The best camping near Estes Park with horseback riding

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Whether you like to hike and climb in the mountains or just want to enjoy the views, you’ll find so many options for things to do in and around Estes Park. Not only is it the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, but the town itself offers opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and water sports. Campers will also find everything from amenity-packed RV resorts and glamping yurts close to downtown Estes Park to secluded tent spots in Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding national forest.  

95% (1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Estes Park

1. Rocky Mountain Glamping

98%
(363)
16mi from Estes Park · 6 sites · RVs, Lodging
A Rocky Mountain Glamping Experience Relax streamside in our 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 treat as you unwind. Bliss Canyon features 4 accommodations: 2 Gypsy Wagon Campers and 2 spacious Tent Cabins and a boondocking RV site. Teardrop camper sleeps 2 as an addition to any accommodation. 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. Limited WIFI available. 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. New this year Bliss Camp is adding a 12' x 14' Glamping Tent Cabin. 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. The charming town of Lyons is 20 minutes away with coffee shops, restaurants, bars, lots of great live music, 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! Due to our popularity reservations often fill up quickly. We suggest you make your reservations in advance especially if you have a group to rent the entire camp. At times there are last minute cancelations which allows for last minute openings. Dot and Byron look forward to hosting you in our spectacular Rocky Mountain Paradise.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$55
 / night

2. Sherwood Creek Camp and Glamp

94%
(200)
28mi from Estes Park · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging
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.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$58
 / night

7. Williams Fork Lodging

100%
(131)
47mi from Estes Park · 5 sites · Lodging
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
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$115
 / night

8. Historic Homestead Barn Yard

96%
(24)
49mi from Estes Park · 1 site · RV
Learn more about this land: This site is on an 1889 Homestead property located West of Denver and East of Golden. The camping space is a 1/3 acre field adjacent to a barn and barn-yard with goats and chickens who love to interact with people. It is near (walking distance) the communities of Edgewater, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood and Denver. You can also walk less than 1 minute to a bus stop which will take you to East to downtown Denver, West to Golden, connects with the Light rail, airport and points in between.  Just 5 blocks away is a great neighborhood bar and grill, a beer garden and a bakery. Many other dining, pub and brewery options just 10 blocks away. Popular Sloans Lake park is 12 blocks away and quieter Crown Hill Lake/Park is about 20 blocks away. We have free WiFi, basic 15 amp electric service and fresh water on a fill-your-tank basis. We offer a monthly rate with a 40% discount !
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from 
$36
 / night

14. Rollinsville Adventure Camp

96%
(158)
33mi from Estes Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Rollinsville Adventure Camp is a 5 acre slice of the Rocky Mountains, perched at approximately 9,000 feet above sea level, in the shadow of the nearby Continental divide. The property features towering pine trees, beautiful aspens, and is surrounded by national forest on all sides. The campsites are all located within the safe confines of a gated, five foot fence that surrounds the property. The property once served as a Llama Ranch. We have repurposed the old llama loafing shed into a common area/ lounge area where any guests are welcome to make use of the space, which includes a 2 burner gas camp stove, a refrigerator, and a propane gas bbq grill.  There is also a gas fire pit on the patio at the Llama Lounge for guests to enjoy, as well as a hammock, hanging hammock chair, and a picnic table for guests to utilize while enjoying the common space of the Llama Lounge.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$50
 / night

Whether you like to hike and climb in the mountains or just want to enjoy the views, you’ll find so many options for things to do in and around Estes Park. Not only is it the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, but the town itself offers opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and water sports. Campers will also find everything from amenity-packed RV resorts and glamping yurts close to downtown Estes Park to secluded tent spots in Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding national forest.  

95% (1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Estes Park

1. Rocky Mountain Glamping

98%
(363)
16mi from Estes Park · 6 sites · RVs, Lodging
A Rocky Mountain Glamping Experience Relax streamside in our 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 treat as you unwind. Bliss Canyon features 4 accommodations: 2 Gypsy Wagon Campers and 2 spacious Tent Cabins and a boondocking RV site. Teardrop camper sleeps 2 as an addition to any accommodation. 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. Limited WIFI available. 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. New this year Bliss Camp is adding a 12' x 14' Glamping Tent Cabin. 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. The charming town of Lyons is 20 minutes away with coffee shops, restaurants, bars, lots of great live music, 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! Due to our popularity reservations often fill up quickly. We suggest you make your reservations in advance especially if you have a group to rent the entire camp. At times there are last minute cancelations which allows for last minute openings. Dot and Byron look forward to hosting you in our spectacular Rocky Mountain Paradise.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$55
 / night

