RMNP

I don't think your likely to find a NP CG that takes RV's that bans generators. They all have generator hours but they allow their use. Typical hours are 8 AM to 6 PM possibly with a break in the middle.

Likewise you aren't going to find a small secluded CG that takes RV's in RMNP. They range from 50 to 250 sites per CG. I would strongly advise getting reservations no later than January. It's not as bad as Yellowstone or Yosemite but they do fill up fast especially for popular periods.

Go to the park's site: RMNP CG and they describe the available CG.

If you are intent on quiet and private you won't find it in RMNP. Unless they are able to pave the main road into Moraine P:ark it will be very busy and quite dusty as it was this fall. Generators are allowed in RMNP campgrounds. These conditions are not unusual in most national parks. They are all busy,

Moraine Park is the best campground in RMNP, hands down. IMHO. We always stay in spots that are on the south side.

Miles

We were 31 year residents of Estes Park and guides in RMNP. Kind of know the place. There is absolutely NOTHING available as you described in RMNP or Estes Park. The quietest campground is perhaps Estes Park Campground at East Portal. Moraine Park and Aspenglenn campgrounds are in a beautiful setting, but you will have to listen to generators in not quite hours. Go to the RMNP website for more information.

Mid September is prime leaf color time and elk rut. September is almost as busy as summer prime time.

The solitude you seek is available not far from the maddening crowd in RMNP, but you will have to find it. 95% of RMNP is designated wilderness and probably 95% of the people are crammed into 5% of the Park. You will not find a wilderness experience in a campground in the Park, but you can find wilderness near those campgrounds by getting off the beaten path.

We love RMNP with all our heart and soul. The wife's family started vacationing there in 1917, and I married the place in 1974.PM me with contact information and maybe I can help you.

Padlin wrote:
Looking to spend a week at Rocky Mt NP mid Sept 2015 on the way to Utah, any suggestions on which CG to stay at IN the park? Obviously we can make due without hookups, looking for as quiet and private a CG as is available, prefer non generator area too. Views, wildlife, and being close to activities comes 2nd. Will be arriving from the east, thinking of staying in one CG for 7 nights but spending a couple of those nights at a hotel in Grand Lake to see the west side.

Best I can tell is Moraine, Glacier, or Aspenglow. Coming from a long way off so I'll make reservations. 21' FW, 35' overall. Any CG or site suggestions?

I spend a lot of time in RMNP, since I'm only 45 minutes away, and all 3 of the campgrounds on the east side have their appeal. I personally prefer Glacier Basin, as it's easier to get reservations most of the time.

There is one loop in Glacier Basin that prohibits generators, I believe it's "C" loop. I've stayed in "D" loop as it's more open and the sites are not quite as close together as the others. The generators can only be run at certain times, and folks abide by that.

However, it closed for the season in mid-September this year; it's season is shorter than Moraine Park and Aspenglen. If you come in early September, I highly recommend "D" loop. D142 is a nice pull through with plenty of room. D146 and D148 are also good sites. "C" loop is primarily tent sites, but there are some RV sites. "A" and "B" loops are in the trees, which for me, makes them feel closed in. There's some good sites there, notably B046 and B048 as well as A014 and A016; not so much of that closed in feel. Some of the sites in those two loops are very tight to get a trailer in, and it seems to be popular with the pop up crowd.

Moraine Park has multiple loops as well. "C" loop has some good sites, my preference are the ones on the outside of the loop, near the amphitheatre (which is not overly busy) -- C227/C230/C232/C234 are all good sites, back ins that are easy to get in to. It also has mainly RV/Trailer sites, not so much for tenting. Tenting is more in the "A" and "D" loops. "B" loop is first come/first served and those sites go fast. Like with "C" loop, my preference is for the sites on the outside of the loop, as they are generally easy back ins and have a good view of the meadow where the Elk like to gather, some better than others.

I've not stayed at Aspenglen, but it's not a bad CG, just not what I prefer. It's also reservations only during the season. It usually remains open through September; this year, it closed this weekend, Oct 18.

There's also Timber Creek on the west side, but it's not what it used to be. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice CG, but there was significant beetle kill in that area years back, and they cut all the trees down. It's very quiet over there, since it's harder to get to, and it's recommended to come in from the west/south via Granby and Grand Lake, rather than up and over Trail Ridge Rd. In mid-September, Trail Ridge can get snow, and it's challenging enough in good weather, never mind with snow on it. Some folks say to go ahead and tow across it; I don't recommend it for a variety of reasons, most of which are why you won't see a lot of trailers or motorhomes up there.

Good to plan ahead for a trip to RMNP. PM me if you'd like to know more or have any questions.

Thanks all, appreciate the help. I know I won't find really quiet and empty CG's, but if there was one that's quieter and more spaced out then the rest I'd go for it. We do indeed hike everyday for just the reason Thunder Mt mentions, to see the park the way it should be seen.

In September, I'd recommend Moraine Park. Elk gather in the large meadow south of the CG and you can hear them bugling from your campsite. RMNP has put together a map showing the RV lengths and whether there are mountain views from the camp site. Check out this link. The campsites along the south end of loops B and C have the best views of the meadows with the elk and Longs Peak as a backdrop. Since B Loop is first come, first served, Loop C is your best bet. Reserve early as September is popular. Reservation system opens in late November for next season.

Another nice thing about Moraine Park is that you can use the shuttle system to get to the trailheads at Bear Lake and Glacier Gorge. Not having to drive and deal with the parking is nice.

Two miles southeast of Estes Park is Hermit Park Campground. There is one section that doesn't allow generators, but the others do. The first time I stayed there I was in Kruger loop. I think it is all equestrian sites now, but it is definitely remote.

They are all pretty nice we used Campgroundviews to plan our stay since they have videos showing the different campgrounds.

If you're hikers your best bet is Glacier or Moraine campground. There are some beautiful hikes in the area.

The west side of the park is quieter but not as much hiking and as stated, the beetle kill has destroyed the forests.

Have a great trip!