Estes Park Campground at East Portal

Next Best Thing to Rocky Mountain NP!

We were initially disappointed when we arrived to Rocky Mountain National Park to find all the campgrounds sold out. We were directed to several RV Parks in Estes Park, and checked a few of them out. Most of them were just big lots with as many RVs crammed in together as possible.

Then we found Estes Park at East Portal, a county run park. It felt more like a national or state park campground, with more dispersed and shaded sites. The sites are on the small side, and definitely not big rig friendly - but it seemed the best option in the area. There's a selection of sites without hook-ups, water/electric only and full hook-ups... which is awesome! There are two bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers.

And then we discovered that the campground has a hiking trail entrance to Rocky Mountain NP right next to it (and less than a mile to one of the NP campgrounds), as well as a free city shuttle stop right outside it! Awesome!!

The views from the campground are fantastic, and can check out the Colorado Water Reclamation Project.. pretty cool civil engineering stuff!

All and all - we think we actually scored by not being able to get into one of the national park campgrounds, as this campground offered a lot more while still being essentially in the park. The fees are higher - $25 for a water/electric site PLUS a $7/day car pass. But it was a great way to see RMNP and be in a comfortable but yet 'in nature' feeling spot.

We were able to receive a marginal AT&T Edge signal, and absolutely no Sprint.

**NOT BIG RIG FRIENDLY** Even with our little 17' trailer, we had to carefully navigate tight corners and trees.