Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground
160
Total Campsites
Campground
144
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
4
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground
Overview Glacier Basin Campground is currently closed for the winter 2024/2025 season. Glacier Basin Campground will open for the summer 2025 camping season on Thursday, May 22. During the summer season, all campsites at Glacier Basin Campground are available by reservation only. Reservations must be made online at www.recreation.gov, through the Recreation.gov Mobile App, or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Glacier Basin Campground is located on the east side of RMNP at an elevation of 8,500 feet. There are 150 campsites available. To get to Glacier Basin Campground, drive up Bear Lake Road approximately 5 miles. The entrance to Glacier Basin Campground is across from the Park & Ride Parking Area. Any sites that are open are listed as "A" for available; this means those campsites are available to be reserved. Any campsite listed as “NR” has Not Yet Released; this means that those campsites are not yet available to be reserved. A number of campsites are available to be reserved up to 6-months in advance on a rolling window. Some campsites are available to be reserved 2-weeks prior to your desired camping date. Some campsites are available to be reserved 1-week prior to your desired camping date. Group campsites are available to be reserved 1-year in advance on a rolling window. Is a Timed Entry Reservation Included with my Camping Reservation? Yes. Campers with reservations for Glacier Basin Campground have a " Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road" reservation included with your camping reservation. Your campground reservation will serve as your vehicle timed entry reservation. Campers can enter RMNP via the Grand Lake, Beaver Meadows or Fall River Entrances beginning at 1 p.m. on the first day of your camping reservation. Remember to print and bring a copy of your campground reservation with you and keep this in your vehicle. You will be asked to show your campground reservation confirmation at the park's entrance station upon arrival. When Can I Check into My Campsite? Check In begins at 1 p.m. for all campsites in Rocky Mountain National Park. What Time is Check Out? All campers must check out of their campsites in Rocky Mountain National Park by noon. How Many Nights Can I Stay at Glacier Basin Campground? In Rocky Mountain National Park, there is a 7-night limit for all campgrounds during the summer season. This means that campers can stay a total of 7 nights inside the park. This limit includes overnight stays at all campgrounds. For instance, a camper could spend 7 nights at Glacier Basin Campground or they could stay 3 nights at Glacier Basin Campground and 4 at Timber Creek Campground. Recreation Rocky Mountain National Park has over 350 miles of hiking trails that range from flat lakeside strolls to steep mountain climbs. One of the most popular activities in the park is wildlife viewing. There are excellent wildlife viewing opportunities to see elk, Mule deer, Bighorn sheep, hawks, a wide range of songbirds and more throughout the park. Rocky Mountain National Park offers some unforgettable scenic views along of the land above trees, over 1/3 of the park is alpine tundra. Enjoy incredible scenic drives along Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road. Facilities Rocky Mountain National Park has over 350 miles of hiking trails that range from flat lakeside strolls to steep mountain climbs. One of the most popular activities in the park is wildlife viewing. There are excellent wildlife viewing opportunities to see elk, Mule deer, Bighorn sheep, hawks, a wide range of songbirds and more throughout the park. Rocky Mountain National Park offers some unforgettable scenic views along of the land above trees, over 1/3 of the park is alpine tundra. Enjoy incredible scenic drives along Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road. Natural Features A pleasant mix of Douglas fir, Lodgepole pine, Ponderosa pine and the occasional Engelmann spruce forests the campground, offering equal amounts of sun and shade. Grasses, shrubs and seasonal wildflowers fill the open meadows. Wildlife is plentiful in the park, and while mule deer and the majestic Rocky Mountain elk are the most commonly seen, black bear, coyote, bighorn sheep and moose inhabit the region as well. Nearby Attractions The Town of Estes Park is a short drive from the campground, located outside of RMNP’s Beaver Meadows and Fall River Entrances. Dining, shopping, rafting, fly fishing, horseback riding, and golfing opportunities await. Lake Estes offers boating, sailboarding, and fishing.
- 160 total campsites listed.
- 144 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- 4 accessible campsites listed.
- Most common site type: tent only nonelectric (74).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground special
Glacier Basin Campground places you squarely in the alpine grandeur of Rocky Mountain National Park, surrounded by towering peaks, subalpine meadows, and the kind of mountain scenery that defines the Colorado Rockies. Situated in a glacially carved valley near the Bierstadt Lake trailhead, this seasonal campground offers 160 sites at roughly 8,500 feet of elevation, where crisp mountain air and expansive views of the Continental Divide greet you each morning. The campground serves as an exceptional launching point for some of the park's finest trails. Hikes to Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and the summit of Hallett Peak begin nearby, and the free park shuttle stops at Glacier Basin, making car-free exploration easy. Elk frequently wander through camp, particularly during the dramatic fall rutting season when their bugling echoes through the valley at dusk. Glacier Basin typically opens in late May and operates through early September, weather permitting. Summer is the prime season, with wildflower-filled meadows and afternoon thunderstorms that roll in like clockwork. Reservations are essential and often sell out months in advance the moment booking windows open, so mark your calendar. The charming mountain town of Estes Park sits just minutes away for supplies, dining, and rainy-day diversions. For campers who want to sleep beneath the Rockies and wake up ready to hit world-class trails, Glacier Basin is one of Colorado's most coveted addresses.
Campsite Inventory
160 sites to choose from
TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC
74
Reservable
0
Accessible
STANDARD NONELECTRIC
63
Reservable
3
Accessible
MANAGEMENT
0
Reservable
1
Accessible
GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC
7
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Accessibility
Yes
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Check-in time
1:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Double Driveway
No, Yes
Driveway entry
Back-In, N/A, Parallel, Pull-Through
Driveway length (ft)
17, 18, 19, 20
Driveway surface
Gravel
FLUSH TOILETS
Flush Toilets
FOOD STORAGE LOCKER
Food Storage Locker
Fire Pit
Fire Pit, Yes
Hike In Distance to Site
20, 27, 30, 33
Max guests
15, 25, 40, 8
Max vehicle length (ft)
15, 18, 19, 20
Minimum guests
Yes, 16, 26, 9
Pets allowed
Yes
Picnic Table
Picnic Table, Yes
Quiet Area
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
970-586-1206
Getting There
From Estes Park, CO: Drive on U.S. Highway 36 west from Estes Park. The closest entrance to the park is the Beaver Meadows Entrance. The turn for Bear Lake Road is approximately 0.2 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance, located on the left side of the road. Drive up Bear Lake Road 5.2 miles. The turn to enter Glacier Basin Campground is located on the left side of Bear Lake Road and across from the Park & Ride parking area. From Grand Lake, CO: Drive on U.S. Highway 34 east, which becomes Trail Ridge Road inside the park. Enter at the Grand Lake Entrance. Follow Trail Ridge Road east across the continental divide approximately 40 miles. When you come to Deer Ridge Junction, follow the signs for U.S. Hwy 36/Beaver Meadows Entrance. The turn for Bear Lake Road will be on your right, approximately 0.2 miles before the exit to the park. Drive up Bear Lake Road 5.2 miles. The turn to enter Glacier Basin Campground is located on the left side of Bear Lake Road and across from the Park & Ride parking area.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground.
How do reservations work for Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground?
Reservation availability for Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground?
Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground currently lists TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (74), STANDARD NONELECTRIC (63), MANAGEMENT (14), GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC (9).
Where is Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground located?
Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground is in Colorado near Estes Park . Coordinates: 40.3292, -105.5933.
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