Backcountry Campsites in Rocky Mountain National Park

by Jesse Speer

by Jesse Speer

by National Park Service

Backcountry comping is permitted in designated places in the Park. A $20 permit is required. In the summertime, make advance reservations.

Download a map of the Park's backcountry campsites.
Download the Park brochure for details and tips.

Lost Falls Campsites

These sites are along the Big Thompson River, down stream from Lost Falls. The area is heavily forested, with a few small grassy areas A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads... [more]

Stormy Peaks Campsites

The sites are just below treeline on the west side of Stormy Peaks Pass. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Upon arriving at the site, pitch tent(s) within... [more]

Rabbit Ears Campsite

The site is located south of the Cow Creek Trail in an open area surrounded by trees. It sits below the ridge where two upright rocks simulate the rabbit ears. A rock bench behind the site makes a natural seating area.... [more]

Halfway Campsites

The sites are 1/4 mile west of the North Boundary trail junction, across the stream from a small meadow. The site trails are marked by a wood sign and a pit toilet is available slightly north of the North Fork trail.... [more]

Kawuneeche Visitor Center

The Kawuneeche Visitor Center is at the western entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park one mile north of the town of Grand Lake, Colorado on U.S. Route 34. Open daily 8-4:30 all year, 8-6 in the summer. Take a walk with a ranger.... [more]

Boundary Creek Campsites

The sites are located north of the trail .2 miles inside the park boundary just beyond the small foot bridge across Boundary Ck. Red arrowheads mark the path to the sites. Pitch tent within 15' of post with silver arrowhead to... [more]

Lost Meadow Campsites

These sites are beside a small, dry, meadow, 1.3 miles below Lost Lake. The individual site is located in the trees on the north side of the trail. The hitchrack and group site is located on the south side of the... [more]

Bighorn Mountain Campsite

This campsite is located east of Lawn Lake/Black Canyon Trail junction. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Upon arriving at the site, pitch tent(s) within 15 ft. of... [more]

Aspen Meadow Group Campsite

The site is in a small, secluded meadow area across the river from the North Fork trail. A wood sign on the North Fork trail and red arrowheads mark the trail to the site. A wood sign indicates the path to... [more]

Lost Lake Campsites

The campsites are located in a spruce/fir forest on the east side of Lost Lake. Sites are visible from the trail as you approach the lake. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by... [more]

Peregrine Campsite

The site is located approx. 100 yards beyond the junction of the Bridal Veil Falls trail on the trail leading towards Black Canyon. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on... [more]

Happily Lost Campsite

The site is in a heavily forested area between the trail and the North Fork Big Thompson River. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Upon arriving at the... [more]

Kettle Tarn Campsites

These sites are located on top of a moraine above a small pond, or glaciated tarn. The sites are located on the south side of the North Fork of Big Thompson River and are surrounded by pine trees, and well hidden... [more]

Stormy Peaks South Campsite

The site is right at treeline in a small stand of subalpine fir near the edge of the canyon wall. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Upon arriving... [more]

Sugarloaf Campsite

The site is located in the trees on the south side of the trail. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Upon arriving at the site, pitch tent(s) within... [more]

Silvanmere Campsites

These sites are in a forest of aspen and conifers on the east side of the trail. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Upon arriving at the site,... [more]

Beaver Meadows Visitor Center

Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is open all year (except Christmas Day) daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ( 8-9 in the summer) on U.S. Route 36, 3 miles west of the town of Estes Park Watch a 20 minute film... [more]

McGregor Mountain Campsites

These sites are located in a heavily wooded pine forest across Black Canyon Creek on the south side of the trail. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Upon... [more]

There are also these least-traveled crosscountry areas where you can hike and camp off-trail. Reservations and permits are required. Read the Park brochure above for complete information.

• South Cache La Poudre
• Mount Dickinson
• Cow Creek
• Chiquita Creek
• Upper Forest Canyon
• Lower Forest Canyon
• Hayden Gorge
• Hunters Creek
• Cony Creek

• Cascade Creek
• Hague Creek
• Cache La Poudre
• Mosquito Creek
• Onahu Creek
• Nakai Peak
• Mount Patterson
• North Inlet
• Ptarmigan Creek
• Upper North Inlet
• Ptarmigan Mountain
• Mount Enentah
• Echo Creek
• Columbine Creek

Explore!

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