Colorado / Larimer County / Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground

Closed — Closed for winter. Opens May 22, 2025 for the summer season. Operates reservation-only with a 7-night maximum stay across all park campgrounds. Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road reservation included with camping reservation. Check-in at 1 p.m., checkout by noon.

About

Glacier Basin Campground is one of Rocky Mountain National Park's premier camping destinations, located at 8,500 feet elevation approximately 5 miles up Bear Lake Road on the park's east side. The campground offers 150 campsites across multiple loops, including standard sites that accommodate RVs and tents, tent-only sites, and 12 group sites. All sites are available by reservation only during the summer operating season through Recreation.gov. The campground features paved roads and parking spurs, with each site equipped with a picnic table, fire ring with grate, and tent pad. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided, though there are no showers or hookups available. A dump station serves RV campers. The campground's free shuttle stop connects to the park's shuttle system, providing convenient access to numerous trailheads and scenic destinations throughout the Bear Lake Road Corridor. Due to pine beetle damage, the C Loop, D Loop, and Group Loop have had all trees removed, resulting in minimal shade but spectacular mountain and stargazing views. The remaining areas feature a pleasant mix of Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, and occasional Engelmann spruce. Wildlife is abundant, with frequent sightings of mule deer, elk, and occasional black bear, coyote, bighorn sheep, and moose. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park's 350+ miles of hiking trails and iconic alpine scenery.

Directions

From Estes Park: Drive west on US Highway 36 to Beaver Meadows Entrance. Turn left onto Bear Lake Road 0.2 miles from entrance. Drive 5.2 miles; campground entrance is on the left across from Park & Ride. From Grand Lake: Enter at Grand Lake Entrance and follow Trail Ridge Road east 40 miles to Deer Ridge Junction. Follow signs for US Hwy 36/Beaver Meadows Entrance. Turn right onto Bear Lake Road. Drive 5.2 miles; campground entrance is on left.

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