Best Camping in and near Rocky Mountain National Park

97% (150 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Rocky Mountain National Park adventure.

Explore one of America’s most beloved alpine landscapes in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Rocky Mountain National Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Rocky Mountain National Park

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Timber Creek Campground

100 sites · RVs, Tents In Rocky Mountain National Park

Aspenglen Campground

50 sites · RVs, Tents In Rocky Mountain National Park

At the back of the loop so there's forest right behind you.

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(28)

Glacier Basin

139 sites · RVs, Tents In Rocky Mountain National Park

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Glacier Basin Campground

13 sites · RVs, Tents In Rocky Mountain National Park

A big horn sheep relaxes not far from Moraine Park Campground.

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Moraine Park Campground

239 sites · RVs, Tents In Rocky Mountain National Park

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Longs Peak Campground

25 sites In Rocky Mountain National Park

from

$20

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Rocky Mountain National Park

96%

(934)

Clear Creek Getaway. Road is open

25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Dumont, CO

Welcome to Clear Creek Getaway Please understand that Please note these Mountains are home to a lot of people therefore I do not allow any open burning wood burning no one wants start a forest fire even though the county will say it’s OK for open burn. Please respect The neighbors they request that we do not have open flame. I’m sure you can understand. Beds : you will need to bring your own For the glam dome: file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/cd/13/3781DC46-F036-428E-BFC5-447B16E14D54/Image-1.jpeg Roads : This is a mountain getaway so the roads are dirt. If you have Awd and keep your speed up you will make it fine. The road is a loop the backside can have rocks so please drive up in high clearance vehicles no need for crazy lifted just SUV-Trucks type We are available all year round. No power in units. All A-Frames come with a grill and propane (see photos), and there is also a solar motion light on the deck.. Located 10 minutes by car from historic gold town Idaho Springs. River rafting when in season. We also have some of Colorado’s best fly fishing. Awesome hikes nearby (Gray's Peak). We are also close to st Mary’s Glacier, gold mine tours, great small-town restaurants (Marion’s pizza, Beau Joe’s) Hot springs within miles. We have portable toilets located close to the units Great views and there is an old mining cabin at the top if you find it please post your pictures! Georgetown lake 5 miles west I 70 Paddle boarding , train ride through the hills Grays Peak Fourteener 7 miles west I 70 St. Mary’s glacier 2 miles east I70 Hot Springs 2 miles east I70 All mining roads can be used for off-road purposes at your own risk. Be careful, very steep and rocky. ( Please note ) after tremendous amounts of work on the road, it seems 2wd cars cannot make it and this place is not suitable for those campers. Please do not block the road going up or the residence in the mobile home park on the front of the road. When coming from east exit 234 Dumont go left over I 70 to Stanley and then left behind the mobile home. Come from the west 235 go left under I70 at Starbucks turn right go 1/2 mile first right go back over I 70 to Stanley and harvest moon trail go left up behind mobile homes NOTE THIS IS LOOP DONT TAKE STEEP ROAD (GO TO THE LEFT).

