Planning a visit to the breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park? One of the first things to consider is where to stay during your trip. While the park itself does not offer lodging within its boundaries, you’ll find a variety of options in the charming neighboring towns and within the park’s campgrounds.
For those seeking traditional lodging near Rocky Mountain National Park, the gateway communities of Estes Park and Grand Lake provide a wide array of choices. Estes Park, located on the east side of the park, and Grand Lake, on the west side, both offer hotels, motels, cabins, and vacation rentals to suit various budgets and preferences. These towns serve as excellent bases for exploring the park and offer amenities like restaurants and shops.
If you prefer to immerse yourself in nature, camping in Rocky Mountain National Park is an unforgettable experience. There are five established campgrounds accessible by vehicle inside the park. On the east side, Moraine Park Campground, Glacier Basin Campground, and Aspenglen Campground require reservations, ensuring you have a spot. Longs Peak Campground, also on the east side, operates on a first-come, first-served basis for tents only during the peak summer months (July to early September). On the west side, Timber Creek Campground is the sole option and also requires reservations.
For winter visitors seeking where to stay in Rocky Mountain National Park, Aspenglen Campground remains open during the 2024/2025 winter season. From late October to late May, a limited number of campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, offering a unique winter camping experience.
For the adventurous, wilderness backpacking camping offers a chance to deeply explore the park’s backcountry. Detailed information for planning your overnight backpacking trip can be found on the park’s Wilderness Overnight Backpacking webpage.
While exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, keep in mind that dining options within the park are limited. During the summer season (late May to early October), you can find a cafe and coffee bar at the Trail Ridge Store, near the Alpine Visitor Center. Grocery stores are not located inside Rocky Mountain National Park, so it’s advisable to stock up on supplies in Estes Park or Grand Lake before entering the park. Both towns boast numerous restaurants and grocery stores to meet your needs, ensuring you are well-prepared for your Rocky Mountain adventure.
