Estes Park Campground At East Portal
00 review3420 Tunnel Road, Estes Park, Colorado, 80517, United States
Estes Park Campground At East Portal
$7.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$45.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Reservation fee includes a non-refundable processing fee of $8.75 per reservation and a vehicle fee of $7/day. Additional change/cancellation fees range from $6.35 to one night forfeiture if canceled within 7 days.
About this campground
Nestled high in the mountains at 8,300 feet, this enchanting double-loop campground weaves through a forest tapestry of towering ponderosa and lodgepole pines. Perfect for tent campers and those with small trailers up to 22 feet, this mountain retreat combines rustic charm with modern comforts. After a day of adventure, you'll appreciate the luxury of hot showers and flush toilets, while the convenient camp store ensures you're never far from essentials. Several ADA accessible sites welcome all visitors, and the nearby East Portal Reservoir and network of hiking trails put wilderness exploration right at your doorstep.
The campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, offering tent-only sites, RV sites with water and electric hookups, and double sites for groups. It is best suited for small RVs and trailers under 22 feet.
Historical SignificanceThis campground serves as your gateway to the storied landscapes surrounding Rocky Mountain National Park. Follow in the footsteps of early explorers and indigenous peoples as you access the historically rich Glacier Basin area, where ancient glaciers once carved the dramatic terrain that continues to inspire visitors today.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of mountain weather throughout the year. Summer days unfold with golden warmth that gives way to crisp, star-filled nights perfect for campfire stories. As autumn arrives, temperatures begin their descent, painting the aspens in brilliant golds. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, bringing snow-dusted pines and temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags and warm beverages.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 8,300 feet above sea level, this mountain sanctuary offers more than just spectacular views. The elevation creates a natural air conditioning system, providing refreshing relief from summer heat while treating campers to panoramic vistas of rugged peaks and endless sky. The thin mountain air adds an invigorating quality to every breath and makes the stars shine with exceptional brilliance.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living postcard where stately ponderosa pines mingle with slender lodgepole pines, creating a verdant canopy overhead. Shimmering groves of aspens add splashes of green in summer and gold in fall. This diverse forest ecosystem attracts an impressive cast of wildlife characters – majestic elk may wander through at dawn, while deer graze peacefully in the evening light. Keep your eyes peeled for the swift dash of a fox, the haunting call of coyotes at dusk, and the soaring silhouettes of raptors overhead. Black bears also call this area home, adding an element of wild authenticity to your mountain experience.
Geological RegionSet within the majestic Rocky Mountains, this campground occupies a gently sloping hillside sheltered by ancient granite sentinels. These weathered outcroppings crown the ridgeline above, their craggy faces telling stories of geological forces that shaped this landscape over millions of years. The heavily shaded terrain creates intimate camping spaces while the granite formations provide dramatic backdrops for your mountain memories.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers ADA-accessible campsites, picnic tables, and restrooms. The facility is suitable for guests with disabilities, but detailed reviews on the accessibility features are limited.
Sites SizeSites are relatively small and better suited for tent campers and small trailers (under 22 feet). Double sites are available for larger groups, accommodating up to two families.
Sites PrivacySome users have noted that campsites are close together, which may limit privacy. One user said, 'The sites are pretty close together, but it’s wooded so it didn’t bother us at all.' Another mentioned that 'sites are much closer than they appear on the map when booking.'
Total Campsites64 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent sites below A6 may flood during rain. Sites near the playground may have more noise.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 11 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights within a 28-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 6 guests per site, including children.
Groups
The campground accommodates groups of 7-10 people by offering double sites or two adjacent sites, but does not have dedicated group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutDouble loop campground with tent-specific and RV sites available. Sites are small and better suited for tents and small trailers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 24 - September 14, 2024.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Reserve America Call Center or the official website https://evrpd.colorado.gov/east-portal-campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is possible, but reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyChanges or cancellations can be made through Reserve America Call Center at (800)964-7806. Processing fee applies for changes/cancellations. Reservations canceled within 7 days of arrival will forfeit one night's fee plus processing.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers abundant outdoor activities, with direct access to trails leading into Rocky Mountain National Park, fishing at the nearby East Portal Reservoir, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The location is ideal for hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts.