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Boulder Tintype Ranch

7 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Valmont, CO

Welcome to our charming 2-acre farm nestled in East Boulder with a view of Long’s Peak. Just minutes from town - near walking trails, a bike park, shopping, and restaurants. A great pitstop on your way to or from the mountains. We have a 4 meter Glamping tent complete with a queen sized bed and rocking chairs, as well as spots in the meadow for RVs and camping tents. We limit the meadow to 5 small groups so there always remains plenty of open space for everyone. Our goal is to offer you a peaceful and affordable place to rest. The most affordable in all of Boulder! We have a community fire ring, big stacks of free burn wood and kitchen tables. We have well water to offer up by the house, but I wouldn’t drink it without purification… makes for a great cold outdoor shower. We have fresh eggs! The chickens free range during the day, so please keep an eye on your dogs… leash if necessary. Our gals won’t run away. THE GOOD: *Easy in and out location *Most affordable rates in all of Boulder. *Beautiful view of the Longs Peak. *Lots of sun *Summertime creek on the property. *Fresh eggs!!! *Community campfire with free firewood THE BAD: *Daytime road noise (pretend ocean waves??). *Limited shade. *Total RV length 40 feet - Truck AND Trailer - due to a steep and winding entrance and exit. *Good Morning Rooster We can handle RVs around 40 feet in TOTAL LENGTH - truck and trailer. It’s a big field, but a narrow, winding and steep ramp to get in and out. If you are a nervous driver, perhaps choose another place to rest your head. If you are a confident driver with towing experience, you can probably even go bigger. No designated spots. Please feel free to park anywhere you’d like while leaving enough room for other campers. It is flattest along the fence by the pond - leveling boards are stacked up in the field to borrow. Please note there is no access to the pond itself. It’s our neighbor’s property. We've got Tintype Portraits! I am a Wet Plate Photographer specializing in 1800’s antique metal portraits made of silver. Half off a one night stay is included in the price of every portrait. Check out: TheTintypeCompany.com if you get the chance. We are indeed the cheapest Hipcamp in Boulder, and our goal is to remain as affordable as we possible can. Alternatively, there is a $22 place up near Loveland, a $36 farm in Longmont, and a van-only spot in Evergreen for $33… The local homeless shelter is also an option if you are car camping. No joke, it is wonderful. More like an hostel than a homeless shelter. And they have facilities!! Folks do it all the time if the shelter has the space that night. Showers, WiFi, even food. Their contact info is: 4869 N Broadway Boulder, CO 80304 bouldershelter.org +1 (303) 442-4646 If you are in a van and just looking for a place to park for a night, 33rd north of Arapahoe is your best bet. It’s right next to the Police station, so fairly safe. The streets aren’t level, but neither is our field! Great for vans, not so great for larger RVs or trailers. All that said, we would love to be your host. Our place is clean, safe, and quiet at night. It’s super convenient to town. Please reach out with any questions you may have. I’ll do my level best to help in any way I can. Safe travels! Sincerely, Patrick

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Idaho Springs RV Resort & Campgroun

2 sites · RVs64 acres · Downieville Lawson Dumont, CO

Welcome to our RV park! If you're looking for a full-hookup RV site, please visit our website to book directly. This Hipcamp listing is specifically for a non-hookup car camping site. Car camping parking spot with WIFI and access to our private showers. You'll enjoy the beauty being fully surrounded by mountains while being located right off I-70 for an easy in-and-out.

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Arapaho Valley Ranch

68 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Granby, CO

Arapaho Valley Ranch is a gorgeous, family-owned guest ranch in Colorado’s beautiful Grand County. Our ranch is surrounded by the Arapaho National Forest and is nestled in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This area features hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic steam engines from the old town of Monarch. We have a private hiking trail that leads to our “kissing swing” overlooking the headwaters of the Colorado River Valley. Property Description Disclaimer: The amenities, features, and services displayed in photos on our website or promotional materials are for illustration purposes only. AVR does not guarantee the availability, condition, or quality of these amenities at the time of your visit, and they are subject to change. AVR reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue any feature or service without notice at any time.

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Mountain View Farmland

4 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Longmont, CO

Beautiful field, with open views on 3 sides and mountain views on the 4th. Right next to lovely Haystack mountain, home to a heard of elk. Quiet, big skies, low light pollution. 10 minutes outside of Boulder, but in the countryside :) We have an unused field of low grass on our property that is quite flat (1-2 degrees) and great for camping. Note for entering: Turn into the gravel driveway. Then turn left immediately after the cut-off phone pole (this is the largest gap to enter the field). There is a bit of a dip from the driveway into the field. Also, on the righthand side of the driveway is a pretty large rain-collecting hole/ditch -- keep an eye out for it.

