Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park truly lives up to its nick-name, "The Gateway to the Rocky Mountains". Visitors will find all the grandeur of these mountains plus all the serenity, picturesque scenery, wildlife, fishing and hiking they come to this national park to enjoy. The park is one of the best destinations along the Colorado Front Range for the family to vacation and find out what the mountains of Colorado have to offer.
With elevations ranging from 8,000 feet in the lower, moist, grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the lofty top of Longs Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park provides visitors with opportunities for endless breathtaking experiences and adventures typical of the Colorado Rockies. There's also nearby Estes Park to visit, shop in, and dine out when you need a break from the outdoors pleasures that the park has to offer.
Campground Facilities in the Park
Rocky Mountain National Park provides five drive-in campgrounds for a variety of camping experiences. You will need reservations for two of the campgrounds, Moraine Park and Glacier Basin. Timber Creek, Aspenglen, and Longs Peak campgrounds are on a first-come first-served basis so get there early as all of these are very popular. Backcountry backpackers may choose from over 200 campsites when they apply for their backcountry camping permits at the ranger's station.
Camping is only permitted in the these five roadside campgrounds unless you have backcountry permits. Campgrounds fill up quickly and are open from mid-June to mid-August including holiday weekends, so it's wise to plan your Rocky Mountain vacation ahead of time. Fees are $18 per night during peak season, $12 when the water is off during the off season. There are no RV hookups or showers in any of the park campgrounds, they are rustic to fit the atmosphere of the park.
Moraine Park Campground
Moraine Park Campground features 247 campsites that you can use for tent or RV camping. This campground is located three miles west of Beaver Meadows-Park Headquarters Visitor Center on Bear Lake Road. Camping has been limited to seven days. Reservations are required from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day in early September. The campground remains open all year-round although you will have no access to water during the winter months.
Glacier Basin Campground
Glacier Basin Campground has 150 campsites, all suitable for tents or RV's. It can be found nine miles west of Estes Park on Bear Lake Road. Camping is also limited to seven days with reservations required from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, but you will it open from late May to early September depending upon the weather.
Timber Creek Campground
Timber Creek Campground Offers 100 tent or RV campsites. This campground is located eight miles north of Grand Lake on Trail Ridge Road. Camping is limited to seven days and all campsites are first-come, first-served. The Campground is open year round but water is available only during the peak visitor season from June to September.
Aspenglen Campground
Aspenglen campground is one of the smaller, more rustic campgrounds containing 54 tent or RV sites and is located five miles west of Estes Park near the Fall River Entrance. Camping here is also limited to seven days and campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Aspenglen campgound is only open from mid-May to late September.
Longs Peak Campground
Longs Peak Campground is the most primitive in the park and is intended as a launching point for hikers climbing Longs Peak. Featuring 26 tent camping sites, this campground is located 11 miles south of Estes Park and one mile west off Highway 7. Camping here is limited to three days because of the popularity of climbing Longs Peak, and all sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Longs Peak Campground is open year-round.
Campers are reminded to read the Park Rules and obey them to protect this valuable wilderness. When hiking, please use the established trails. Wood fires are permitted only in the fire grates at campgrounds and picnic areas. A written permit is required .for all fires outside those areas.
Wood gathering is prohibited in all the established campgrounds except when authorized for backcountry campsites. Firewood bundles are sold at all the established campgrounds and at a number of locations outside the park.
Pets are permitted In campgrounds provided that they are on a leash less than 6 feet in length at all times. You can find private kennels In Estes Park to board your pets while camping.
Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park is a great family experience. Enjoy the scenery the park has to offer. Wildflowers are found all year round but abound in the spring. Wildlife viewing is year round, but be respectful of the animals. Hiking through the woods and meadows is the best way to find the full park experience, and camping in the park sets the mood for your Rocky Mountain National Park vacation.
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