Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
50 campgrounds · 3 areas · Best June through September
Rocky Mountain National Park puts you in the heart of the Colorado Rockies with peaks over 14,000 feet, alpine tundra, and pristine mountain lakes. Trail Ridge Road — the highest continuous paved road in the US — crosses the Continental Divide through the park. Five campgrounds offer mountain camping from dense forests to open meadows, all with outstanding hiking access.
Why Camp in Rocky Mountain National Park
- ✓Camp at elevations from 8,000 to 9,500 feet in the Colorado Rockies
- ✓Trail Ridge Road reaches 12,183 feet with above-treeline alpine tundra
- ✓Over 350 miles of trails from easy meadow walks to challenging peak climbs
- ✓Elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and marmots are frequently spotted
Where to Camp in Rocky Mountain National Park
Moraine Park
Mountain meadow, ponderosa forestThe largest campground in the park with 244 sites in a mountain meadow surrounded by peaks. Excellent elk viewing, especially during the fall rut. Access to the Fern Lake and Cub Lake trails. Open year-round with limited winter sites.
Glacier Basin
Subalpine forest, mountain valleyA popular 150-site campground that serves as the trailhead shuttle stop for Bear Lake. Forested setting at 8,500 feet. Close to some of the park's most popular trails including Sky Pond and Emerald Lake.
Timber Creek (West Side)
River valley, lodgepole forestThe only campground on the park's quieter west side. 98 sites along the Colorado River headwaters with views of the Never Summer Range. Less crowded than east side campgrounds. Near the Holzwarth Historic Site.
Top Campgrounds
Stillwater (Colorado)
Colorado · 15.6 mi
Rocky Mountain National Park Moraine Park Campground
Colorado · 4.5 mi
Camp Dick
Colorado · 17.1 mi
Green Ridge
Colorado · 12.7 mi
Arapaho Bay
Colorado · 15.9 mi
Jacks Gulch
Colorado · 21.9 mi
Cutthroat Bay Group
Colorado · 14.5 mi
Willow Creek Group
Colorado · 19.8 mi
Local Tips for Rocky Mountain National Park
- 1.Timed Entry Permits are required from late May through mid-October. Reserve on Recreation.gov; having a campground reservation may cover your entry.
- 2.Altitude sickness is real at these elevations. Hydrate well, take it easy the first day, and watch for symptoms.
- 3.Afternoon thunderstorms are almost daily in summer. Be off exposed ridges and peaks by noon.
- 4.The elk rut in September-October is spectacular at Moraine Park. Bulls bugle at dawn and dusk. Keep 75 feet from elk.
- 5.Trail Ridge Road opens late May and closes mid-October. Weather closures are common.
Activities
Experience Levels
Gear for Rocky Mountain National Park
Make sure you have the right equipment for camping in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation to enter Rocky Mountain?
Yes, during peak season (late May through mid-October) a Timed Entry Permit is required. Two types exist: one for the Bear Lake corridor (earlier hours) and a park-wide entry. Campground reservations include entry access.
Which campground is best for hiking?
Glacier Basin offers shuttle access to the Bear Lake trailhead area with the park's most popular trails. Moraine Park has great trail access too. Both are on the park's east side.
Can I camp in winter at Rocky Mountain?
Moraine Park is open year-round with limited sites (no water). Winter camping requires cold-weather gear rated to well below zero. Roads may close and conditions can be extreme.
How far is Rocky Mountain from Denver?
About 70 miles or 1.5 hours from Denver to the Estes Park entrance. The gateway town of Estes Park has all services including groceries, restaurants, and gear shops.