best campground in rocky mountain national park

For this campground, you will only find water and flush toilets during the summer season that generally runs from Late May until mid October. Dishwater is disposed of in the locations assigned by the campground, in this case usually near the restrooms. You will be able to find firewood and ice sold during peak season at the larger campgrounds.The only restaurant in the park is a small cafe near the Alpine Visitor Center on the top of Trail Ridge Road. If at all possible you should make reservations. The camp host sells firewood. Moraine Park Campground, Rocky Mountain National Park Elk, mule deer, and coyotes often wander through the meadow near this campground, which has a backcountry feel despite its proximity to the road. Stay hydrated, stay off the summits after noon (lightning strikes are common during afternoon storms) and protect yourself with a hat and good sunglasses. For more Sadly, due to pine beetle infestations a lot of the trees have been removed which means many campsites are treeless. Within the park, a few trails were damaged by the 2013 floods, but park staff are quickly rebuilding washed-out bridges. Our personal rules when camping are that all food stays in the car trunk or in the designated food storage boxes except when actually cooking.After a meal, all cooking areas including the picnic table are wiped down to reduce any temptations. Efforts to increase the population of North American Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park have been successful – the park's herd now numbers up to 800. Expect to book your site up to six months in advance. The larger campgrounds, Moraine Park, Glacier Basin and Timber Creek also have dump stations for campers making it pretty easy to enjoy your stay.Campfires are generally allowed in the campgrounds as long as the camp site has a metal fire grate. Our favorite hikes include everything from family-friendly trails to challenging summit attempts, offering a scenic feast of high-altitude lakes, waterfalls, and of course, spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains.

With over 300 miles of trails, jagged, snow-encrusted granite peaks and a remarkable array of wild creatures, Although temperatures can vary in the autumn, the seasonal views of Rocky Mountain National Park are spectacular. One campground in particular, Moraine Park, is considered one of, if not the single best campground in Rocky Mountain National Park. Generally all the campgrounds, except Long’s Creek, will have Ranger Programs in their amphitheater during the week on a rotating schedule. It’s a beautiful park and every RMNP campground has amazing views. Colorado’s ecosystem is delicate, so stick to maintained trails and definitely let friends know where you are going. There are 5 campgrounds in the park, each with a unique view and access.

And generator usage is pretty limited to a few hours a day and to specific loops. Although there are only 26 tent sites available, the fact that it’s first come, first serve is a blessing in disguise. You’ll find a plethora of hotels, cabins, and rentals in and near Estes Park on the East side of the park.

Enjoy Trail Ridge Road – which crests at over 12,000 feet including many overlooks to experience the subalpine and alpine worlds – along with over 300 miles of hiking trails, wildflowers, wildlife, starry nights, and fun times. If you are new at going back country there are camp sites that don’t require a long hike. It sits along side the Colorado River. The Stanley Hotel may not look eerie, but a few members of the hotel staff say it's haunted. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission.I want emails from Lonely Planet with travel and product information, promotions, advertisements, third-party offers, and surveys. (Actually that’s true even if you aren’t in an RV to reduce congestion.) Generator usage is pretty limited so you’ll be able to enjoy every moment in nature.The hiker’s shuttle stops at the campground to take you to the many trailheads that you’ll find at Bear Lake and Sprague Lake. Here you are surrounded by mountains and it feels like you are far away from the cares of the world. So if you know you will arrive early in the day, then you can take a reasonable risk for a FCFS site. A ground squirrel or raccoon can do a lot of damage too! You’ll also want to pre-plan your overnight backpacking trip with the Backcountry Office, where you can reserve established backcountry camping spots and learn about their backcountry travel requirements (like bringing a bear canister – available in Estes). You can get your permit on-line through the Wilderness Office starting in March of each year. That great combination always makes for interesting reading.Copyrights © 2018-2020 Brad and Ladona Stork. The 2.3-mile Cub Lake Trail leads to a lily pad–covered pond. For the first-time visitor, wildlife is one of the major draws to the park, which is home to a massive 800-elk herd, about 350 bighorn sheep, plus plenty of moose and mule deer. The park is now open but is limiting access through a entry reservations system. Except for rustic Old Falls River Road, most roads are open to RVs.

This guide is here to help you find the best campground in Rocky Mountain National Park that is exactly what you need for an amazing trip. At 8900 ft. Open late May - late Oct. Moraine Park is also the only campground open all year, with limited services during the winter and spring seasons.You’ll find vault toilets and potable water in this campground. To reduce insect infestations, all campgrounds (except Long’s Creek) sell firewood.

These are for groups of 9-15 people in no more than 3 vehicles. Almost every reservable site will be booked ahead during those peak months.