RMNP Camping Guide

Rocky Mountain National Park – RMNP Camping Guide

Use this RMNP Camping Guide to help you find the perfect campsite or backpacking trip at Rocky Mountain National Park. Five drive-in campgrounds in the park are open during the summer, and one is open in the winter; restrictions apply, and backcountry camping requires a permit.

Reservations Accepted at these Campgrounds

Aspenglen Campground
Glacier Basin Campground
Moraine Park Campground – open for winter
Timber Creek

First Come, First Served Campgrounds – fill quickly on summer days

Longs Peak – tents only

Campground Amenities

No campgrounds have electricity.
Some have dump stations.
There are no RV hookups. However, camp trailers and RVs are welcome at some sites as long as they meet camp size restrictions and are self-contained.
Potable water is seasonal.
Flush toilets are seasonal.
Food lockers are mandatory but seasonal.
Some have ice, firewood, and recycling, but all are seasonal.

RMNP Camping – Entrance Requirements

Entering RMNP requires a Timed Entry Reservation. These become mandatory between May 27th and October 10th, 2022. This type of reservation combines a Parks Pass/Entrance Fee plus a reservation with a service such as in-park camping, horseback riding, or a tour.

RMNP Camping Stay Limits

Stay limits of 7 nights are in place from June 1st through September 30th. The limits extend to an additional 14 nights at the year-round campgrounds throughout the rest of the year. For further information, call 877-444-6777.

RMNP Camping Guide for the Backcountry

Backcountry camping at RMNP provides an exhilarating escape. It allows people to immerse themselves in an environment where they can truly understand and appreciate the value of nature’s beauty.

The first step in planning your trip is deciding where you want to camp and how long. As you plan your trip, consider the physical condition of the least experienced member of your party and the distance and elevation gained from the trailhead to your destination. Be prepared and make a checklist of all the necessary items for backpacking.

You must have a backcountry permit to camp overnight in Rocky Mountain National Park’s backcountry. You can pick one up at the Headquarters Backcountry office (beside the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Highway 36, west of Estes Park). The number of permits issued is limited to minimize the impact on the park’s resources.

There are many excellent resources for backcountry hiking and camping. Take the time to learn Leave No Trace principles, how to backpack safely, and how to care for the environment. Always remember this is your park. Its 269,723 acres are a resource for not only you but for many future generations to come.

Get Outside with the Rocky Mountain Nature Association

Classes & Tours

Since 1962, Rocky Mountain Field Seminars have offered outdoor educational adventures. With unprecedented access to Rocky Mountain National Park, the seminars offer a comprehensive curriculum of courses in natural history, photography, outdoor skills, cultural history, art, and nature writing/field journaling.

For Kids

Family fun activity days are a great way to kick off your Estes Park vacation. Expert naturalists lead educational and environmental explorations, demonstrate how to creatively share nature with children, and provide ideas for planning the rest of your vacation. Leave the video games, computers, and cell phones behind as you connect with your kids in the great outdoors.

Field Trips

Rocky Mountain Field Seminars designs custom adventures for families and groups. You can also pick the date and the subject of your adventure. Examples include a guided hike to teach safe hiking and leaving no trace, a look at the re-vegetation of RMNP, ecology top-to-bottom along Trail Ridge Road, or Animal Tales! Each course is designed for your group’s needs, and instructors are great at leading cross-generational outdoor experiences.

Rocky Mountain Field Seminars is a program of the Rocky Mountain Nature Association (RMNA), the nonprofit partner of Rocky Mountain National Park since 1931. RMNA also publishes materials of regional significance, operates more than 50 bookstores (including the visitor center bookstores in the park), and provides leadership for philanthropic efforts to protect public lands, renovate historic structures, and construct trails and visitor facilities.

RMNP Educational Opportunities

Additional information on RMNP educational opportunities, including a complete course list, instructor biographies, participant stories, photographs, and trip planning information, is available.