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Upper Chipmunk Backcountry Campsite — Rocky Mountain National Park

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Rocky Mountain National Park's backcountry permit system makes Upper Chipmunk one of the harder sites to book, particularly during summer when wilderness permits go fast. The site sits 4.2 miles from the Lawn Lake Trailhead via the Ypsilon Lake Trail, with roughly 2,100 feet of elevation gain on the way in. Water access requires hiking down to Ypsilon Lake and back up. Two designated tent sites are available, one with relatively flat, rock-free ground and shade from surrounding pines. No fires are permitted; a camp stove and bear canister are required. A privy is on-site. Campers wanting front-country access can find tent camping near Rocky Mountain National Park or consider Moraine Park - Rocky Mountain National Park as a drive-in alternative.

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Map & DirectionsUpper Chipmunk Backcountry Campsite is located in Colorado near Estes Park

Public Campground

Coordinates

40.40716112 N
105.62625675 W

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Good Coverage
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Some Coverage
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No Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 6/28/26

Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Reservable
Toilets

Contact

General Info

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Reservations

+19705861206

Drive Time

58 min from Boulder, CO
1 hr 5 min from Fort Collins, CO
1 hr 9 min from Greeley, CO
1 hr 26 min from Denver, CO

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Upper Chipmunk Backcountry Campsite

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5 Stars

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3 Stars

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1 Star

4.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Heather A.

Guide

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

(6) View All

Isabelle K.

Legend

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

(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.

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