4.7
Backpacking Campsites in the Dunes or Forest
Cresco, Colorado
The most popular and unique backpacking option is camping in the 30-square-mile dunefield, beyond the major dune ridgeli...
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
Federal campground in Colorado.
Rating
Reviews
Estes Park is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
Colorado weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Estes Park.
Don't miss local attractions near Estes Park. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
Mar 18, 2026
We've camped here several times in the past few years. Pros: it is a solid spot in the national park which is close to Estes Park and Bear Lake. Some sites have great views of Longs. Wildlife frequents here Cons: Many sites are very close to each other, so not much privacy. The number of bathrooms is small compared to how many sites there are. B Loop does not have flush toilets and comfort station... We've camped here several times in the past few years. Pros: it is a solid spot in the national park which is close to Estes Park and Bear Lake. Some sites have great views of Longs. Wildlife frequents here Cons: Many sites are very close to each other, so not much privacy. The number of bathrooms is small compared to how many sites there are. B Loop does not have flush toilets and comfort stations, so washing dishes requires a long walk to another loop.
Mar 18, 2026
We've camped here several times in the past few years. Pros: it is a solid spot in the national park which is close to Estes Park and Bear Lake. Some sites have great views of Longs. Wildlife frequents here Cons: Many sites are very close to each other, so not much privacy. The number of bathrooms is small compared to how many sites there are. B Loop does not have flush toilets and comfort station... We've camped here several times in the past few years. Pros: it is a solid spot in the national park which is close to Estes Park and Bear Lake. Some sites have great views of Longs. Wildlife frequents here Cons: Many sites are very close to each other, so not much privacy. The number of bathrooms is small compared to how many sites there are. B Loop does not have flush toilets and comfort stations, so washing dishes requires a long walk to another loop.
Mar 18, 2026
Loved this campground. They had nice, clean restrooms (flush toilets, sinks with running water and soap). Our campsite was in walking distance of the comfort stations (bathrooms) but was a jaunt. Our spot was spacious and we were close to our neighbors but had plenty of trees in between that it wasn't an issue. We stayed at spot 212 (C Loop). Great view of the different peaks. Had 3-4 deer come o... Loved this campground. They had nice, clean restrooms (flush toilets, sinks with running water and soap). Our campsite was in walking distance of the comfort stations (bathrooms) but was a jaunt. Our spot was spacious and we were close to our neighbors but had plenty of trees in between that it wasn't an issue. We stayed at spot 212 (C Loop). Great view of the different peaks. Had 3-4 deer come over near our spot and graze. It stormed one of the nights we stayed and it got chilly that night. The firewood was $11 a bundle and they started selling at 5pm (there was also a few other items in the small shack selling wood). There were some huge RV's (30") that were very very snug in their spots. I don't know how some of them were able to get their RV and vehicle in a spot. We had a pop-up (15") and didn't have issues. Thankfully I printed out our reservation because they couldn't find it by my name. The rangers drive around frequently so if you have any questions or concerns they were easy to find. Overall, a great camping experience.
Mar 18, 2026
Loved this campground. They had nice, clean restrooms (flush toilets, sinks with running water and soap). Our campsite was in walking distance of the comfort stations (bathrooms) but was a jaunt. Our spot was spacious and we were close to our neighbors but had plenty of trees in between that it wasn't an issue. We stayed at spot 212 (C Loop). Great view of the different peaks. Had 3-4 deer come o... Loved this campground. They had nice, clean restrooms (flush toilets, sinks with running water and soap). Our campsite was in walking distance of the comfort stations (bathrooms) but was a jaunt. Our spot was spacious and we were close to our neighbors but had plenty of trees in between that it wasn't an issue. We stayed at spot 212 (C Loop). Great view of the different peaks. Had 3-4 deer come over near our spot and graze. It stormed one of the nights we stayed and it got chilly that night. The firewood was $11 a bundle and they started selling at 5pm (there was also a few other items in the small shack selling wood). There were some huge RV's (30") that were very very snug in their spots. I don't know how some of them were able to get their RV and vehicle in a spot. We had a pop-up (15") and didn't have issues. Thankfully I printed out our reservation because they couldn't find it by my name. The rangers drive around frequently so if you have any questions or concerns they were easy to find. Overall, a great camping experience.
