Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the United States' most beautiful national parks. With more than 13,000 feet of vertical climbing, endless lakes, and breath-taking views of the surrounding peaks, it is no wonder that this park is considered one of the most difficult to get into of all the national parks. It is one of the most beautiful and rewarding to visit once you get there. Rocky Mountain National Park is a bucket-list destination for many. If you are planning a visit, you will want to read this guide! This guide will help prepare you for your trip to Rocky Mountain National Park and ensure that you maximize your time there.
What to Expect When Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park
Like many of the national parks in the western United States, visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park will be treated to various scenery. This scenery consists of lush green forests, wide-open meadows, raging rivers, and spectacular mountain peaks. It is no wonder that Rocky is one of the most popular national parks in the United States.
If you have never been to Rocky before, you are in for a real treat. Rocky is not like most other national parks you may have visited. Yes, it has lakes, mountains, and glaciers, but trees. Tons of trees. Rocky Mountain National Park has the largest contiguous tree cover in the entire United States outside Alaska. This is because the park is protected by the Continental Divide, which means that it is cut off from the hot, dry air of the desert Southwest.
Types of Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park
There are many different types of camping in Rocky Mountain National Park. You can camp at a primitive site, a developed campground, or a backcountry site.
Primitive sites can be found throughout the park and are open from May to October. These sites do not require a permit and have no amenities. You must bring your firewood, water, and toilet paper. There are no showers at these campgrounds.
Backcountry campsites are located in the backcountry and require a free permit. These sites are only open from May to September and have no amenities. You must pack in your water, food, and toilet paper. There are no showers at these sites either. There is no fee to reserve a backcountry campsite, but only 2% of the sites are open each year.
Rocky Mountain National Park Campground Maps
Moraine Park Campground
If you’re planning a longer trip and like the idea of a more remote campsite, Moraine Lake Campground is for you. It’s located near Field, and there are no facilities here either. The best bit about this campsite is that there is a boat launch to Moraine Lake, so you can explore the lake from the water.
Moraine Lake Lodge
If you’re after a luxury camping experience, stay at the Moraine Lake Lodge. This is the perfect spot to relax and unwind. You’ll find the best views from here of Moraine Lake, the Valley of Ten Peaks, and more. The lodge also has a restaurant and bar, so you can enjoy your camping trip after a busy day on the trails.
Glacier Basin Campground
Located down from Bear Lake Road just beyond Moraine park and a higher elevation sits Glacier Basic Campground. If you are looking for a location close to Bear Lake then this is the perfect campground for you.
Aspenglen Campground
Located near Fall River visitor center in the eastern Rocky Mountain National Park this smaller campground is more laid-back and quiet. It's the perfect campground for those looking to relax and enjoy the outdoors. For more information visit the USDA's information page.
Timber Creek Campground
The early bird gets the worm in this first-come first-served campground. Timber Creek is beautiful campground for families of all sizes.
Longs Peak Campground
Longs Peak is a small tent-only campground just off highway 7 east just south of Estes Park. Longs Peak is primarily used by hikers.
Rocky Mountain National Park Shuttle Map
How to Travel to Rocky Mountain National Park
You have several different options for traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park. You can fly to a nearby airport, rent a car, or pick up a shuttle. You can also travel by car, bus, or train.
Denver International Airport is the closest major hub if you are traveling by air. From there, you can either rent a car or pick up a shuttle to the park. The Estes Valley Railway provides service from the Denver Union Station if you are traveling by rail.
Rocky Mountain National Park Food & Lodging
This is the perfect time to stock up on groceries before your Rocky Mountain National Park trip. Unlike many other national parks in the western United States, food is not limited. You can bring meat, fish, and vegetables in from outside the national park, and there is a grocery store inside the park.
There is also a good chance you will need a hotel room or campsite after a long day of hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are several options in the park, but check out the Lake Dillon Campgrounds if you are looking for a more luxurious stay. These campgrounds offer full RV hookups and a lodge room with a shared kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area.
Looking for lodging in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Is it Worth the Trip?
If you are lucky enough to be able to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, you are in for a real treat. This is one of the most beautiful and rewarding national parks in the United States.
Bring at least one tent, sleeping bags and sleeping pads, and enough food and water for the weekend. You will also need hiking boots and maybe even a canoe or two. Once you are all set up, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Rockies!
With more than 13,000 feet of Vertical climbing, endless lakes, and breath-taking views of the surrounding peaks, it is no wonder that this park is considered one of the most difficult to get into of all the national parks. It is one of the most beautiful and rewarding to visit once you get there.
Rocky Mountain National Park Souvenirs
Have you visited Rocky Mountain National Park? Or are you thinking about a trip sometime in the future? Either way you will want some cool Rocky Mountain National Park souvenirs to remember you time there.