Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park & Winter Park-Trail Ridge Rd &Camp Sug.

When I was researching, I couldn't find anything like that in Estes Park. I'm following this thread to see if you get some good tips. We stayed at Spruce Lake about 5 years ago, but since our stay, I've read that it has gone downhill with very rude owners/managers. I don't always believe those kinds of reviews, but the owner/manager has answered back to online reviews with a terrible attitude. Yikes.

We lived in Estes Park 1995-2003 and the rv parks were fairly nice and a tad overpriced. We have been back twice and will not return. Parks have really deteriorated and prices have skyrocketed. Last time, actually, we stayed in Loveland at Riverview and recommend it....they were flooded out badly a couple of years ago but have done their best to rebuild. I would not stay at any park in Estes.

sgrizzle wrote:
A couple of questions in one thread...

1. Suggestions for campgrounds around Estes Park and Winter Park...looking for a State Park feel with hook-ups (not side by side with no trees).

2. Trail Ridge Road with a trailer....crazy, huh?!

THanks guys!

1 - For Estes Park, you won't find this. Most of the commercial campgrounds are in town, and definitely have an in town feel. And they are very overpriced for what you get. Moraine Park and Glacier Basin in Rocky has that feel. But no hookups, and during the season, they are substantially booked.

There is one campground outside of Estes Park that might work for you. Estes Park Campground at East Portal is in the woods, has a mix of water/electric and FHU sites along with no hookups. It is, however, very tight as far as the road loop inside, with some size restrictions. H E R E is the website for the Estes Park Recreation and Parks Department, they manage the CG. Everything else that's in the general area, that are in trees and some separation of sites, will be USFS sites south of Estes Park along the Peak-to-Peak Highway.

For Winter Park, take a look at YMCA of the Rockies/Snow Mountain Ranch. About as close as you're going to get on that side, with what you're looking for. H E R E is their website; under "lodging", use the drop down and select "campgrounds" for more information.

2 - Yes. Unless you've had experience driving on a narrow shelf road with no guard rails or shoulders, have no fear of heights, don't mind sometimes bumper to bumper traffic, and are prepared to drive in snow/freezing rain all summer months. Others may say it's no big deal. Yes, it is for those not prepared.

ETA: Looking at that rig in your profile, the only sites that MIGHT work at East Portal are along the front of the campground, and those sites are still a bit of a challenge to get into. They are back in sites, and you would have to back in all the way from the office/entrance to get to those sites. On that link I provided for Estes Park Rec and Parks, take a look also at Mary's Lake. Prices for both are the same, and they are the lowest prices in Estes Park -- $40 for W/E, $45 for FHU sites. Mary's Lake however, is not in the woods, the FHU sites are your typical pack 'em in sites, the W/E are all back in sites, with not a lot of separation between them. That said, Mary's Lake is the only place I'll stay in Estes, simply because of the price point. This season, I'm doing the USFS CGs south of town and driving into Rocky.

russkerri wrote:
When I was researching, I couldn't find anything like that in Estes Park. I'm following this thread to see if you get some good tips. We stayed at Spruce Lake about 5 years ago, but since our stay, I've read that it has gone downhill with very rude owners/managers. I don't always believe those kinds of reviews, but the owner/manager has answered back to online reviews with a terrible attitude. Yikes.

The decline is real. The company that owns Spruce Lake also owns Elk Meadows, just up the road. Between the two, I prefer Elk Meadows. But it also has it's shortcomings. I've posted reviews on it at rvparkreviews.com, as well as others in the Estes area.

Your size trailer, based on that pic, might work at East Portal.

1. Moraine Park. Just have a generator to recharge your batteries and use the dump station. You won't miss having hookups. Then Snow Mountain Ranch as was suggested.

2. If you are a calm and confident driver, just take it slow and you'll be fine. Are your brakes reliable with fresh fluid? Don't ride them.

Enjoy Colorado. Miles

We had a Family Reunion at Rocky Mountain National Park. We ended up going on the West side and stayed at 3 Rivers Campground. It is on the Colorado which is just a stream there. It is kinda rustic with some people bringing their horses to camp and ride. Leave your camper and make a day trip through rocky Mountain National Park. It is an easy trip to the Alpine center and on to visit Estes Park. The day we went, it was so crowded you had trouble walking on the sidewalk! The west side also has State Forest Campgrounds, visitor center and towns to shop in or eat out! The prices are much more reasonable! Colorado is a good place to spend some time! Don't forget your camera!

We camped at Winding River Resort on the West side of Rocky Mountain National Park! Much less crowded!

Foy R. Smith wrote:
We camped at Winding River Resort on the West side of Rocky Mountain National Park! Much less crowded!

We camped there dozens of times when we lived in Colorado. Winding River is by far the best campground around. The best sites do not have sewer, but do have water and electric. Tons of hiking, 4 wheeling, horse back riding. ice cream socials, etc. etc.

Ken

Winding River looks good. Not too far from RMNP and Winter Park!

Lauren wrote:
We lived in Estes Park 1995-2003 and the rv parks were fairly nice and a tad overpriced. We have been back twice and will not return. Parks have really deteriorated and prices have skyrocketed. Last time, actually, we stayed in Loveland at Riverview and recommend it....they were flooded out badly a couple of years ago but have done their best to rebuild. I would not stay at any park in Estes.

Yep, we see eye to eye. Lived in EP from 1980 to 2010. Have returned several times in the motor home and our small travel trailer. There is not a campground in or near Estes Park that is not a we pack 'em in place. The rates are outrageous. The only places you might take a look at are Estes Park Campground (East Portal) and Hermit Park operated by the local recreation district. We love RMNP and have many friends there but the crowds and grid lock are not worth it.

I worked for the YMCA of the Rockies for 31 years and second the suggestion for Snow Mountain Ranch. Not a we pack 'em in campgrounds but still not exactly what you are looking for. Lot's of great activities for adults and children.

There are many other places in Colorado just as pretty as EP and a lot less crowded. The Buena Vista area is nice, but again commercial campgrounds with full hookups have to maximize profit.

As for traveling over TRR. It is no bid deal. I've driven everything from a over the road bus, motor home and 33' fiver. Follow a few simple rules. Be at the park entrance by 7-8 a.m. Don't travel on weekends. Just take it easy. There are six sharp curves on the west side of the Divide and you will have to hug the shoulder or yellow line. Biggest issue for me is the white knuckled tourist who drive down the middle of the road because they are terrified of heights.