9 Rocky Mountain National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks to Visit

For anyone who enjoys the great outdoors, the Rockies are basically calling your name. One of the best ways of experiencing this part of the world is by camping. There are some incredible RV Parks and campgrounds in the area where you can experience nature and still have a few comforts of home. Let’s take a close look at some of them.

Timber Creek Campground

Timber Creek Campground is just off Trail Ridge Road, and this is one of the reasons why it feels a bit more peaceful and remote compared to some of the others on the eastern side of the park. Here, you’re truly surrounded by the beauty of the Rockies without a lot of noise from the area creeping in.

With 98 sites, Timber Creek is large enough to accommodate quite a few visitors. It’s also not massive to the point where you’re packed in with your neighbors. However, you should note that it’s a first-come-first-served campground, so no reservations can be made and you’ll want to arrive as early as possible to grab a spot.

Both tent camping and RVs are welcome here, but keep in mind that there are no electric hookups. You will find flush toilets and potable water, though, so you’ll have some basic amenities while still being able to rough it a little.

There are several trails nearby, including the Coyote Valley Trail. This is an easy one-mile hike with views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife. It’s also a great launching point if you’re planning to tackle the more challenging hikes on the west side of the park, such as the Trail Ridge Road, which takes you up to over 12,000 feet above sea level.

It’s also a great launching point if you’re planning to tackle the more challenging hikes on the west side of the park, such as the Trail Ridge Road, which takes you up to over 12,000 feet above sea level.

Aspenglen Campground

Sat just inside the park’s Fall River Entrance, Aspenglen Campground is a great spot if you want easy access to the park without venturing too deep into it. This makes it a very good choice if you’re hoping to spend a few days exploring both the national park and the nearby town of Estes Park.

With only 52 sites, Aspenglen is one of the smaller campgrounds. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer season, and the sites are well-spaced by aspen and pine trees.

As for activities, Aspenglen’s proximity to the Fall River Entrance means you’re close to Old Fall River Road. This is a scenic one-way road that takes you up to the Alpine Visitor Centre. If you’re up for a good hike, nearby trails include the Deer Mountain Trail and the Lumpy Ridge Trail. These offer the opportunity to spot elk and bighorn sheep before ending with panoramic views of the park.

Like many campgrounds in the area, this one does not have RV hookups. However, it provides flush toilets and potable water, so you won’t be totally without comfort. There are also fire rings and picnic tables at each site, so it’ll be easy to cook up a delicious campfire dinner after a day of exploring!

Glacier Basin Campground

Looking for both fantastic views and a little more space? Glacier campground is one of the larger campgrounds in the park, with 150 sites, and it is located on the east side (not far from Beaver Meadows Entrance). This makes it a great base for accessing downtown Estes Park while still being close to the Rockies.

One of the best things about Glacier Basin is just how close it is to some of the best hiking trails. If you’re up for a real adventure, you can take the Bear Lake Shuttle from the campground to Emerald Lake, Dream Lake, and Bear Lake. All of these trailheads lead you to views of alpine lakes and mountain peaks while ranging in difficulty.

The area around Glacier Basin is also known for its great wildlife spotting. If you’re lucky, you might see moose, elk, or black bears wandering through the area.

But what about the actual camping experience? Well, there aren’t any hookups here. But the views of the surrounding mountains are so incredible that you’ll soon forget about that. You will have basic amenities to use, such as flush toilets, water, picnic tables, and fire rings, so you’ll still be able to enjoy a comfortable camping experience.

Moraine Park Campground

Morain Park Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park. Meadows with amazing views of the mountain ranges are on offer here, which perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in nature. And wiith 244 sites to choose from, it’s large enough to accommodate a lot of people.

It’s not just the location that makes Morain so popular with camping enthusiasts. There are also some great amenities on offer, and while there are no hookups, there are flush toilets, drinking water, and food storage lockers to keep wildlife away. Each site also has a picnic table and fire ring, making it easy to whip up some campfire meals after a long day of hiking.

The central location of this campground is another thing that makes it so popular. It’s a short distance from the Bear Lake Trailhead, where you’ll be able to head out on some fantastic hikes. These include the trails to Nymph Lake, Emerald Lake, and Hallet Park. Or, if you’re not feeling up to hiking, the Moraine Park Discovery Centre is also close by. Here, you can learn more about the area’s geology and wildlife.

On the subject of wildlife, one important thing to keep in when staying here during the fall is that it is an elk-rutting season. You’ll be able to hear the stags bugling from across the meadow, which is pretty amazing, but you’ll need to keep your distance.

Long Peaks Campground

If you’re a fan of high-altitude adventures and love the idea of waking up at the foot of a famous mountain, Long Peaks Campground is the place to set up camp. You’ll be sat at 9,500 feet above sea level here, and it is also the perfect place to call home if you want to take on the challenge of hiking to the summit of Long Peaks.

