Estes Park

[slhein]

Just bought our new Rockwood HW (first pu!) and are planning a trip to Estes Park next Summer.  Does anyone have suggestions about campsites, locations, must see activities, etc?

[wharpoley]

I have only camped at Marys Lake. I wasn't overly impressed, we will probably stay at another CG next time we camp up their.

[CajunCamper]

Just bought our new Rockwood HW (first pu!) and are planning a trip to Estes Park next Summer.  Does anyone have suggestions about campsites, locations, must see activities, etc?

In about 10 days I'm going to be in Estes Park. I plan on gathering lots of info and taking lots of pictures. I will be happy to share all I learn with you when I get back.

CajunCamper

[mountainrev]

Estes Park is gorgeous, but very, very touristy.  Some folks love that.  Others hate it.  Depends on what you're looking for.

If your goal is simply a base from which to do sight-seeing, and you want full hookups, mini golf, swimming pool, etc., you'll be happy camping in Estes Park.  But if you are looking for wooded, private, spacious wilderness-type camping in Estes Park, you will be very disappointed.  All you will find are KOA-type, virtually treeless parking lots.  

If you want the "Colorado camping in the mountains" experience, keep driving through Estes and head into Rocky Mountain National Park.

[CajunCamper]

Estes Park is gorgeous, but very, very touristy.  Some folks love that.  Others hate it.  Depends on what you're looking for.

If your goal is simply a base from which to do sight-seeing, and you want full hookups, mini golf, swimming pool, etc., you'll be happy camping in Estes Park.  But if you are looking for wooded, private, spacious wilderness-type camping in Estes Park, you will be very disappointed.  All you will find are KOA-type, virtually treeless parking lots.  

If you want the "Colorado camping in the mountains" experience, keep driving through Estes and head into Rocky Mountain National Park.

Good point. I just assume when people talk about going to Estes Park that they are actually saying that they will enter the RMNP at Estes Park and camp in one of the national park campgrounds.

I will be renting a condo outside of Estes Park in a few days but spending all of my time in the RMNP. I will even be borrowing a friends camping gear that lives in Denver so we can do at least an overnighter in the park. The campgrounds I will be gathering info on will only be National Park campgrounds.

CajunCamper

[PJay]

I wasn't overly impressed or disappointed with Mary's Lake.
It worked as a base camp to explore RMNP.
We had deer in our campsite more than once.
We backed to trees/wall so were not in the open.
I have been in much less desirable campgrounds.
The people were very kind and friendly.

[mklawz]

I tent camped at Moraine Park campground a number of years ago.  There is no water/electric/etc but you'll survive!

From what I remember the CG wasn't much shaded, but the sites were spaced out well, and the view was awesome.  The wind really howled thru the valley at night!  

I recommend checking it out!  

As for recommendations - just get a park map and start off doing some easy trails, there are LOTS of trails.  Some popular and busy, some off the beaten track.  Just explore.

There are lots of things to do in town. Yes, it's a touristy summer town, but lots of good eats, shopping, etc..

http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/camping.htm