Estes Park

While we were in Estes Park (first week of July) they were allowing campfires in established campground fire pits.

TOM F wrote:
We would like a park with W/E but a little room between sites so you can sit out by a fire and not be on top of your neighbors slide out.

I know your main question is really about having a nice campground with some space but just thought I would point out...expect the fire bans to still be intact when you are here.

We just finished a trip that included 4 nights in the Estes Park area. We stayed at East Portal Campground. It is a county park with water and electric. They only have a few sites that can accommodate larger campers. We had A35 (I think) which would have handled a much larger camper than our 20' but it is difficult to get into. They don't recommend anything over 20' on the interior of the campground. They do have several sites up front that are accessible by larger campers.

The campground is gorgeous with reasonable amount of space between campsites. Deer come right up to the campsites and even let you pet them. Rocky Mountain National Park trails are only a few hundred yards away. The campground is located at the end of Tunnel road so no annoying traffic noises.

This was my wife's favorite spot of the 4 or 5 campgrounds that we stayed at this year on vacation. We will definitely be going back.
http://www.larimercamping.com/camping/Estes_Park_Campground_At_East_Portal_Reservoir/r/campgroundFees.do?contractCode=LARC&parkId=300101

Grand Lake is fine but you have to drive over the Estes side for about 90% or more of what Rocky has to offer. Long and can be crowded drive.

We, like Thunder Mountain, used to live in Estes. And we have been back a few times since we moved from there in 2003. We used to stay at Elk Meadow but it also has deteriorated. Last time we stayed at Riverview on the west end of Loveland. Worth taking a look at. I know there are places up at Carter Lake but, in all honesty, I know nothing about them. But you might check.

Think about Grand Lake -- just more fun. JMHO

BOL,

Having lived in EP for 31 years, I know the lay of the land. With the size of your rig your choices are limited. You're also limited by the lack of accommodations you describe especially with the 30 minute time limit. Heck, it takes 30 minutes to drive from one end of the Estes Valley to the other in the summer. Estes Park is all about how many people you can pack into limited space. IMHO there aren't any of what you are looking for.

Guess why we moved to Buena Vista to retire!