Is Longs Peak Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Longs Peak Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Longs Peak Campground before I book?

Yes! Longs Peak Campground has 11 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 Longs Peak Campground?

Longs Peak Campground is open Open from early July to early September.. 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 Longs Peak Campground?

Longs Peak Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Longs Peak Campground have?

Longs Peak Campground has 26 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Longs Peak Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Longs Peak Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Longs Peak Campground?

Longs Peak Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Longs Peak Campground

4.06

19 reviews

Top 5%Summer

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Camping Near Rocky Mountain National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open from early July...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open from early July...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Longs Peak Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

9705861206romo_information@nps.gov

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Plan a trip to Longs Peak Campground

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Campground Map

Longs Peak Campground

40.2748, -105.5577

Nearby places

Estes Park (20 miles, approximately 20 minutes).

Weather at Longs Peak Campground

Best Time to Camp at Longs Peak Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the clear best time because the campground is open and trail access to Longs Peak and surrounding alpine routes is reliably snow-free; expect crisp mornings around 37–42°F and comfortable daytime highs of roughly 69–74°F. This window offers the best hiking, summit attempts, wildflower meadows in early July, and optimal wildlife viewing, though afternoon thunderstorms are common so plan early alpine starts. Campground is small and popular with climbers and backpackers, so expect sites ( Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 5% in US

Open early July–early September; summer is peak season with best conditions.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open from early July to early September.

About Longs Peak Campground

Longs Peak Campground sits at high elevation in Rocky Mountain National Park, operated by the National Park Service as a small tent-only base camp for summit attempts and alpine exploration near Estes Park. The primitive sites offer vault toilets and fire rings with direct trail access to Longs Peak and surrounding backcountry routes. Campers appreciate the helpful hosts and clean facilities, though there's no potable water on-site.

Longs Peak Campground is a primitive, tents-only camping area without RV or group options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clear best time because the campground is open and trail access to Longs Peak and surrounding alpine routes is reliably snow-free; expect crisp mornings around 37–42°F and comfortable daytime highs of roughly 69–74°F. This window offers the best hiking, summit attempts, wildflower meadows in early July, and optimal wildlife viewing, though afternoon thunderstorms are common so plan early alpine starts. Campground is small and popular with climbers and backpackers, so expect sites ( Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense evergreen forest surrounds the campground, creating natural shade and privacy between sites. The high-elevation location supports hardy pines and firs adapted to thin mountain soils and short growing seasons. Black bears, elk, mule deer, and raccoons move through regularly. Bear lockers are provided at each site for food storage. The surrounding landscape shows evidence of glacial carving, with exposed granite formations visible on nearby peaks. Wildflower meadows bloom in early July at this altitude.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

This campground has a stay limit of 7 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each camping site is limited to one camping unit (a tent) plus one additional tent, with a maximum of 8 people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations accepted; first-come, first-serve.

AccessibilityNo ADA-compliant sites are available. The campground is not wheelchair accessible.

Site SizeAll sites are intended for tent camping with limited space for vehicles.

PrivacyThe campground is forested, which may offer some natural privacy between sites.

Total Campsites26 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites closer to trailheads for ease of access; avoid sites prone to water pooling during rain.

Amenities available

Longs Peak Campground is a tents-only campground located at a high elevation of 9500 feet. It is forested and offers vault toilets but lacks potable water, requiring campers to bring their own drinking water. Amenities are limited, and there are no showers, internet connectivity, or firewood sales. Fires are allowed only in designated metal grates. Food storage lockers and seasonal trash/recycling collection are provided. The campground is staffed seasonally.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground offers vault toilets year-round.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available seasonally, required due to frequent wildlife activity.

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.

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

4.1

19 reviews

Satisfactory

Longs Peak Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise the natural beauty, proximity to hiking trails, and helpfulness of staff. Limitations such as lack of water and basic amenities are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the helpfulness of the camp host, cleanliness, and proximity to Longs Peak trails.

Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints involve the lack of potable water, limited parking, and occasional closure of restrooms for maintenance.

Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own drinking water and be prepared for high-altitude conditions. Arrive early to secure a first-come, first-served site.

Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open only during summer, with July and August being the most popular months. Visitors experience clear and manageable weather during this period, but rain can temporarily affect...

Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The camp host here is absolutely amazing and super friendly!" (Angie Hayden) "Super nice campground! The host was helpful and nice but the views were the best part." (Emily & Ryan) "Good location if...

Based on 19 reviews