How much does camping cost at Estes Park Campground At East Portal?

Camping fees at Estes Park Campground At East Portal range from $7-$45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Estes Park Campground At East Portal first-come first-served or reservation?

Estes Park Campground At East Portal 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.

What is the best time to visit Estes Park Campground At East Portal?

Estes Park Campground At East Portal is open May 24 - September 14, 2024. 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 Estes Park Campground At East Portal?

Yes, Estes Park Campground At East Portal has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Estes Park Campground At East Portal have?

Estes Park Campground At East Portal has 64 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Estes Park Campground At East Portal?

Yes, pets are allowed at Estes Park Campground At East Portal. 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 Estes Park Campground At East Portal?

Estes Park Campground At East Portal offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Estes Park Campground At East Portal?

Popular activities at Estes Park Campground At East Portal include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Estes Park Campground At East Portal

Q: Can I have a campfire at Estes Park Campground At East Portal?

Fire policies at Estes Park Campground At East Portal: Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Ensure they are fully extinguished before departing.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.56

232 reviews

3420 Tunnel Road, Estes Park, Colorado, 80517, United States

Top 22% in COFall

StargazingGreat HikingSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Rocky Mountain National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,300 ft

Price

$7 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

64 campsites

Season

Open May 24 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Estes Valley Recreation and Park District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,300 ft

Price

$7 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

64 campsites

Season

Open May 24 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Estes Valley Recreation and Park District Official Website

Get Directions

Estes Park Campground At East Portal

$7.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Reservation fee includes a non-refundable processing fee of $8.75 per reservation and a vehicle fee of $7/day. Additional change/cancellation fees...

Standard Site Fee$45.00

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Campground Map

3420 Tunnel Road, Estes Park, Colorado, 80517, United States

Estes Park Campground At East Portal

3420 Tunnel Road, Estes Park, Colorado, 80517, United States

Nearby places

Estes Park (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies available in Estes Park (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes) and at the campground's well-stocked camp store.

Weather at Estes Park Campground At East Portal

Best Time to Camp at Estes Park Campground At East Portal

Early fall is prime, particularly late August through early September. Days are crisp and clear, typically 50-70°F, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Aspens turn gold against the granite ridgelines, bugs are far fewer than summer, and wildlife viewing peaks as animals prepare for winter. Fishing remains good in alpine streams. Crowds thin out compared to mid-summer. Note the campground closes September 14, so plan for the first half of September.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in CO

Early fall called 'prime' with aspens turning gold and elk bugling; great foliage season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 24 - September 14, 2024. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 24 - September 14, 2024.

About Estes Park Campground At East Portal

Estes Park Campground at East Portal sits at 8,300 feet on a forested hillside crowned by granite outcroppings. The campground has 64 sites for tents and small RVs (under 22 feet), with fees ranging $7-45 per night. Amenities include hot showers, flush toilets, electric and water hookups, and a camp store that delivers firewood to your site. There's no cell service.

The campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, offering tent-only sites, RV sites with water and electric hookups, and double sites for groups. It is best suited for small RVs and trailers under 22 feet.

Weather and SeasonsEarly fall is prime, particularly late August through early September. Days are crisp and clear, typically 50-70°F, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Aspens turn gold against the granite ridgelines, bugs are far fewer than summer, and wildlife viewing peaks as animals prepare for winter. Fishing remains good in alpine streams. Crowds thin out compared to mid-summer. Note the campground closes September 14, so plan for the first half of September.

ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 8,300 feet above sea level, this mountain sanctuary offers more than just spectacular views. The elevation creates a natural air conditioning system, providing refreshing relief from summer heat while treating campers to panoramic vistas of rugged peaks and endless sky. The thin mountain air adds an invigorating quality to every breath and makes the stars shine with exceptional brilliance.

Natural Features and SceneryLocated at 8,300 feet elevation at the end of Tunnel Road west of Estes Park, featuring a mature blend of ponderosa and lodgepole pines interspersed with aspen groves. Offers shady sites with views of snow-covered peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park and starry nighttime skies. Adjacent to East Portal Reservoir.[1][2][4][5]

Geological RegionSet within the majestic Rocky Mountains, this campground occupies a gently sloping hillside sheltered by ancient granite sentinels. These weathered outcroppings crown the ridgeline above, their craggy faces telling stories of geological forces that shaped this landscape over millions of years. The heavily shaded terrain creates intimate camping spaces while the granite formations provide dramatic backdrops for your mountain memories.

Scenic ViewsViews of snow-covered peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park and granite ridgelines.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 2 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights within a 28-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 guests per site, including children.

Groups

The campground accommodates groups of 7-10 people by offering double sites or two adjacent sites, but does not have dedicated group sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwo loops with sites relatively small and close together. Trees provide some visual separation. Sites work best for tents and small trailers under 22 feet.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Reserve America Call Center or the official website https://evrpd.colorado.gov/east-portal-campground.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is possible, but reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season.

Cancellation PolicyChanges or cancellations can be made through Reserve America Call Center at (800)964-7806. Processing fee applies for changes/cancellations. Reservations canceled within 7 days of arrival will forfeit one night's fee plus processing.

