Olive Ridge

Star4.14
430 reviews
9054 U.S Hwy 285, Morrison, CO 80465
StargazingGreat Hiking

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

Opens United States Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Olive Ridge
$29.00 - $58.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates vary based on site type, ranging from $29 to $58 per night. Rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
Standard Site Fee$29.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$58.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
303-541-2500
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What Campers Say

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 430 reviews

149 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadespacioussites

""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.""

Read all reviews

Campground Map

9054 U.S Hwy 285, Morrison, CO 80465

Olive Ridge

9054 U.S Hwy 285, Morrison, CO 80465

Driving directionsThe campground is located on the west side of Colorado Highway 7, between Allenspark and Meeker Park at mile-marker 14. It is approximately six miles north of the intersection of Colorado Highways 7 and 72 (which is 21 miles west-north-west of Lyons), 15 miles south of Estes Park, and 29 miles north of Nederland.
Access to the campground is via Colorado Highway 7, providing paved road access to the entrance. Roads within the campground itself are gravel/dirt and noted to be narrow and bumpy in places with potholes, which may pose challenges for larger RVs.
Nearby places
Lyons (21 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Estes Park (15 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Nederland (29 miles, approximately 40 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Essential supplies including groceries, fuel, and camping equipment can be found in Estes Park, which is a full-service community 15 miles north of the campground. There is also a water source at Crystal Springs in Allenspark, a short drive away.

Best Time to Camp at Olive Ridge

Summer afternoons at Olive Ridge often bring dramatic mountain weather, as towering cumulus clouds build over the peaks before releasing refreshing thunderstorms that echo through the forest. Perched at 8,350 feet, the campground enjoys naturally cool temperatures that offer a welcome escape from summer heat, with crisp mornings perfect for coffee by the campfire and pleasantly warm afternoons ideal for exploration.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: popular for hiking and stargazing; afternoon thunderstorms common and weekends busy.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Quieter and cooler with fall colors in aspens, but shorter daylight and cooler temps.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Shoulder season with variable weather; campground opens mid-May, earlier spring limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed for winter/reservable season ends mid-September.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16, 2025 - September 13, 2025. 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

Hidden among the towering pines of Roosevelt National Forest, Olive Ridge Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Colorado mountain experience. This woodland sanctuary sits on the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park, where generously spaced campsites offer privacy beneath a canopy of evergreens. Whether you arrive with a tent or RV, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore miles of hiking trails, discover breathtaking vistas, and encounter the remarkable wildlife that call these mountains home.
"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."
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limits include up to 14 consecutive nights per visit and 14 nights total within a rolling 60-day period.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

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"Multiple trails are accessible nearby. Wild Basin, Finch Lake, and Sandbeach Lake trails are popular options, and the location is close to RMNP trailheads."
Fishing"Fishing opportunities exist both within the immediate area and at nearby Lake Estes. Fish species and quality of fishing are not detailed."
Wildlife viewing"Campers have reported sightings of moose, deer, and various types of birds. The shaded and wooded nature of the campground makes it a good spot for observing wildlife."
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country. Visitors are encouraged to practice strict food storage and campsite cleanliness. Strong winds can occur and may pose challenges for tents and RVs.
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.

Weather at Olive Ridge

Reviews

4.1
430 reviews
Satisfactory
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

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...
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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

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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