West Side CG's, RMNP

Thanks folks, Timber Creek sounds like it'll fit the bill, minus the showers, but that's fine too.

Timber Creek is our favorite by far. Real campin atmosphere. 1st come 1st serve. Just behind this CG is the head water of the great Colorado river! Late in the year you can wade across it in only knee deep water. Elk freely roam thru the CG various times of the day. At least they did in mid Sept. You'll probably see moose along any of the pull outs along that hyway also. Don't worry about bears. There are only about 10 left in the entirety of RMNP.

Padlin wrote:
Any favorite CG's? Don't need hookups, 21' fifth wheel. Prefer well spaced. We're there to hike, not shop. Hot showers are a plus.

As stated above, there are 5 in the Arapaho National Recreation Area surrounding Lake Granby. Arapaho Bay is also a good CG. The views from all of the CG are incredible.

Timber Creek CG is inside RMNP. It's been there for a long time, just a new look. It formerly was in a stand of trees, all killed off by the beetle kill and subsequently removed. Hence, leaving it open. It's got paved roads and great sites to choose from. It's the least visited of the CG in RMNP that one can take a trailer, only because it's somewhat isolated. And if you're looking for a place close to hiking, Timber Creek will certainly not disappoint, as there are a number of trail heads in close proximity.

As for commercial campgrounds (for the showers), there's Winding River RV Resort, which is just outside RMNP. There's a variety of sites to choose from, and it does not disappoint. Rates are pretty reasonable, certainly better than places on the Estes side of the park.

Elk Creek just outside of Grend Lake will let you stay pretty cheap in their overflow lot. Great showers. Showers are not available in the Park of FS campgrounds.

There are five USFS CGs south of Grand Lake. We have stayed at Stillwater several times although now there is not any shade as the pine beetle has done it's thing.
There is also a fairly new CG inside the park... Timber Creek (no trees).