Longs Peak Campground

4.54

19 reviews

Featured in:Camping Near Rocky Mountain National Park

Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open from early July...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open from early July...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Longs Peak Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee to camp at Longs Peak Campground is $30 per site, per night. There are no flushable toilets and campers need to bring their own drinkable...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

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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Provider

9705861206romo_information@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 19 reviews

30 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Longs Peak Campground

40.2748, -105.5577

Driving directionsFrom Estes Park, take CO Hwy 7 south for 20 miles. Longs Peak Road will be on your right with signs for Longs Peak Ranger Station and Longs Peak Campground.

Accessible via paved roads; no specific seasonal closures of access roads noted, but weather conditions (snow, ice) can affect travel at higher elevations.

Nearby places

Estes Park (20 miles, approximately 20 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Estes Park, 20 minutes away, is the nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Longs Peak Campground

Summer mornings at Longs Peak Campground greet visitors with crisp mountain air and temperatures hovering between 37-42°F, perfect for early alpine starts. As the sun climbs higher, daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 69-74°F, ideal for exploring nearby trails or simply relaxing among the pines. September ushers in autumn's first whispers, with highs dipping to 66°F and nighttime lows approaching a frosty 34°F. Mountain weather here is famously mercurial—afternoon thunderstorms can roll in without warning, and even summer nights may bring unexpected icy conditions. Seasoned campers know to pack layers and prepare for nature's mood swings at this elevation.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Open early July–early Sept; July/August are peak months with manageable weather.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside its early-summer season.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Closed until early July; spring season not applicable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; not available for winter activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Early July through early September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from early July to early September.
Current Alerts: Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park may have icy conditions due to melting snow and freezing temperatures. Visitors are advised to call 970-586-1222 for updates.

About Longs Peak Campground

Perched at a breathtaking 9,500 feet in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak Campground offers an authentic backcountry experience for adventurous souls. This intimate, tents-only sanctuary serves as the perfect basecamp for those drawn to Colorado's most iconic fourteener. Nestled within a pristine evergreen forest, the campground provides a rustic escape where modern amenities take a backseat to raw mountain beauty. While vault toilets are available, the absence of potable water means campers must come prepared with their own supply—a small price to pay for front-row access to one of America's most legendary peaks.

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

Weather and SeasonsSummer mornings at Longs Peak Campground greet visitors with crisp mountain air and temperatures hovering between 37-42°F, perfect for early alpine starts. As the sun climbs higher, daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 69-74°F, ideal for exploring nearby trails or simply relaxing among the pines. September ushers in autumn's first whispers, with highs dipping to 66°F and nighttime lows approaching a frosty 34°F. Mountain weather here is famously mercurial—afternoon thunderstorms can roll in without warning, and even summer nights may bring unexpected icy conditions. Seasoned campers know to pack layers and prepare for nature's mood swings at this elevation.

ElevationAt 9,500 feet above sea level, Longs Peak Campground sits in the thin air of Colorado's high country. This lofty perch means visitors may feel the effects of altitude—shortness of breath, increased heart rate, and the need for extra hydration are all part of the mountain experience. The elevation also creates a unique microclimate where summer can feel like spring and autumn arrives early. For many, adjusting to the altitude is part of the adventure, a reminder that you've entered a realm where the peaks scrape the sky and every breath connects you more deeply to the alpine environment.

Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by towering evergreens that whisper ancient mountain secrets, Longs Peak Campground immerses visitors in a pristine alpine ecosystem. The dense forest canopy creates a natural cathedral where sunlight filters through pine and fir branches, casting dancing shadows on the forest floor. This high-altitude haven attracts an impressive cast of wildlife characters—black bears lumber through in search of berries, majestic elk bugle during autumn evenings, and clever raccoons test campers' food storage skills. Mule deer browse peacefully in the early morning hours, while the occasional skunk reminds everyone to respect nature's personal space. The campground offers front-row seats to one of Colorado's most spectacular natural theaters.

Geological RegionLongs Peak Campground rests within the dramatic geological tapestry of Rocky Mountain National Park, where ancient forces have sculpted a landscape of stunning contrasts. The surrounding alpine forest ecosystem thrives in thin mountain soils, creating a unique environment where hardy evergreens have adapted to harsh winters and short growing seasons. This high-elevation wonderland showcases the raw beauty of Colorado's Continental Divide region, where exposed granite peaks tell stories of glacial carving and tectonic uplift spanning millions of years. The campground serves as a gateway to exploring these alpine ecological features, from delicate wildflower meadows to rugged rock formations that challenge and inspire mountaineers from around the world.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

First-come, first-serve
no official check-in times.

Check-out

First-come, first-serve
no official check-out times.

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

Site layoutThe campground consists of 26 tent-only sites arranged in a forested loop.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve; typically fills up quickly during peak season.

Cancellation PolicyFirst-come, first-serve basis only; no reservations accepted.

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

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Longs Peak Campground serves as a base for outdoor activities in the surrounding Rocky Mountain National Park, including hiking and wildlife viewing. The campground is particularly popular with hikers aiming to summit Longs Peak.

HikingThe campground is adjacent to trails leading to Longs Peak and other hikes in the park. The trails vary in difficulty, making it a popular location for day hikers and serious climbers.

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as bears, deer, elk, raccoons, and skunks are common. Proper food storage is emphasized to avoid wildlife encounters.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent wildlife including bears; extreme weather conditions at higher elevations.

Active AlertsTrail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park may have icy conditions due to melting snow and freezing temperatures. Visitors are advised to call 970-586-1222 for updates.

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.

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

Fire PolicyFires are allowed only in metal fire grates. Gathering firewood is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned; assume standard quiet hours apply.

Emergency ServicesEstes Park, 20 minutes away, may provide emergency services such as hospitals and ranger stations.

Trash & RecyclingSeasonal trash and recycling collection is available. Food storage lockers are also provided to prevent wildlife encounters.

Water FeaturesNo direct water features near the campground.

Camp HostHosts are present seasonally and are described as extremely helpful and friendly, offering assistance with campsite maintenance and local advice.

Weather at Longs Peak Campground

Reviews

4.5

19 reviews

Top-Rated

Longs Peak Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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