Estes Park Campground At East Portal

Star4.59
232 reviews
3420 Tunnel Road, Estes Park, Colorado, 80517, United States
Great Hiking

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Estes Valley Recreation and Park District site

Official Website
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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...
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Standard Site Fee$45.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 232 reviews

250 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomshiking

Some mention

crowded

"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.'"

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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

Driving directionsFrom downtown Estes Park, take U.S. Highway 36/CO 66 west approximately 1.7 miles. Take CO 66 to the left (aka Tunnel Road), for 3.3 miles to the campground.
Inner roads are primitive and narrow, making navigating large rigs challenging. Seasonal closures are not mentioned explicitly.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Estes Park Campground At East Portal

Experience the dramatic dance of mountain weather throughout the year. Summer days unfold with golden warmth that gives way to crisp, star-filled nights perfect for campfire stories. As autumn arrives, temperatures begin their descent, painting the aspens in brilliant golds. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, bringing snow-dusted pines and temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags and warm beverages.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer reviews praise trail access, well-maintained facilities and pleasant days/cool nights.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall reviews highlight vibrant foliage and elk bugling; aspen colors noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from late May; limited spring window and fewer reviews on early-spring conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 24–Sept 14; winter conditions not covered in reviews.

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

Nestled high in the mountains at 8,300 feet, this enchanting double-loop campground weaves through a forest tapestry of towering ponderosa and lodgepole pines. Perfect for tent campers and those with small trailers up to 22 feet, this mountain retreat combines rustic charm with modern comforts. After a day of adventure, you'll appreciate the luxury of hot showers and flush toilets, while the convenient camp store ensures you're never far from essentials. Several ADA accessible sites welcome all visitors, and the nearby East Portal Reservoir and network of hiking trails put wilderness exploration right at your doorstep.
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.
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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.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

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.
HikingNumerous trails start directly from the campground, providing access to areas such as Glacier Basin and Sprague Lake within Rocky Mountain National Park. The onsite Wind River Trail is a peaceful and less-crowded option. Reviewers describe the hiking as 'extremely popular' and 'wonderful,' with one user stating, 'Trailhead to Rocky Mountain National Park is about 100 yards or so away.'
FishingFishing is available at the East Portal Reservoir, which is within walking distance of the campground. One reviewer shared that they 'caught 4 fish in the lake on our last day there.'
BikingA multi-use singletrack trail connects the campground to the nearby YMCA, making it a convenient option for mountain biking. The terrain is suitable for recreational biking, though specific difficulty levels are not provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings are frequent, with elk, deer, and black bears commonly seen in the area. Hummingbirds and chipmunks have also been mentioned. 'We saw deer and a bear within the campground, and elk just down the road,' noted one reviewer.
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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.

Weather at Estes Park Campground At East Portal

Reviews

4.6
232 reviews
Top-Rated
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

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the cleanliness of restrooms and showers, helpful staff, and convenient amenities like bear boxes and a well-stocked camp store. Wildlife sightings and...
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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...
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Based on 232 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend booking well in advance due to high demand, especially during peak seasons. Plan for no cell service and bring maps or offline navigation tools. Avoid larger RVs as sites are...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 232 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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