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Rocky Mountain Glamping

6 sites · Lodging, RVs5 acres · Lyons, CO

A Rocky Mountain Glamping Experience! *** Bliss Camp awarded Runner-Up for Best Glamping in Colorado for 2023 and 2024 *** November 2024 Update: Winter has arrived and after a very successful 2024 Glamping season, Bliss Camp is taking a break until April 2025. 2024 provided exceptional weather which enhanced all of our many Glampers' experiences. Temperatures were delightful all the way until October 30. Wildflowers were abundant most of the season, and autumn colors were spectacular for nearly two months. Bliss Camp is now accepting reservations for our 2025 Glamping season. We will be reopening April 25, weather permitting. Due to our popularity reservations often fill up quickly. We suggest you make your reservations as much as six months in advance if you are that organized and especially if you have a group to rent the entire camp. At times there are last minute cancelations which allows for last minute openings. Big news flash: Bliss Camp is adding a 12' x 14' Glamping Wall Tent in 2025. We have it in our possession now! This is larger than our Frontier Tent. It will have an early settler / gold miner theme which is fitting since Bliss Canyon may have been the northern most gold mines in Colorado. The tent will be placed uphill in a private location in the vicinity of the Frontier Tent. It will be situated about 300' from the Frontier Tent so privacy will be maintained for all accommodations. The view of rock formations is spectacular. It will have it's own well-stocked kitchen, private hot shower and propane fire pit for those romantic moments! Oh, did we mention there is flat parking within 30' ! Dot and Byron look forward to greeting our many returning guests and are eager to meet new Glamping adventurers. Happy Trails and towards the fun! Dot and Byron Welcome to Bliss Canyon! Relax stream side in your private camp overlooking lush nature and towering rock outcroppings. Stroll along a rushing stream or head up challenging Moose Track trail to Balancing Rock. After your day of adventure or kicking back enjoy a hot shower. Share your revelations of the day around the campfire, roast marshmallows, or relish your favorite beverage or special treat as you unwind. The open air, covered Kitchens have sinks, fresh, potable hot water, kitchenware, gas stove —pots, pans, dishes, utensils, etc, BBQ with side burner, critter-resistant food safe, bear-proof trash can, and picnic table outside. We provide a convenient propane campfire for safety since our climate is dry and often windy. No candles or open flames please. There are easy trails on property along the lush stream (the original riverbed of the Middle Saint Vrain Stream), fishing or swimming in the pond (no lifeguard on duty), or challenging trails into Roosevelt National Forest from the property. (Ask Hiker Dot for guidance.) Several National Forest access points, where you can enjoy peaceful walks away from crowds, are a short drive. Bliss Canyon is a spur off of breathtaking, picturesque South Saint Vrain Canyon. Stroll on over to the South or Middle for renowned fly fishing. For climbers, there are over 50 climbs in South Saint Vrain Canyon! Dark Skies: If you like to watch the stars and meteor showers, Bliss Canyon is blessed with dark skies with little light from the plains. Bring your telescopes and explore the Universe. Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the five Crown Jewels of the National Park Service, is nearby. The closest trailhead in RMNP is 10 miles, the next trailhead at Wild Basin entrance to the park is 13 miles, and the Beaver Meadows entrance (main entrance) is 36 miles. Rocky Mountain National Park has breathtaking drives, easy strolls with interpretive signs, and 360 miles of trails. (Advance reservation required for entry 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for main park, or 5:00 am to 6:00 pm for Bear Lake corridor.) Indian Peaks Wilderness also has several nearby access points and trailheads. Ask Dot for details. Fall Colors are forecasted to be over the top this year starting in September to late October. Bliss Canyon explodes with color and is a great base camp for Aspen viewing along Peak to Peak Highway, Rocky Mountain National Park and all the surrounding areas. The famous Fall Elk Rut starts the beginning of September. According to Byron, the Elk Rut is one of the best National Geographic Moments on the Planet! This is a must experience event! We are located near Rocky Mountain National Park which typically provides the best opportunities to view the Rut, as well as other areas near the Park. During the Fall we provide "Little Buddy" propane heaters for the Gypsy Wagons and the Frontier Tent to help you warm up during cold evenings. Additionally, with a new Starlink booster we now have internet at all camps. The charming town of Lyons is 20 minutes away with coffee shops, restaurants, bars, lots of great live music, library with free wifi, and quaint shops*. Also, Spirit Hound Distillery received the award for the #1, Best Whiskey in the World in 2022, hmmm, it might be worth a tasting! Dot and Byron look forward to hosting you in our spectacular Rocky Mountain Paradise. Wir sprechen auch Deutsch!

