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Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park is a bucket list item for many outdoor enthusiasts– and for good reason. The park offers visitors breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, plenty of hiking opportunities, and insane wildlife watching.
Whether you’re an experienced camper seeking rugged backcountry solitude or a family looking for a cozy weekend in nature, the Rockies offer a diverse range of camping experiences for everyone.
Use this guide to plan your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. Learn general camping rules, where the best campgrounds are, and expert tips for a spectacular trip.
Can I Camp Anywhere in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds and backcountry campsites with a permit. Rocky Mountain National Park has plenty of spots, but none offer electrical hookups. You’ll need a portable power station like EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus to charge your phone and other devices.
Which Campground Is Best in Rocky Mountain?
Timber Creek Campground
Timber Creek Campground is one of the only parks located on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Many trees in the area were lost to bug infestations and wildfires. However, campsites are separated by young pine trees, creating some privacy on the flat terrain.
With pets being allowed, the campground is always a popular choice for families. Consider bringing an EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner to keep pets and young children cool during summer. Timber Creek is near many hiking trails like North Inlet Trail and Milner Pass.
- Camping: Primarily tent camping, accommodates 30-foot RVs or trailers, but no hookups.
- Activities: Hiking, fishing in the Colorado River, scenic drives, and watching elk, deer, and sheep.
- Amenities: Vault toilets, potable water, food storage lockers, picnic tables, and onsite staff. There are no showers, though.
Aspenglen Campground
This campground is next to the Fall River Entrance. It sits below Deer Mountain and is nestled deep within subalpine forests, making it an excellent spot for viewing wildlife like deer and moose. Aspenglen is open year-round, making it ideal for winter camping in the park. You can stay in a tent, RV, or trailer, with an eight-person limit to each site.
There is a paved path to the Fall River visitor center, where you can get trail maps and participate in ranger-led programs. Take a hike on trails leading around Deer Mountain or Horseshoe Park.
- Camping: Accommodates tents and 30-foot RVs or trailers.
- Activities: Scenic driving, backpacking, horseback riding at National Gateway Stables, wildlife viewing, fishing.
- Amenities: Vault toilets, potable water, food storage lockers, picnic tables, and onsite staff.
Glacier Basin Campground
Glacier Basin Campground is in the park’s southeastern section, along Bear Lake Road. You can stay in tent-only sites or RV-friendly ones. The campground is located near many of the park’s most popular hiking trails, making it a popular place for summer and spring camping. You can easily access Bear Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake trails, all with stunning alpine views.
A bus service can take you to other areas along Bear Lake Road, like Bierstadt Lake Trailhead. Due to its popularity, reservations are required during peak season, campsites are smaller than other campgrounds, and you should plan to come early to the hiking trails.
- Camping: Tents, RVs, and trailers.
- Activities: Hiking through the most popular trails, horse riding at Glacier Creek Stables, scenic driving, and fishing.
- Amenities: Flush toilets, potable water, food storage lockers, firewood, ice, dump station, and fire grates. Showers and electrical hookups are not available.
Longs Peak Campground
Longs Peak is located south of Estes Park. It’s a first-come, first-serve forested campground and the only one in the park that doesn’t take reservations. Campsites are for tents only, with a limit of two tents and a maximum of eight campers. There are no electrical hookups, so a portable power station is essential.
The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W) is small, lightweight, and easy to recharge for unlimited electrical power. The Longs Peak trailhead is close to the campsite, making this the best location to stay for this hike. The best time to camp here is from June to September, but be prepared for crowds and sudden weather changes.
- Camping: Only suitable for tents, enough room for one car to park at each site.
- Activities: Hike nearby Longs Peak, the tallest point in Boulder County.
- Amenities: Vault toilets, potable water, food storage lockers, and fire grates are available. Showers, ice, firewood, and electrical hookups are not.
Wilderness Camping
Wilderness or backcountry camping is allowed at over 120 sites in Rocky Mountain National Park. Wilderness permits are required for all overnight backcountry camping, and booking starts in March. Stay at Andrews Creek, close to Sky Pond and the alpine scenery. Boulderfield is the highest campsite, perfect for those scaling Long Peak.
Fer Lake spot is peaceful, with great fishing and waterfalls nearby. The North Inlet and Tonahutu Creek Loop offers a multi-day backpacking route with diverse terrain. If you’re prepared, solo camping in the backcountry is challenging and rewarding and allows you to truly immerse yourself in nature.
- Camping rules: Tents must be set up 200 feet from lakes, streams, and trails.
- Cooking: Campfires are not allowed. A camp stove is allowed for cooking only.
- Food: Bear canisters are required and can be rented at the Wilderness Office. Due to the active black bears, hanging foo is not allowed.
What Should I Pack for a Rocky Mountain National Park Camping Trip?
- Hiking clothes
- Hydration supplies
- Rain gear for camping
- Clothing layers
- Sunscreen
- Portable phone charger: EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank
- Sleeping gear
- Headlamps
- First aid kit
- Maps and compass
6 Rocky Mountain National Park Camping Tips
- Book your campsite early. Campsites can fill up months in advance, especially in peak seasons. If you’re interested in backcountry camping, apply for a wilderness permit as soon as possible.
- Be prepared for high altitudes. Many sites are at 8,000 to 10,000 feet, which means thinner air and a risk of altitude sickness. Bring plenty of layers, even when you are going camping in summer. Temperatures can drop below freezing at night.
- Pack for sudden weather changes. The weather is unpredictable in Rocky Mountain National Park. Always bring rain gear, warm layers, and sun protection.
- Follow bear safety rules. This national park is home to many black bears. Use bear-proof storage lockers; backcountry campers must use canisters, and you should cook away from your tent.
- Arrive early to avoid parking hassles. Popular spots like Bear Lake Road fill up by sunrise. Arrive before 6 am for the best chance of finding a post at trailheads.
- Respect ‘leave no trace’ principles to preserve the fragile alpine environments. Stay on trails, pack out all trash, and only camp in designated areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Camping fees vary by campground and season. In general, they range from $35 to $50 per night. Backcountry permits are currently $36 per trip. Don’t forget about park entrance fees, which are separate from camping fees. Grab an annual pass for unlimited entrance for only $70 per year.
June through September is best for camping and hiking. Most trails are snow-free, and the weather is warm. September to early October is perfect for viewing fall colors and experiencing fewer crowds. You can also see wildflowers, and there will be fewer crowds from May to June.
For a quick trip, one to two nights is good. It’s enough time to drive Trail Ridge Road, see Bear Lake, and do a few short hikes. Stay three to four nights to explore additional areas like Estes Park. You’ll need five or more nights to fully immerse yourself in the park’s remote areas.
Final Thoughts
Rocky Mountain National Park has many campsites. At Glacier Basin Campground, you can explore classic must-see trails and mountainscapes. If camping with a family or pets, opt for Timber Creek, where the flatter terrain is easy to navigate without sacrificing views or access to trailheads. Aspenglen campground is open year-round, so you can plan to go whenever the mood strikes. Of course, Longs Peak Campground is ideal for seeing well-known summits.
If you want to go fully off-grid, completely immersing yourself in nature, try backcountry camping, but don’t forget your permit. This National Park is all about escaping from everyday life, as no electrical hookups are offered at any campsite. Bring an EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series for peace of mind while staying here.