How much does camping cost at Olive Ridge?

Camping fees at Olive Ridge range from $29-$58/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Olive Ridge first-come first-served or reservation?

Olive Ridge accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Olive Ridge before I book?

Yes! Olive Ridge has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Olive Ridge?

Olive Ridge is open May 15 to September 11. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Olive Ridge?

Olive Ridge does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Olive Ridge have?

Olive Ridge has 56 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Olive Ridge?

Yes, pets are allowed at Olive Ridge. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Olive Ridge?

Olive Ridge offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Olive Ridge?

Popular activities at Olive Ridge include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Olive Ridge

Q: Can I have a campfire at Olive Ridge?

Fire policies at Olive Ridge: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.12

430 reviews

9054 U.S Hwy 285, Morrison, CO 80465

Featured in:Tent Camping Colorado

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,350 ft

Price

$29 - $58/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

56 campsites

Season

The campground's pea...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on United States Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,350 ft

Price

$29 - $58/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

56 campsites

Season

The campground's pea...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on United States Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Olive Ridge

$29.00 - $58.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $29.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $29.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC- Double Site: $58.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $29.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $29.00....

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

303-541-2500

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

9054 U.S Hwy 285, Morrison, CO 80465

Olive Ridge

9054 U.S Hwy 285, Morrison, CO 80465

Nearby places

Lyons (21 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Estes Park (15 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Nederland (29 miles, approximately 40 minutes).

Weather at Olive Ridge

Current alerts(9)

All campsites must be occupied within 26 hours of the beginning of the reservation. If not present the site will be rented by first come first serve basis.
EXTRA VEHICLE FEES: One vehicle is included in your reservation. Any additional vehicles will be charged $8.00 per vehicle per night and will be collected by the camphost. There is not a way to pay for extra vehicles when you make your reservation.
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.
Modifications for this campground must be made through Recreation.gov PRIOR to your reservation start date. Customers and contact center agents cannot modify reservations on or after the check-in date.

Best Time to Camp at Olive Ridge

Best season: summer. Summer offers the easiest access and the most reliable weather for exploring trails and fishing near Rocky Mountain National Park, with daytime highs commonly in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F and crisp nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s. Afternoon mountain thunderstorms are common—plan hikes for early mornings—but this is when wildflowers, active streams, and high-elevation wildlife viewing are at their peak and trailheads are fully snow-free. Expect the campground to be busiest (reservations open June Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Quieter, cooler season with aspen color; good for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground's peak season runs from May 16 to September 13. Reservations are available starting June 24, and the facility closes for reservable use after September 13.

About Olive Ridge

Olive Ridge sits at high elevation in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park's eastern entrance near Estes Park. This mid-sized Forest Service campground offers spacious, shaded sites for tent and RV camping with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers use it as a base for hiking and exploring RMNP, enjoying cooler mountain air and proximity to alpine trails during the summer season.

"The Olive Ridge Campground caters to both RV and tent campers, offering standard non-electric sites, oversized group sites for up to 10 people, and first-come-first-serve options."

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the easiest access and the most reliable weather for exploring trails and fishing near Rocky Mountain National Park, with daytime highs commonly in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F and crisp nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s. Afternoon mountain thunderstorms are common—plan hikes for early mornings—but this is when wildflowers, active streams, and high-elevation wildlife viewing are at their peak and trailheads are fully snow-free. Expect the campground to be busiest (reservations open June Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8350 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines and aspen groves dominate the landscape, providing shade across the campground. Moose and deer move through the understory, particularly at dawn and dusk. The elevation and forest cover create a classic Front Range montane environment. Afternoon thunderheads build visibly over the peaks during summer months.

Lodging & Accommodations"The campground does not include hotel-style lodging accommodations, but nearby Allenspark and Estes Park provide such options."

Programs & Activitiesnull

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limits include up to 14 consecutive nights per visit and 14 nights total within a rolling 60-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people per single site, with two oversized sites accommodating up to 10 people.