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Williams Fork Lodging

5 sites · Lodging80 acres · Parshall, CO

Plan a self care weekend with our Luxury spa amenities away from the crowds and immersed in wilderness. Close enough to visit Rocky Mountain national Park Hot Springs in winter park ski area perfect for the couples and their dog. Hot tub, sauna, ropes, slippers and herbal teas. Hike, bike or snowshoe our 80 acres of trails abundant with wildflowers hummingbirds and wildlife beautiful fall colors to dark sky nights great for stargazing, fresh farm eggs and cinnamon rolls are available to pre-order. We are located at the end of a private road, we value or peace and serenity here and hope you do as well Adjacent to state national public lands, just for miles to the Williams fork reservoir a few more miles will take it to the Colorado river and many other lakes and reservoirs to fish in recreate Ask Dale for references a fun things to do in the area, such as rafting, horseback, riding or zip lining All wheel drive, or 4 x 4 with high clearance is recommended for the best experience We are approximately a half hour to kremmling Hot Sulphur Springs and the closest restaurant We are a little over an hour to Granby in Rocky Mountain national Park. Two hours to any summit county, ski areas, and steamboat. The lodge is basically a triplex building with a common area and three condos within. Bill’s cabin is our fourth lodging option that sits out on our Ridge about a half mile from the lodge building. Bill‘s cabin is off grid and has an out house. It also requires all wheel drive. The common area, houses the sauna, games, washer and dryer, and it’s just basically extra room to spread out. It also includes Wi-Fi and a refrigerator, for bills cabin guests to use. The lodge can be rented as one unit to sleep up to 10 guests. Please note: rates are for two guests only additional guests will be charged Per person per night Or The lodge can also be rented as individual units: Each unit is individually named, has private entrances, and is completely private. There is the Copper Peak, which is a studio. The Williams Peak. and The Byers Peak. The shared areas include the hot tub and sauna which are located in common area. Each unit is filled with luxury and everyday amenities you need for a complete stay. We allow dogs too! Williams Peak and Copper Peak unit has a doggie door leading to a six-foot tall kennel run! NOTE: dogs cannot be left alone when you leave. Bills Cabin is our separate off grid, rental cabin, which offers luxury camping in a forested environment with numerous foot and bike trails right out your door! The total darkness provides a spectacular night time sky full of stars and constellations perfect for viewing from the deck. Expect to see wild life in our exclusive off grid cabin, while you enjoy an Ecco friendly vacation! Bill’s cabin has a primitive road to it and therefore some foresight is required for travel, a 4x4 vehicle is required in any seasonal weather. We recommend a conversation about your means of travel. Alternative methods such as Bike or hike, we just highly recommend that no one hikes at night. Bills cabin is built out of concrete including the "log" siding. The power comes from solar panels and propane to cook and heat. Your kitchen and bathroom include instant hot water and are just outside the door..enjoy an alfresco shower out side! Alternatively the lodge office guest bathroom/shower is also provided for Bill’s Cabin Guests. This unique lodging experience is an opportunity to enjoy a camping vacation with a loved one or a friend without all the cost and hassle of setting up camp. Enjoy a deck complete with a gas grill and fire place. Water is provided for washing dishes, hands and drinking. You need to bring food, ice cubes. Bill’s cabin is available for the summer and fall beginning Memorial Day weekend or earlier as weather permits. All lodging includes bed linens as well as towels, dishes, coffee pot, coffee, grill, within the lodge, all rooms have full kitchens, including microwaves Bills cabin provides a cooler including ice blocks, everything you need to cook with, including a grill burners, and a camp oven! We provide split wood and propane for all guests. bathrooms are supplied with shampoo, lotion, hair dryers and other small necessities! The common area as well as the buyers peak offer a Washer/dryer for guests to use Wifi, smart TV with Netflix, Hulu and pandora various crafts, games, puzzles and corn hole. A large deck for yoga, gathering with other guests or just relaxing over looks the valley and is perfect for wildlife viewing is also located at the lodge. Sorry but our zoning does not allow for any camping of any sort on our property. Come experience the Old West as it was and still is as you meander along the road through working ranches that were homesteaded back in the early 1900’s...their weathered log cabins still standing and often still occupied...others are close enough for a great “back in time” photo opportunity. As Colorado's open range law permits ranchers to graze their cattle without borders, you will often find them on the roadways or you may even get caught up in a cattle drive as the ranchers move their cattle from one pasture or paddock to another. Springtime brings all the calves and branding time! Observing the rancher, his horse, and dog working together is a genuine treat. Look along the roadside for sage grouse, in the open fields for pronghorn, down in the willows and streams for the bull moose, in the trees for the mule deer, and on top of the ridge lines for the elk. There are also bald eagle and osprey nests, alpacas, horses, sheep, and goats. All this just on the ride into Williams Fork Lodging! Our residence sits above this scenic panorama at the end of the road and adjacent to public lands tucked beneath Copper Peak on the Williams Fork Range. The elevation is roughly 8,500 feet and the 180 degree view is breathtaking...encompassing three mountain ranges, many peaks, pastures/meadows, forest, and ponds. Soak in everything from the glorious sunrises to enchanting full moons to brilliant stars that truly seem closer than they are…the view of the Milky Way is unobstructed by light pollution for outstanding celestial shows…and meteor showers are spectacular from the hot tub! We live on the same property as the Lodge and are quite self sustainable: hunting, fishing, gardening, gathering wild berries, and raising our own poultry meat. The Lodge and cabin are constructed of concrete and rock as well as high efficiency windows and takes full advantage of passive solar heat; backup heat and the hot water are provided by wood via an outside boiler maintained by us. if interested, Dale offers fresh baked caramel rolls and other enticing breads and/or meals. Every season has its own special beauty: Spring brings abundant wild flowers, contrasting greens of pine, aspen and sage. Newborn livestock and wildlife. Thunderstorms and brilliant double rainbows. Birds singing, chickens crowing and warm, quiet evenings are welcomed in summer. Our view of the fall colors are hard to match ~ the changing yellow, gold and reds quaking in the valley are quite beautiful. Winter brings diamond-sparkling white snow untouched by humans and cobalt blue skies and picture-perfect post card and right out your

