in around the lake with the leaves changing. Campground in good shape with sites decently spaced out
GuideWe were here for 2 weeks and were rather disappointed.
The South 40 full-hookup sites had the worst sewer smell that I’ve experienced. No, it was not from our tank, it would come around the same time every morning and linger for a couple hours. The water pressure was unreliable to say the least, even when they were only at half capacity in the park. Nevermind the holiday weekend when the park is at max capacity…
We did like the trail around the park and the fenced in dog area, but overall the park was very dirty and dusty and the sites were in desperate need of a mow
GuideThere must be another way in i would assume. 3.5 mile steep climb dirt rd in the rain was slick. After a 8 mile windy rd straight up. Like I said, probably another rd in. Campground is great once you get here. And it's paved!
ScoutCame here after sunset point was full. Plenty of spots even with it being Labor Day weekend. Spots were really squeezed in together but the bathrooms were clean!
TravelerI enjoyed staying at glacier Park in my van. Beautiful scenery and nice camping spots.
ScoutI booked via Campspot and had to cancel my reservation. I was within 14-29 days of the reservation start date; according to their cancellation T&Cs, I should receive a 50% refund. I have chased a number of times, and it has'been escalated to their admin team'- almost 2 months later and still nothing!!
Glamping options near Rocky Mountain National Park provide private lake access and opportunities to view wildlife without sacrificing comfort. Located between 7,500 and 12,000 feet elevation, the area experiences temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night even in summer. Most glamping sites operate from May through September due to mountain weather conditions that can bring snow as late as June and as early as September.
Hiking to alpine lakes: Multiple trails lead to scenic lake destinations within short distances from Glacier Basin Campground. "Bear Lake and Fern Lake are amazing hikes for the fam," notes Troy C., who mentions that "wildlife is very abundant" around these areas.
Horseback riding: Several glamping facilities offer equestrian activities for various skill levels. At Winding River Resort, "They offer all sorts of activities such as horseback riding, ice cream social, chuckwagon breakfast, square dancing, cowboy church," according to Mary D., who appreciates the diverse recreation options.
Paddle sports: Launch directly from your site at certain lakeside glamping locations. At Sunset Point Campground, Brooke C. shares that "It was great to be able to launch our paddle boards directly from our site and hang out on the shore during the day. The wind picked up in the afternoon but usually calmed down by 6pm or so."
Wildlife viewing: Many glamping sites feature regular animal sightings. At Arapaho Bay Campground, campers report "good wildlife sittings (moose, bald eagles, bear) beautiful large lake with Colorado River headwaters," as Arlene P. describes.
Camp host service: Attentive staff enhance the glamping experience at many locations. Jackie at Moraine Loop was described as "amazing" by Grace K., who shares that the host "tipped us off to a lake front spot that someone had no showed for. The views were incredible, and we pretty much had private lake access for our paddle board and kayak."
Proximity to amenities: Many glamping sites balance wilderness feel with nearby town access. At Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake, Krissy C. notes it's "Close to town and RMNP. Beautiful views. Elk in the area. Clean showers/bathrooms, though have to pay for showers. Propane fill on site. Small store."
Reservation systems vary: Some glamping spots require advance booking while others operate first-come-first-served. At Green Ridge Campground, CH warns, "I was able to get a site FCFS on a Thursday around noon... I almost hate to share how great it was because I don't want it to get even more popular!"
Pine beetle impact: Many glamping areas have lost tree cover. Jenny Z. observes at Green Ridge that "The pine beetle took its toll here so don't expect shade, but you can walk to the lake and directly into RMNP."
Weather extremes: Mountain conditions can change rapidly. At Winding River Resort, a visitor experienced "very windy, not much shade" conditions, while another camper at Stillwater Campground suggested "not a lot of site privacy because no big trees."
Animal encounters: Schedule mornings and evenings for wildlife viewing. At Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Resort, "Elk occasionally pass thru the front area which was really cool!" notes Julia M., who enjoyed these natural visitors during her stay.
Accessibility options: Some glamping facilities provide activities for all ability levels. Winding River Resort features "a wonderful petting zoo area, playground, basketball courts and much more," according to Mary D., making it suitable for different age groups.
Temperature preparation: Pack both warm and cool weather clothing for all seasons. Even summer glamping requires layers, as one camper experienced "cold mountain nights" that required extra blankets despite visiting in July.
Limited hookup availability: Many glamping RV sites near the park lack full hookups. Martin B. notes at Sunset Point that there's "Drinking water on campground at both vault toilets" but no electrical connections or shower facilities.
Parking constraints: Some glamping locations have size restrictions. At Hermits Hollow Campground, one visitor mentioned "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."
Alternative access: Using shuttle systems can simplify your glamping experience. Paul Y. found that Glacier Basin is "on Bear Lake Road so no timed entry required (YAY!) and right across the street from the bus shuttle," eliminating the need to drive into crowded park areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find glamping options near Rocky Mountain National Park?
Several glamping options surround Rocky Mountain National Park for those seeking upscale outdoor accommodations. Longs Peak Lantern offers glamping tents that provide a perfect escape from city life while serving as an excellent base for park exploration. For a unique experience, Winding River Resort sits at the edge of the park and features Conestoga wagons among its accommodation options, with the bonus of possible moose sightings from your lodging. Both locations combine comfort with proximity to the park's natural beauty, allowing you to enjoy wilderness adventures during the day and return to comfortable accommodations at night. These glamping sites typically require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months.
What glamping options are available in Estes Park near Rocky Mountain National Park?
Estes Park offers several glamping options for visitors seeking comfort while exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Estes Park provides family-friendly accommodations just minutes from both Estes Park and the national park entrance. For those seeking a more natural setting with upgraded amenities, Hermits Hollow Campground in Hermit Park offers wooded sites with privacy, clean facilities, and knowledgeable staff, all within easy reach of Estes Park. Most glamping options in the area require reservations several months in advance, especially during peak season (June-September). These accommodations typically provide convenient access to Estes Park's restaurants and shops while keeping you close to Rocky Mountain National Park's spectacular hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Are there yurts available in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Rocky Mountain National Park itself doesn't offer yurts within park boundaries, as accommodations are limited to traditional camping at established campgrounds like Glacier Basin Campground. However, yurt options can be found in the surrounding areas. Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon provides climate-controlled cabins and alternative accommodations that make for a comfortable basecamp when exploring the region. When searching for yurts, focus on private lands and state parks near Estes Park and Grand Lake. Reservations for these alternative accommodations should be made well in advance, particularly during summer and fall when the park receives its highest visitation. Many yurt rentals in the region offer year-round availability, including winter access.
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