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Upper Chipmunk Backcountry Campsite — Rocky Mountain National Park

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Upper Chipmunk Backcountry Campsite is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, near forests and mountain views. Temperatures range from 30°F to 70°F, depending on the season. Nearby attractions include Bear Lake and the Trail Ridge Road, offering opportunities for hiking and scenic drives.

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Location

Upper Chipmunk Backcountry Campsite — Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

40.40716112 N
105.62625675 W

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Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Toilets

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General Info

Reservations


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2 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 12, 2024

Peaceful with Mountain Views

Strenuous hike to Upper Chipmunk from Lawn Lake TH. Approximately 4.2 miles to the campsite. Water was not close. You will have to hike down to Ypsilon Lake then back up to the site. Overall, it was quiet no complaints but not my favorite site.

SiteCampsite 1 (Left)
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Upper Chipmunk Backcountry Campsite — Rocky Mountain National Park by Heather  A., September 12, 2024
  • Review photo of Upper Chipmunk Backcountry Campsite — Rocky Mountain National Park by Heather  A., September 12, 2024
  • Review photo of Upper Chipmunk Backcountry Campsite — Rocky Mountain National Park by Heather  A., September 12, 2024
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2018

Amazing backpacking campsite in Rocky Mountain National Park!

I had the fortune of being invited along on a backpacking trip this past weekend in Rocky Mountain National Park. I say fortune in particular because obtaining Wilderness Permits for popular backpacking destinations can be difficult during the high season of tourism at RMNP. Thankfully, my friend had reserved this permit months in advanced so we were all set for our adventure! 

To get to this campsite, backpackers typically park at the Lawn Lake Trail Head and hike the beautiful Ypsilon Lake trail. The site is located 4.2 miles from the trailhead just past Chipmunk Lake. The hike is moderately strenuous in my opinion, and is made more difficult with a full backpack of course. The approach to the site is all uphill (2100 feet of elevation gain) but that makes the hike out quite easy as your tired legs will be going downhill the entire way! 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. 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. From the top there are amazing views of Long’s Peak, Estes Park and the Spectacle Lakes themselves which have the most magnificently glacial blue water. 

About the campsites-

There are two designated sites, we stay at the one on the right. At the site there is a designated space for tents which is relatively flat and free of rocks. There is plenty of shade from the dense surrounding pines. No fires are allowed at this site so a camp stove is necessary for cooking. Bear canisters are required and leave no trace ethics should be strictly followed. I was surprised to find that this site also had access to a privy. The privy itself was decently clean and signs indicated that no toilet paper should be thrown into it, although this rule was clearly not being followed as there was a good bit of trash in the toilet. Overall, the site itself was spotless and free of any trash. The views from the site were limited by the trees, but the nearby scenic lakes offer plenty of panoramic views. This is a great backcountry camp site and a fun backpacking trip overall. I would highly recommend this trip for anyone that enjoys the solitude of backpacking and has the time to obtain the necessary permits! 

For more info, check out this site specific informational PDF: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/upload/019-Upper-Chipmunk-2017-2.pdf

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Upper Chipmunk Backcountry Campsite — Rocky Mountain National Park by Isabelle K., August 13, 2018
  • Review photo of Upper Chipmunk Backcountry Campsite — Rocky Mountain National Park by Isabelle K., August 13, 2018
  • Review photo of Upper Chipmunk Backcountry Campsite — Rocky Mountain National Park by Isabelle K., August 13, 2018
  • (8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Chipmunk Flat Campground?

Upper Chipmunk Backcountry Campsite offers a primitive camping experience with minimal amenities. The site provides a designated camping area but lacks immediate water access (requires hiking to Ypsilon Lake). There are no facilities like picnic tables, fire rings, or restrooms. As a wilderness backcountry site, campers must be self-sufficient, bringing all necessary supplies including water filtration equipment. Be prepared for a true backcountry experience with emphasis on Leave No Trace principles.

Where is Upper Chipmunk campsite located in Chipmunk Flat Campground?

Upper Chipmunk Backcountry Campsite is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, accessible via a strenuous 4.2-mile hike from the Lawn Lake Trailhead. It's positioned near Ypsilon Lake in the backcountry area of the park. The site sits at a higher elevation in the Chipmunk Flat area, which requires some climbing to reach. This remote location offers solitude but note that water access requires hiking down to Ypsilon Lake and then back up to the campsite.

When is Chipmunk Flat Campground open for reservations?

Upper Chipmunk Backcountry Campsite requires a Wilderness Permit from Rocky Mountain National Park. Reservations are typically available during the park's main backpacking season, which generally runs from late spring through early fall, weather permitting. Permits can be difficult to obtain during peak tourist season, so booking well in advance is recommended. Contact Rocky Mountain National Park directly or check their official reservation system for specific opening dates and to secure your permit.