There are only 26 sites in total here. Because of this limited number of sites and its popularity with hikers, all spots are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. As such, you’ll need to arrive early to grab a spot. The amenities are basic at best, and you’ll find pit toilets but no potable water, so you’ll need to bring your own supply. This is definitely more of a “roughing it” type of spot, but the rewards are worth it if you’re up for the adventure.

The biggest attraction here is how close the campgrounds are to the Longs Peak Trailhead. Be warned – this climb is not for the faint of heart! With over 5,000 feet of elevation gain, it’s really for experienced climbers and reaching the top is a major achievement.

Don’t worry if summiting isn’t your thing. There are still some wonderful shorter hikes nearby, like the Chasm Lake Trail, which takes you through alpine meadows and lakes.

Spruce Lake RV Park

Not everyone is up for the rustic camping experience, and if you fall into that category, Spruce Lake RV Park is a very good option. You’ll be just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park when you stay here in the town of Estes, which basically means you’ll have more in the way of amenities.

The first thing to talk about is the nearby attractions. You’re going to be close to a variety of restaurants and shops here, including the historic Stanley Hotel, so you’re able to enjoy a bit more culture at this campground.

This doesn’t mean nature isn’t on offer, though. Not only is the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the National Park a short trip away, but Spruce Lake has its very own private lake that is stocked with trout. So, if you’re into fishing, make sure you bring your gear and try your luck!

There are full hookups for water, electricity, and sewer, so you won’t have to worry about running out of power or water. Spruce Lake RV Park also has restrooms, hot showers, a heated swimming pool, a hot tub, and even a mini golf course. You can think of this as being a resort-style campground, really, so if you’re looking for a more relaxing, family-friendly vibe, it’s perfect.

Winding River RV Resort

Not all modern RV parks manage to pull off the combination of rustic authenticity and modern amenities, but Winding River RV Resort does this magnificently. This is one of the larger RV parks in the area and, best of all, you’re provided with full hookups, restrooms, and hot showers, so it’s a great place to pull up if you want a bit more comfort while still feeling like you’re in the great outdoors.

The amenities don’t stop there, either. Winding River is an animal lover’s dream destination, with horseback riding available on-site and a petting zoo, which is a particular hit with young kids. There’s also a pond for fishing, and you can rent ATVs if you’re looking for some off-road fun.

Of course, you’ll likely want to venture out of the resort at some point (even though there’s so much on offer), and when you do, you’ll find yourself in close proximity to the less-crowded Kawuneeche Valley. This part of the park is famous for its abundance of wildlife, including moose, elk, and deer, and if you’re looking for killer views, make sure you head out on the Coyote Valley or East Inlet Trails.

Estes Park KOA

Another good choice if you want all the amenities of home while still being close to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park KOA has full hookups, laundry facilities, clean showers, and a general store where you can find all of your camping essentials. This also makes it a great option if you’re taking a family vacation or you’re traveling in a larger rig.

Though it’s outside of the park, Estes KOA is just a quick drive to the Beaver Meadows Entrance, where you’ll have easy access to all the hiking, wildlife, and scenic drives in the park. Also, if you don’t feel like cooking after a long day of exploring, you’ll be close to downtown Estes Park and its range of excellent restaurants.

What really sets this campground apart, though, is the family-friendly atmosphere. Expect organized activities like movie nights, pancake breakfasts, and even wagon rides, all of which are particularly useful if you’ve got young children. Not to mention, there’s also an on-site dog park where your furry friends can run and enjoy their vacation, too.

Manor RV Park

One of the quieter RV parks on this list, Manor RV Park is located in a peaceful setting just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, right by the Big Thompson River, meaning you can fall asleep to the sound of the water flowing by and add an extra-relaxing touch to your stay.

When it’s time to go exploring, you’re a short distance from the Beaver Meadows Entrance, which is the gateway to some of the most popular trails and attractions in the park. Even if all you want to do is head out on an easy hike, you can do that from here, with the Cub Lake Trail and Sprague Lake Loop a stone’s throw away. It’s also close to downtown Estes Park, so if you need to grab groceries or feel like breaking free from your campervan’s kitchen and enjoying a meal out, it’s all possible.

But what about the facilities here? You’ll have full hookups, as well as restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities, so you can rest assured that you’ll be able to keep clean and comfy throughout your trip. Each site also has a picnic table and a fire pit, so you can still get that classic camping experience even when you’re in an RV.

Final Thoughts

From high-altitude camping to RV resorts with all the cozy comforts of home, there’s no shortage of great camping spots on offer in the Rocky Mountains. And if you’re looking for the perfect way to explore the Rockies, contact Travellers Autobarn to find out more about hiring a campervan.

With unlimited miles, you’re free to explore at your own pace, and whether you’re planning to stay in the National Park or extend the fun by visiting some of the best campgrounds in the US, with us it’s never been easier to make memories that will last a lifetime.