Old Days wrote:
We go to RMNP every year and if you plan 6 months ahead you should get a site at Moraine campgrounds. We have also stayed in peace full valley at camp Dick, that is just down the road on highway 72. The closest state park I know about is Boyd lake in Loveland it is a really nice park by the lake.
^^^^^ This.
Moraine Park and Glacier Basin are the CG within the park to consider, if you don't need hookups. I prefer Loops B and C in Moraine, and Loop D in Glacier Basin. And as noted, you WILL need reservations and get them as soon as the window opens for the dates you want -- sites go fast.
Camp Dick and the adjacent Peaceful Valley USFS CG are also nice, and also very popular, and fill up quickly as well. There's also Olive Ridge USFS CG near Allenspark.
St Vrain SP is outside Longmont, right along I-25, so there will be some highway noise depending on which side of the park you're on. Boyd Lake SP is in Loveland (and practically at my back door!) and is much quieter as far as road noise. Both are very popular, and will need reservations. St Vrain to RMNP is via CO 66/US 36 through Lyons, and will indeed take about an hour. Boyd Lake to RMNP, after Memorial Day, will be via US 34 and depending on traffic, takes about 45 minutes to an hour. US 34 is currently closed and under construction and is expected to reopen Memorial Day weekend.
IMHO, the commercial RV Parks/CG in Estes are way over priced. Yes, there are some convenient to Rocky, and have FHU, but value is missing. If you must stay in Estes, consider Estes Park CG at Mary's Lake, which is run by the town of Estes Park Recreation and Parks Department. There are FHU and W/E sites available - FHU go for $47/night, the cheapest in town (East Portal is the "sister site" and same rates, but it's not actually in town).