Groups

Sites #26 and #39 are designated for groups, accommodating up to 10 people at an additional fee.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling their contact center at 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityNo specific ADA-compliant features are mentioned, but several reviews highlight the general spaciousness and level terrain of campsites, which may benefit campers with mobility concerns.

Site SizeSites are generally spacious, with tent pads measuring 14'x16'. Sites #26 and #39 are oversized, accommodating up to 10 people.

PrivacySites are described as well-spaced and surrounded by trees, offering privacy. Perimeter sites tend to be more secluded.

Total Campsites56 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites farther from the road for reduced noise. Perimeter sites offer more seclusion and mountain views. Sites with larger tent pads are recommended for families with children.

Best CampsitesSites #26 and #39 are oversized, fitting up to 10 people. Pika Loop sits farther from the road and runs quieter than Snee Loop, which offers first-come, first-served sites closer to highway noise. Perimeter sites provide the most seclusion.

Need help booking Olive Ridge?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Water is not available at Olive Ridge. Please bring all the water you will need for your stay. There are not utility or water hook-ups, dump stations, or showers within the campground.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

"Activities include hiking, fishing, and mountain climbing. Olive Ridge provides easy access to the Wild Basin area and several trailheads, such as Finch Lake and Sandbeach Lake Trails. Wildlife viewing is common, and nearby towns offer additional recreational opportunities, such as boating and golfing."

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Food Storage RequiredEach campsite is equipped with metal bear lockers to securely store food and prevent wildlife interactions.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & Recycling"Trash services are available on-site, though some reviews note that the dumpsters were occasionally near overflowing. Recycling facilities are not mentioned."

Cell Coverage"Many reviews state there is no cell service at the campground, making this a digital detox destination. Some users note that Wi-Fi is accessible at the welcome center in Allenspark nearby."

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

430 reviews

Satisfactory

Olive Ridge is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

"Reviews praise Olive Ridge for its beautiful location, spacious sites, and proximity to RMNP. However, lack of potable water, variable cleanliness of vault toilets, and occasional noise from nearby highways are noted."

Review Summaries

Based on 430 reviews

What Campers Love

"Spacious campsites, proximity to RMNP, good shade, clean vault toilets (at times), and welcoming camp hosts are frequently highlighted."

Based on 430 reviews

Common Concerns

"Lack of water, inconsistent cleanliness of vault toilets, highway noise, and occasional overcrowding on weekends are common issues."

Based on 430 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

"Sites #26 and #39 are group-friendly, allowing up to 10 people. Perimeter sites offer more privacy, such as site #29."

Based on 430 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Bring your own water, as there's none available on-site. Consider arriving early for first-come-first-serve sites. Utilize nearby Crystal Springs in Allenspark for high-quality water."

Based on 430 reviews

Seasonal Insights

"Summer is popular but busy, with afternoon thunderstorms common. Fall is quieter but cooler. Winter camping is not available due to seasonal closures."

Based on 430 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "The sites are spacious and well-shaded." - "Bring your own water as there is none available on site." - "Vault toilets are clean but odor-prone." - "The camp host was incredibly friendly and...

Based on 430 reviews

Accessibility Features

"No specific accessibility features mentioned, but the level terrain and spacious sites might accommodate mobility aids."

Based on 430 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

"Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Some users noted responsible pet behavior near their sites."

Based on 430 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want affordable access near RMNP with room to spread out and don't mind bringing your own water.

Skip if

You need potable water on-site or prefer smooth interior roads and flush toilets.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.2

(55)

Meeker Park Overflow Campground

West side of Colorado Highway 7 at mile-marker 11

Meeker Park Overflow Campground sits at 8,615 feet in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, minutes from Estes Park and the trails into Longs Peak and Wild Basin. This small U.S. Forest Service campground offers primitive tent and RV sites with fire rings and picnic tables under tall pines. Campers come for wildlife viewing, stargazing, and access to high-country hiking.