Estes Park

[thirtydaZe]

I've been researching the area for a couple days now, i know of a few places there, but it seems like most get 3 star reviews, which isn't much of a bother, however i've been having horrible luck getting these place to respond to my online inquiries.

I wanted Paradise River which was quickly shot down, with a semi rude email, and still not sure if they were booked, if my equipment length, young child, or dog was our demise.

Anyhow, I'm looking for 8-2-14 arrival and an 8-9-14 departure (perhaps not enough lead time).

Anyone have any good suggestions for campgrounds around the area? Maybe Estes wont be able to be our destination.

We have a 7 month old, so from Omaha we will take 3 days to get into the rockies, 3 days home, just taking our time, and then obviously do a 7 night stay as mentioned.

Don't have specific plans, only to get away, see some sights, camp in the mountains, do some shopping, eating, drinking, etc. Of course it's an opportunity to do my favorite thing, get on the road and really stretch my trucks legs.....:C

Hoping you pros have some good info for me. Thanks again.

[thirtydaZe]

^^^^

Sounds right up my alley, looking forward to that drive!

[padredw]

Ditto to Lauren's commnent about "Peak to Peak Highway." That is the way we always travel from Buena Vista to Estes Park.

As I have said before, there is hardly a straight or level place on the entire route, but if you accept that as a desirable thing, it is a great road to travel. Certainly, we have never experienced any trouble with towing a 34' fifth-wheel.

[Lauren]

119 - 72 - 7 is known as the Peak To Peak Hwy. It is 2 lane and steep coming out of Cent City area. But good road and beautiful and no dangerous mountain stuff.

Enjoy.

[Thunder_Mountai]

thirtydaZe wrote:

tohare wrote:
I know you are looking forward to Estes and the Rockies, but if that gets awful, think about Durango co. That is a great area.. and the mountains are high there too.

Yep, will look into that. My concern is 7 days might grow a bit long in the tooth and a move becomes necessary.

Also, take a look at Buena Vista. Kind of reminds us of what Estes Park was like 40 years ago but even smaller and quieter with beautiful scenery. That's why we left EP for BV.

[thirtydaZe]

minn camping family wrote:

thirtydaZe wrote:
i'd love to go without hookups, not with a baby, and the creature comforts will make the wife happier.

I understand, we are the same way.

We are taking a non-camping trip to Colorado this summer and are splitting our time between Estes/RMNP and the Colorado Springs area (with an overnight in Denver). If you end up exploring other areas, there is lots to do around Colorado Springs. Actually you could probably do a lot of day trips from Estes, for example the Peak to Peak scenic byway and drive to the top of Mt. Evans. Exploring Boulder and/or Denver would be another.

the night before we hit Estes, we are staying the night at the Central City KOA. Is Peak to Peak CO-119? that's how google maps directs us to Estes. Any idea if i'll be able to pull my TT up that route?

Just thought i'd ask, before starting a new thread.

[minn_camping_fa]

thirtydaZe wrote:
i'd love to go without hookups, not with a baby, and the creature comforts will make the wife happier.

I understand, we are the same way.

We are taking a non-camping trip to Colorado this summer and are splitting our time between Estes/RMNP and the Colorado Springs area (with an overnight in Denver). If you end up exploring other areas, there is lots to do around Colorado Springs. Actually you could probably do a lot of day trips from Estes, for example the Peak to Peak scenic byway and drive to the top of Mt. Evans. Exploring Boulder and/or Denver would be another.

[thirtydaZe]

tohare wrote:
I know you are looking forward to Estes and the Rockies, but if that gets awful, think about Durango co. That is a great area.. and the mountains are high there too.

Yep, will look into that. My concern is 7 days might grow a bit long in the tooth and a move becomes necessary.

[Thunder_Mountai]

I lived in Estes for 31 years and left there after retiring four years ago. Over the years, I've heard lots from friends and other about campgrounds in Estes. Since leaving, I've returned yearly to visit friends and have found the shoe on the other foot.

Forget about anybody returning your calls this time of year in Estes Park. I can't even get my working friends to return calls.

All campgrounds in Estes Park have one thing in common. They are over priced. It's called location, location, location. Elk Meadow probably leads the pack. We found it disappointing on two previous stays.

Campground reviews for campgrounds in Estes Park on rvparkreviews.com are for the most part spot on.

We are currently staying at Spruce Lake. It is way over priced. It is convenient to the National Park and town. The sites are fairly level but could use grading. The pool looks good. Showers and bathrooms look good although we won't use them. Forget the mini golf. It is a run down wreck. Grassy areas around the perimeter to walk the dog. Poop bags are provided. Nice fishing lake. Campground by the river. Staff is nice. Utilities are good. Don't know about WIFI since we are using AT&T hotspot. Cable is good. Not a bad campground in general but not worth $57 per night with upcharge since it is 4th of July week.

[Lauren]

The vast - like 97% - of the activity for Rocky Mtn NP is on the Estes side and it takes - in light traffic - nearly an hour and a half to get from Grand Lake to Estes Park. And, in the summer, you VERY rarely see anything like light traffic!

Just accept the fact that you will have an ok, but not much better, place to stay.

As much as we love Estes and Rocky we will not be going back but, keep in mind, we lived there for 8 years and also been back several times. Rocky IS beautiful but has been hit hard with the pine beetle.

[LowRyter]

what about staying in the Grand Lake and Lake Grandby area?

[Lauren]

I hesitated in mentioning the southwest part of CO but it has become our favorite part of the state - love it.

[tohare]

I know you are looking forward to Estes and the Rockies, but if that gets awful, think about Durango co. That is a great area.. and the mountains are high there too.

[Lauren]

We lived in Estes 8 years, leaving in 2002. The RV parks used to be quite good but have just continued to go downhill in our personal and input estimation. We will not stay there anymore. Last time we stayed at Riverview in Loveland but they suffered severe damage in the last flood and still recovering as far as I know. If you were to stay in Estes I would imagine Elk Meadow and Spruce would be the best choices.

Don't count on getting an email and, now with the busy season here they most likely will not be the most pleasant on the phone either.

Good luck.

[thirtydaZe]

Thom02099 wrote:


Never mind...had posted a response, but re-read your post right above and you've already picked a place.

Would still be interested in your suggestions.