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Creekside Paradise

6 sites · Lodging, Tents42 acres · CO

Located perfectly between Boulder, Nederland, and Rocky Mountain National Park, and very close to other stunning hikes, this spot is a great landing pad to have easy access to some of the most beautiful places in the Rockies as well as offering it's own breathtaking scenery. This land is the sacred land of the Arapaho tribe. Chief Niwot and his tribe spent winters here. It is a very special place. The property is a mile long so there is plenty of space with the tent sites being 1/2 mile from the yurt and separate entries for each. There are currently 2 tents sites available, a bell tent, and a yurt.

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Sherwood Creek Camp and Glamp

5 sites · Lodging, Tents24 acres · Nederland, CO

This forested and open meadow property is located on a seasonal creek 2 miles from the quaint mountain town of Nederland, Colorado. A short drive to both Boulder & Denver and situated in the picturesque Front Range, Nederland has convenient access to skiing, mountain biking, hiking & camping, including many points of access to the Continental Divide. The property is within walking distance of Boulder County Open Space and Indian Peaks Wilderness trails for endless biking and hiking adventures. Sites are private and secluded. There is a 20-foot tipi, a quaint treehouse, and a tent site camp that can be rented separately or together for larger groups. Toilet, picnic table, and potable water all available onsite. We have endless hiking, biking, and mountain fun activities onsite and nearby! Space for camper vans as well! We look forward to hosting you soon.

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The Bluebear at Y Double-K Ranch

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Ward, CO

We border a national forest where you can hike and just enjoy the outdoors. The Ceran Saint Vrain trailhead is less than one mile away and Brainard Lake is a short 20 minute drive. If you feel as you need to go to town, Boulder, Estes Park, and Nederland are all a 30 min drive. Away, yet close enough!

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A-Lodge Boulder

11 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Boulder, CO

A-Lodge Boulder is a 30 room lodge just 2 miles above downtown Boulder, Colorado. We are located in a wilderness area of Boulder Canyon, right at the junction with Fourmile Canyon. We have three #vanlife sites and four tentsites for offer on Hipcamp. We have a BRAND NEW barrel sauna, hot tub, grills, seasonal pool (Memorial Day to Labor Day), meeting space, outdoor beer garden, bathrooms and showers for campers and a wonderful trail to Betasso Preserve right from your campsite. The Fourmile Creek runs through our property along our large lawn area. Great views and you might see bear, deer, elk, moose, foxes, or even a mountain lion! Walk-in sites are just a short hike, about 100 feet, on an unmanicured trail to our platforms. We provide the platform for your tent as well as access to all of our lodge's amenities; front desk, lobby, bar & beer garden, fire pits, grills, bathrooms, shower, outdoor common areas, free wifi, etc. Our guests love us too! Check out what a fellow camper had to say: "First time Hipcamper and A-Lodge visitor here, I’d definitely recommend checking this place out if you’re traveling to the Boulder area. The tent platforms were easy to get to and spaced far enough apart for privacy and generally a nice break from setting up a tent on a gravel pad. WiFi was stable throughout my visit and I was able to get some work done before heading home."