2. Sherwood Creek Camp and Glamp

94%
(200)
28mi from Estes Park · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging
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.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$58
 / night

7. Williams Fork Lodging

100%
(131)
47mi from Estes Park · 5 sites · Lodging
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
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$115
 / night

8. Historic Homestead Barn Yard

96%
(24)
49mi from Estes Park · 1 site · RV
Learn more about this land: This site is on an 1889 Homestead property located West of Denver and East of Golden. The camping space is a 1/3 acre field adjacent to a barn and barn-yard with goats and chickens who love to interact with people. It is near (walking distance) the communities of Edgewater, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood and Denver. You can also walk less than 1 minute to a bus stop which will take you to East to downtown Denver, West to Golden, connects with the Light rail, airport and points in between.  Just 5 blocks away is a great neighborhood bar and grill, a beer garden and a bakery. Many other dining, pub and brewery options just 10 blocks away. Popular Sloans Lake park is 12 blocks away and quieter Crown Hill Lake/Park is about 20 blocks away. We have free WiFi, basic 15 amp electric service and fresh water on a fill-your-tank basis. We offer a monthly rate with a 40% discount !
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from 
$36
 / night

14. Rollinsville Adventure Camp

96%
(158)
33mi from Estes Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Rollinsville Adventure Camp is a 5 acre slice of the Rocky Mountains, perched at approximately 9,000 feet above sea level, in the shadow of the nearby Continental divide. The property features towering pine trees, beautiful aspens, and is surrounded by national forest on all sides. The campsites are all located within the safe confines of a gated, five foot fence that surrounds the property. The property once served as a Llama Ranch. We have repurposed the old llama loafing shed into a common area/ lounge area where any guests are welcome to make use of the space, which includes a 2 burner gas camp stove, a refrigerator, and a propane gas bbq grill.  There is also a gas fire pit on the patio at the Llama Lounge for guests to enjoy, as well as a hammock, hanging hammock chair, and a picnic table for guests to utilize while enjoying the common space of the Llama Lounge.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$50
 / night

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The best camping near Estes Park with horseback riding guide

Where to go

Estes Park Village

Only 90 minutes from downtown Denver, Estes Park makes a great basecamp for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ll find several RV parks with full hookups just outside the city limits and some have tiny cabins and yurts available for rent too. Mary's Lake is a popular family-friendly spot. In town, you can take a stroll along the riverwalk where you’ll find dozens of coffee shops, restaurants, and galleries and visit Estes Lake, where you can rent paddle boards, kayaks, and pontoon boats to get out on the lake. Wildlife is so plentiful here it’s not uncommon to see a herd of elk walking through downtown.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Known for its high mountain scenery and endless trails, Rocky Mountain National Park is a main reason to head to Estes Park. The Beaver Meadows Entrance Station and Visitor Center is less than a 10-minute drive from Estes Park, with free shuttle buses running from Estes Park to park trailheads in summer. Campers will find five campgrounds with RV, tent, and group sites—four are set near Estes Park and the other is near the Grand Lake entrance on Trail Ridge Road. You can also find plenty of backcountry sites. Reservations are highly recommended for Rocky Mountain National Park campgrounds but some first-come, first-served sites are available.

Roosevelt National Forest

For those looking for some scenery away from the crowds in Rocky Mountain National Park, Roosevelt National Forest rivals the national park and provides even more opportunities for outdoor recreation. The forest borders Rocky Mountain along the north and east sides, and is just an hour or so drive from Estes Park. The Long Draw and Tom Bennett campgrounds offer fantastic views and are incredibly popular spots for Colorado locals.     

When to go

The best time to camp and hike in Estes Park is from late May through mid September as long as you’re prepared for chilly nights. Estes Park sits at 7,522 feet above sea level and many of the campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest are even higher, meaning that you can expect cool evening temperatures even in summer. The area is busiest in summer and when fall colors are at their peak, typically in late September through early October. A few Estes Park campgrounds stay open in winter for those looking to ski and snowshoe.

Know before you go

  1. Camping in Estes Park is extremely popular. Book campground reservations well in advance.
  2. No hookups are available at any area national park campgrounds, although dump stations can be found at Glacier Bay and Moraine Park.
  3. Estes Park is bear country. Store food in campground bear lockers. 
  4. Free shuttle buses run from Estes Park into Rocky Mountain National Park during the summer months. This is a great way to enjoy the park sights without the hassle of finding parking and dealing with traffic.
  5. For an introduction to the mountains surrounding Estes Park, head to the top of Prospect Mountain on the Estes Park Tram. You’ll enjoy views of Longs Peak, the Continental Divide, and the entire Estes Park Valley.