Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground
Open for the 2026 summer season. The campground opened May 21, 2026 and closes September 8, 2026 at noon. All sites are reservation-only via Recreation.gov. Check-in is 1 p.m., check-out is noon. Camping reservations include timed entry for Bear Lake Road. Park-wide 7-night camping limit applies.
Air Quality Alert issued July 1 at 9:10AM MDT by NWS Denver CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Action Day for Multiple Pollutants. WHERE...Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld Counties WHEN...400 PM Tuesday June 30 to 400 PM Wednesday July 01 IMPACTS...Action Day for Multiple Pollutants is now in effect for the Front Range Urban Corridor. Continued hot and sunny weather conditions may allow ozone concentrations to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category on Tuesday and Wednesday. The transport of wildfire smoke may increase particle pollution levels, reaching the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category, or worse, at times. For Colorado air quality conditions, forecasts, and advisories, visit: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx If possible, please help us reduce ozone pollution by limiting driving gas and diesel-powered vehicles until at least 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Colorado is also addressing ozone pollution through state policies. For more information about health impacts and how ozone pollution forms in Colorado, visit: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/ozone- pollution-and-your-health HEALTH INFORMATION...If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.
About
Glacier Basin Campground offers 150 campsites at 8,500 feet on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park, positioned 5.2 miles up Bear Lake Road from the Beaver Meadows Entrance. The campground features a mix of standard tent/RV sites in Loops A, B, C, and D, along with tent-only group sites. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring with grate, and tent pad. Paved roads and parking spurs accommodate vehicles up to 35 feet combined length, though the group loop restricts vehicles over 21 feet. Amenities include flush toilets, potable drinking water, and an RV dump station. No hookups, showers, or laundry facilities are available. Sites are limited to eight persons, one camping unit, and two vehicles. Pets are allowed but must be leashed (6 feet max) and are prohibited on trails, tundra, and meadows. The surrounding forest of Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, and ponderosa pine provides a mix of sun and shade. Wildlife viewing opportunities include mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and various songbirds. The campground's location provides convenient access to Bear Lake Road trailheads and the park's alpine tundra via Trail Ridge Road.
Directions
From Estes Park, take US Highway 36 west to the Beaver Meadows Entrance. The turn for Bear Lake Road is 0.2 miles past the entrance on the left. Drive 5.2 miles up Bear Lake Road; the campground entrance is on the left, across from the Park & Ride parking area. From Grand Lake, enter via the Grand Lake Entrance and follow Trail Ridge Road east approximately 40 miles to Deer Ridge Junction, then follow signs toward US 36/Beaver Meadows Entrance. Bear Lake Road turnoff is on the right, 0.2 miles before the park exit.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $35 - $70 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 35ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 586-1206 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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