AccessibilityThe campground offers ADA-accessible campsites, picnic tables, and restrooms. The facility is suitable for guests with disabilities, but detailed reviews on the accessibility features are limited.

Site SizeSites are relatively small and better suited for tent campers and small trailers (under 22 feet). Double sites are available for larger groups, accommodating up to two families.

PrivacySome users have noted that campsites are close together, which may limit privacy. One user said, 'The sites are pretty close together, but it’s wooded so it didn’t bother us at all.' Another mentioned that 'sites are much closer than they appear on the map when booking.

Total Campsites64 campsites

Recommended SitesTent sites below A6 may flood during rain. Sites near the playground may have more noise.

Best CampsitesNo specific site recommendations from campers; all 66 sites are shady, suitable for tents and small RVs/trailers under 22 feet, some ADA accessible, with picnic tables and campfire rings.[1][2][4]

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Estes Park Campground at East Portal offers a comprehensive set of amenities, making it a well-equipped base for exploring the Rocky Mountains. The campground features 64 sites with picnic tables and campfire rings, some of which are ADA accessible. Facilities include drinking water, hot showers, flush toilets, a dump station, water and electric hookups for RVs, firewood and ice sales, and a well-stocked camp store. Additional amenities include a playground for children and bear boxes at each campsite. User reviews praise the cleanliness and maintenance of the restrooms and showers, with one reviewer noting, 'The bathrooms and showers were also very clean, cleaner than some hotels!' However, some users mentioned that the showers lack privacy. Firewood and ice are conveniently available for purchase, with one reviewer highlighting that '8 pounds of ice is $3 and a bundle of wood is $6.50, plus they will bring it to your campsite.'

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers abundant outdoor activities, with direct access to trails leading into Rocky Mountain National Park, fishing at the nearby East Portal Reservoir, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The location is ideal for hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPresence of black bears requires responsible food storage. Uneven terrain and tight sites may pose challenges for oversized RVs.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredEach site is equipped with bear boxes for food storage to ensure safety from wildlife.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Ensure they are fully extinguished before departing.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced but exact times are not stated.

Emergency ServicesEstes Park Medical Center (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes)

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available within the campground, but specific details such as schedules or exact locations are not provided.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to East Portal Reservoir, offering fishing opportunities.

Camp HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful by many reviewers.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

232 reviews

Top-Rated

Estes Park Campground At East Portal is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for the Estes Park Campground at East Portal are generally positive, highlighting the cleanliness of facilities, proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, and the friendliness of staff. Complaints often focus on strict rule enforcement and site size. One reviewer said, 'The staff were super nice, they sell firewood and can even deliver to your site,' while another noted, 'The campsites seemed small at first but after we got everything set up, they were perfect for us.'

Review Summaries

Based on 232 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 232 reviews.

Site A6Loved
Site A6 is mentioned for its scenic views but cautioned for potential flooding during rain.
site A20Loved
Tent site A20 is noted as being uphill and quieter than others.

What Campers Love

Family-friendly, quiet escape from Estes Park bustle, excellent proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, fishing at reservoir, shady sites, playground, hot showers.[1][2]

Based on 232 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include strict enforcement of rules (e.g., vehicle limits, site occupancy), small site sizes, and lack of privacy due to close proximity of sites. Some users also noted unfriendly staff...

Based on 232 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Plan for spotty cell service and no Wi-Fi. Maximum RV/trailer length 22 feet. Check-in 2 PM, check-out 11 AM, quiet hours 10 PM-6 AM, 5 MPH speed limit. Reservations required up to 180 days in...

Based on 232 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews praise the campground for its easy access to trails and well-maintained facilities. Fall reviews highlight the vibrant foliage and elk bugling. Winter conditions are not covered in...

Based on 232 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The bathrooms and showers were cleaner than some hotels!' - Jayde F. 'Trailhead to Rocky Mountain National Park is about 100 yards or so away.' - Laura Steele 'Loved waking up to deer in the camp...

Based on 232 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA-accessible amenities are listed, but user reviews do not provide much detail on accessibility experiences.

Based on 232 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and reviews mention a dog-friendly environment. One user noted, 'My wife and I stayed here with our golden retriever and had a very pleasant experience.'

Based on 232 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Hikers and families who want a proper base camp for Rocky Mountain National Park without tent-camping in the chaos of Estes Park. Trails to Glacier Basin leave directly from the campground, the reservoir is walkable for fishing, and fall dates in late August through early Septemb

Skip if

Strict rule enforcement is a recurring complaint here, and reviewers describe friction with staff more often than at comparable campgrounds in the area. Bring patience for site limits, vehicle counts, and occupancy rules enforced seriously. RVs over 22 feet also won't fit, and si

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Glacier Basin Campground sits at high elevation in Rocky Mountain National Park, operated by the National Park Service and offering direct access to Bear Lake shuttle routes and alpine trailheads. This large campground serves as a base for hiking to Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, and Continental Divide routes, with flush toilets, a dump station, and ranger support. Sites accommodate tents, RVs, and groups, with fire rings and picnic tables throughout.