Hiking
Numerous trails start directly from the campground, providing access to areas such as Glacier Basin and Sprague Lake within Rocky Mountain National Park. The onsite Wind River Trail is a peaceful and less-crowded option. Reviewers describe the hiking as 'extremely popular' and 'wonderful,' with one user stating, 'Trailhead to Rocky Mountain National Park is about 100 yards or so away.'Fishing
Fishing is available at the East Portal Reservoir, which is within walking distance of the campground. One reviewer shared that they 'caught 4 fish in the lake on our last day there.'Biking
A multi-use singletrack trail connects the campground to the nearby YMCA, making it a convenient option for mountain biking. The terrain is suitable for recreational biking, though specific difficulty levels are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings are frequent, with elk, deer, and black bears commonly seen in the area. Hummingbirds and chipmunks have also been mentioned. 'We saw deer and a bear within the campground, and elk just down the road,' noted one reviewer.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Ensure they are fully extinguished before departing.
- Quiet hours are enforced but exact times are not stated.
Hazards
General hazardsPresence of black bears requires responsible food storage. Uneven terrain and tight sites may pose challenges for oversized RVs.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 84%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Estes Park Medical Center (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes)
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 24 - September 14, 2024
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available within the campground, but specific details such as schedules or exact locations are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to East Portal Reservoir, offering fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsSome reviewers cited rude or unaccommodating staff, crowded sites, and high fees for tent-only spots.
HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful by many reviewers.
Campground Map
3420 Tunnel Road, Estes Park, Colorado, 80517, United States
Driving directionsFrom downtown Estes Park, take U.S. Highway 36/CO 66 west approximately 1.7 miles. Take CO 66 to the left (aka Tunnel Road), for 3.3 miles to the campground.
Inner roads are primitive and narrow, making navigating large rigs challenging. Seasonal closures are not mentioned explicitly.Nearby places
Estes Park (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies available in Estes Park (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes) and at the campground's well-stocked camp store.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Estes Park Campground At East Portal has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for the Estes Park Campground at East Portal are generally positive, highlighting the cleanliness of facilities, proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, and the friendliness of staff. Complaints often focus on strict rule enforcement and site size. One reviewer said, 'The staff were super nice, they sell firewood and can even deliver to your site,' while another noted, 'The campsites seemed small at first but after we got everything set up, they were perfect for us.'
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the cleanliness of restrooms and showers, helpful staff, and convenient amenities like bear boxes and a well-stocked camp store. Wildlife sightings and...
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Common Concerns
Complaints include strict enforcement of rules (e.g., vehicle limits, site occupancy), small site sizes, and lack of privacy due to close proximity of sites. Some users also noted unfriendly staff...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend booking well in advance due to high demand, especially during peak seasons. Plan for no cell service and bring maps or offline navigation tools. Avoid larger RVs as sites are...
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Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews praise the campground for its easy access to trails and well-maintained facilities. Fall reviews highlight the vibrant foliage and elk bugling. Winter conditions are not covered in...
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Camper Quotes
'The bathrooms and showers were cleaner than some hotels!' - Jayde F. 'Trailhead to Rocky Mountain National Park is about 100 yards or so away.' - Laura Steele 'Loved waking up to deer in the camp...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site A6 is mentioned for its scenic views but cautioned for potential flooding during rain. Tent site A20 is noted as being uphill and quieter than others.
Accessibility Features
ADA-accessible amenities are listed, but user reviews do not provide much detail on accessibility experiences.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and reviews mention a dog-friendly environment. One user noted, 'My wife and I stayed here with our golden retriever and had a very pleasant experience.'
Last updated August 10, 2025