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Camp Always Choose Adventures

13 sites · Tents5 acres · Central City, CO

Welcome to Camp Always Choose Adventures, the nation's first off-grid outdoor educational campground. Situated at an elevation of 9,300 feet in Central City, Colorado, we're just a 15-minute drive from Idaho Springs. Our unique campground offers a Tipi and dispersed camping sites amidst the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, where you can often spot elk, moose, deer, and bears in their natural habitat. Our driveway is the gateway to Yankee Hill, the largest Off-Road Highway Vehicle area in the Front Range of Colorado, with numerous hiking trails nearby. For your convenience, we offer rental options for outdoor gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and almost anything else you might need. You can arrive empty-handed and still enjoy a full camping experience in the Rockies. We offer a one-stop-shop for all of your Colorado bucket-lists! Camping in The Rocky Mountains WITH premier outdoor gear provided, 4x4 adventures, and everything in-between! At Camp Always Choose Adventures, we are excited to partner with Native Jeeps and Colorado Adventure Guides to enhance your Rocky Mountain experience. Native Jeeps will meet you at our campground and hand you the keys to your unforgettable 4x4 adventure. As the only permitted You-Drive Jeep tour company operating in Clear Creek and Eagle County, Native Jeeps offers unique expedition tours on breathtaking trails that no one else can show you. Colorado Adventure Guides is our trusted backcountry outfitter and avalanche education provider, offering activities for all ages and experience levels throughout all four seasons. In the summer, enjoy adventures like white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and mountaineering. In the winter, they offer backcountry education, backcountry skiing, ice climbing, snowshoe tours, winter peak ascents, and hut trips. Join us for an adventure of a lifetime with our expert partners! To book an adventure with Native Jeeps or Colorado Adventure Guides and receive a discount become an ACA paid member today: alwayschooseadventures.org/join Already a paid member? Contact us to book your discounted adventure now! 720-331-2499. Leave No Trace: As a proud partner of the Leave No Trace. We promote the practice of Leave No Trace and emphasize responsible outdoor ethics, encouraging all our visitors to minimize their impact on the environment. By fostering a deep respect for nature, we aim to protect and preserve our beautiful surroundings for future generations while promoting outdoor accessibility for youth and individuals with disabilities. Accessibility: At Camp Always Choose Adventures, we are thrilled to offer Extreme Motus wheelchairs to our guests, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest. These all-terrain wheelchairs are designed to navigate the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains, providing unparalleled mobility and freedom. Whether you're exploring our scenic trails, joining an off-road adventure, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of our campground, the Extreme Motus wheelchairs empower individuals with disabilities to participate fully in all our outdoor activities. We are committed to making outdoor adventures accessible to all, breaking barriers, and fostering an inclusive environment for everyone. Wildlife: We typically have moose, elk, deer and sometimes even bears in our valley. If you wake up between 5:30AM - 6:30AM, you'll most likely see animals in the valley, or willow grove. Be aware there are four friendly resident camp dogs ready to greet you upon arrival. This campground is very dog-friendly, but if you have any concerns about dogs, please let us know, and we can ensure they are kept away from the campground during your stay. We will make every effort to accommodate you. Outdoor Amenities: Guests have access to outdoor amenities such as a communal fire pit for evening gatherings, picnic tables, and clean, port a pot restroom facilities. Educational Opportunities: As part of your stay, you can participate in outdoor educational clinics offered by Camp ACA, learning about Leave No Trace principles, various outdoor recreational gear, local wildlife, the history of Idaho Springs and Central City and the importance of environmental stewardship. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, our mission is to break barriers in the outdoors for youth and individuals with disabilities. Funds raised from our campground directly benefit underserved youth and those with disabilities, supporting our goal to make the great outdoors accessible to all. We thank you for your donation. For more information about us please visit: AlwaysChooseAdventures.org

The best camping near Rocky Mountain National Park guide

Overview

About

Known for its peaks, alpine lakes, and tundra landscapes, Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is one of America’s favorite national parks. It’s home to over 350 miles of hiking trails and a huge array of peaks and rock formations that entice rock climbers from around the globe. The Trail Ridge Road is one of the park’s top highlights and offers wildlife viewing and mountain scenes from numerous viewpoints along the road. Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park is a fun way to enjoy the area, with five campgrounds offering everything from secluded tent sites to roomy spots for RVs, plus backcountry camping and backpacking trails.

