Rocky Mountain National Park Hotels

Rocky Mountain National Park itself has no hotels or lodges. But there is a range of lodging in Estes Park, Grand Lake, and nearby towns. For a historic spot, try the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park—with its statey structure, it would fit right in on Mackinac Island in Michigan.

Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park

Five top-notch campgrounds in the park meet the needs of campers, whether you're staying in a tent, trailer, or RV (only two campgrounds accept reservations; the others fill up on a first-come, first-served basis). Backcountry camping requires advance reservations or a day-of-trip permit; contact Backcountry Permits, Rocky Mountain National Park (Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, U.S. 36 southwest of Estes Park. 970/586-1242. May-Sept., daily 7-7; Oct.-Apr., daily 8-4:30) before starting out.

Campgrounds & RV Parks

Aspenglen Campground. This quiet, east-side spot near the north entrance is set in open pine woodland along Fall River. It doesn't have the views of Moraine Park or Glacier Basin, but it is small and peaceful. There are a few excellent walk-in sites for those who want to pitch a tent away from the crowds but still close to the car. All sites accommodate RVs, tents, trailers, or campers. Firewood and ice are for sale. Drive past Fall River Visitor Center on U.S. 34 and turn left at the campground road. 54 sites. Flush toilets, drinking water, fire grates, public telephone. Reservations not accepted. AE, D, MC, V. Late May-mid-Sept.

Glacier Basin Campground. Rest in the shade of lodgepole pines on the banks of Glacier Creek and take in views of the Continental Divide. There's easy access to a network of many popular trails, and rangers come here for campfire programs. All sites accommodate RVs, tents, trailers, or campers. Firewood and ice are for sale. Drive 5 mi south from U.S. 36 along Bear Lake Rd. 877/444-6777. 150 sites. Flush toilets, dump station, drinking water, fire grates, public telephone. Reservations essential. AE, D, MC, V. Late May-mid-Sept.

Longs Peak Campground. Hikers going up Longs Peak can stay at this year-round, tent-only campground. Sites are limited to eight people; ice and firewood are sold in summer. 9 mi south of Estes Park on Rte. 7. 26 tent sites. Flush toilets, pit toilets, drinking water (mid-May-mid-Sept.), fire grates, ranger station. Reservations not accepted. AE, D, MC, V. Open year-round.

Moraine Park Campground. This popular campground hosts ranger-led campfire programs and is near hiking trails. You'll hear elk bugling if you camp here in September or October. Sites accommodate RVs, tents, trailers, and campers, but are limited to eight people (except at group sites). Reservations are essential from mid-May to late September. Drive south on Bear Lake Rd. from U.S. 36, 0.75 mi to campground entrance. 877/444-6777. 245 sites. Flush toilets, pit toilets, dump station, drinking water (mid-May-mid-Sept.), fire grates, public telephone. AE, D, MC, V. Open year-round.

Timber Creek Campground. Anglers love this spot on the Colorado River, 10 mi from Grand Lake village. In the evening you can sit in on ranger-led campfire programs. All sites accommodate RVs, tents, trailers, or campers, and are limited to eight people. Firewood is sold here. Trail Ridge Rd. 1, 2 mi west of Alpine Visitor Center. 98 sites. Flush toilets, pit toilets, dump station, drinking water (mid-May to mid-Sept.), fire grates, public telephone. Reservations not accepted. AE, D, MC, V. Open year-round.

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