Mar 18, 2026
Wonderful camp grounds with knowledge and friendly rangers working here! The views were beautiful and the bathrooms were clean and we'll kept, only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 was that the showers weren't operational at the time of our visit, but the rangers suggested going to village laundry in Estes Park and gave us directions to where it was. So overall 9 out of 10 definitely reco... Wonderful camp grounds with knowledge and friendly rangers working here! The views were beautiful and the bathrooms were clean and we'll kept, only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 was that the showers weren't operational at the time of our visit, but the rangers suggested going to village laundry in Estes Park and gave us directions to where it was. So overall 9 out of 10 definitely recommend.
Mar 18, 2026
Wonderful camp grounds with knowledge and friendly rangers working here! The views were beautiful and the bathrooms were clean and we'll kept, only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 was that the showers weren't operational at the time of our visit, but the rangers suggested going to village laundry in Estes Park and gave us directions to where it was. So overall 9 out of 10 definitely reco... Wonderful camp grounds with knowledge and friendly rangers working here! The views were beautiful and the bathrooms were clean and we'll kept, only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 was that the showers weren't operational at the time of our visit, but the rangers suggested going to village laundry in Estes Park and gave us directions to where it was. So overall 9 out of 10 definitely recommend.
Mar 18, 2026
The camp guards or camp hosts (whoever was patrolling) were not very friendly or helpful. Usually when we enter the park we are greeted with “what brings you here?” Or “here is how to find your campsite” instead we were met with “okay- straight ahead” it was not by the way- we had to turn to our loop. Very upsetting to see. I can only be sympathetic as I know they have lost good people and funding... The camp guards or camp hosts (whoever was patrolling) were not very friendly or helpful. Usually when we enter the park we are greeted with “what brings you here?” Or “here is how to find your campsite” instead we were met with “okay- straight ahead” it was not by the way- we had to turn to our loop. Very upsetting to see. I can only be sympathetic as I know they have lost good people and funding- but being mean or grumpy does not make me want to return and support the parks. We were late checking out because we had a problem with our camper and they threatened to call law enforcement. Rude and unhelpful! I know it’s not the camp host job to help us but are we not human? The beauty of the park is always amazing, but my god we will not be camping here again.
Mar 18, 2026
The camp guards or camp hosts (whoever was patrolling) were not very friendly or helpful. Usually when we enter the park we are greeted with “what brings you here?” Or “here is how to find your campsite” instead we were met with “okay- straight ahead” it was not by the way- we had to turn to our loop. Very upsetting to see. I can only be sympathetic as I know they have lost good people and funding... The camp guards or camp hosts (whoever was patrolling) were not very friendly or helpful. Usually when we enter the park we are greeted with “what brings you here?” Or “here is how to find your campsite” instead we were met with “okay- straight ahead” it was not by the way- we had to turn to our loop. Very upsetting to see. I can only be sympathetic as I know they have lost good people and funding- but being mean or grumpy does not make me want to return and support the parks. We were late checking out because we had a problem with our camper and they threatened to call law enforcement. Rude and unhelpful! I know it’s not the camp host job to help us but are we not human? The beauty of the park is always amazing, but my god we will not be camping here again.
Mar 18, 2026
Absolutely Beautiful The park overlooks a valley that regularly has herds of elk. Every day of our trip, there were at least 30+ elk in the valley (late August trip). There is water available, but not at the campsites (you’ll have to go to a filling station for water - some are for drinking, some are general use). There are bathrooms (with stocked toilet paper).
Mar 18, 2026
Absolutely Beautiful The park overlooks a valley that regularly has herds of elk. Every day of our trip, there were at least 30+ elk in the valley (late August trip). There is water available, but not at the campsites (you’ll have to go to a filling station for water - some are for drinking, some are general use). There are bathrooms (with stocked toilet paper).
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