RV Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park

Instead of simply visiting Rocky Mountain National Park for the day, make your stay an RV vacation right in the park to sleep under star-filled skies and wake up to views of jagged peaks at one of the four Rocky Mountain campgrounds that allow RVs. Length limits vary by campground, and although no RV hookups are available in the park, some campsites offer amenities like potable water, dump stations, firewood, and food storage lockers. RV campers won't find much cell reception either, but you're more likely to be delighted by the wildlife that wanders through the Rocky Mountain campsites and the easy access you'll have to trailheads, saving you the trip through the park entrance gates each day. Alternatively, outside of the park, RVers can use the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake as convenient basecamps with more amenities. Here, multiple RV camping options are available, ranging from simple campgrounds to luxury RV resorts with full hookups, pools, and family activities.

Yurt Rentals Near Rocky Mountain National Park

You might be asking, "Are yurt rentals available in Rocky Mountain National Park?" Unfortunately, no. While some state and national parks have added yurts alongside traditional cabins, lodges, and campsites, Rocky Mountain National Park has not. But that doesn’t mean you can't find a yurt rental in the Rockies. Just outside the park gates, towns like Estes Park and Grand Lake offer convenient basecamps for adventures inside the park, and a wide variety of more private and unique camping options. While some Hipcamp yurts include just the basics like simple furniture, others are full glamping retreats, decked out with kitchens, bathrooms, electricity, and wifi. You might even find fireplaces for the cool Colorado nights. Some Rocky Mountain yurt rentals are close to civilization, while others place you out in the wilderness among the wildlife and starry skies. In addition to yurts, other unique Hipcamp glamping getaways include canvas tents, A-frame cabins, and treehouses.

Notable campgrounds

Best for tent campers: Longs Peak Campground
Best for hikers and climbers: Glacier Basin Campground
Best for families and large groups: Aspenglen Campground near the Fall River entrance

Tips for snagging a campsite

Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park is extremely popular—reservations are highly recommended during the summer months.
Sites can be reserved up to six months in advance at the Aspenglen, Glacier Basin, and Moraine Park campgrounds. Longs Peak and Timber Creek campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Each campground with RV sites has its own limits on size, so be sure the one you’re reserving can accommodate the length of your vehicle.

When to go

Rocky Mountain National Park is a lovely place to visit in any season. It’s especially gorgeous when the wildflowers are in peak bloom in late June, early July, and fall when the aspens are a brilliant gold. The park is busiest during the summer and on fall weekends. To avoid the crowds, visit when the Trail Ridge Road first opens from the town of Estes Park to Grand Lake, typically around Memorial Day or on weekdays in the fall. All campgrounds are open seasonally, except for Moraine Park, which remains open year-round.

Know before you go

This national park is about 70 miles from Denver, or about a two-hour drive away.
Rocky Mountain National Park has no electric hookups. Campers can only run generators in campgrounds at specified times.
Many of the first-come, first-served sites fill first thing in the morning. Plan to arrive early for your best chance of finding a spot. Check in at the Visitor Center for the latest information on campground availability.
All campers must store food items, toiletries, and other scented items in food storage lockers or inside vehicle trunks.
Plan for cold nights and possibly a thunderstorm when camping in Rocky Mountain National Park. All park campgrounds sit at an elevation of 8,000 feet or higher.
Pets are allowed in campgrounds and picnic areas as long as they are on a leash. Pets are not allowed on any trails.

Nearby attractions

Experience the beauty of camping in Poudre Canyon, a picturesque mountain getaway. Set up camp amidst towering cliffs, hike scenic trails, and listen to the soothing sounds of the Poudre River. Enjoy fishing, spot wildlife, and create lasting memories in this tranquil natural paradise.