Glacier Basin Campground
The Quick Take
Glacier Basin sits in the sweet spot of Rocky Mountain National Park camping — close enough to Bear Lake Road that you can hit the trailheads before dawn, but tucked back far enough to feel like actual camping rather than a parking lot with tents. With around 150 sites spread across several loops, it is one of the park's larger campgrounds, and the group sites make it a go-to for family reunions and scout troops. You will not find showers or hookups here, so this is not a glamping situation — but you do get potable water, a dump station, and those critical food lockers for keeping the local bears out of your cooler. The amphitheater hosts ranger programs on summer evenings, which is a genuine highlight. Choose Glacier Basin if you want a base camp for serious hiking without the chaos of Moraine Park's walk-up lottery.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 150 sites are reservable.
Book at Rocky Mountain LodgesWhat You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. No electrical hookups.
Accessibility
Four sites are available for those customers with a disability or otherwise limited mobility who would benefit from the accessibility design features. Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Rules to Know
- Bear Safety:Bears, Deer, elk, raccoons and skunks frequent the area: all food, pet food, cooking utensils and other scented items must be stored in a vehicle or food storage lockers located in the campground.
- Occupancy:There is an eight (8) person limit per site.
Pro Tips
Reservations open on recreation.gov six months in advance, and summer weekends sell out within minutes of release. Set a calendar reminder for your exact date window and be logged in with payment info saved before the clock strikes. Midweek arrivals are dramatically easier to snag.
Bear Lake trailhead is a short drive up the road, but the parking lot fills by 5:30 AM in peak season. Use the free park shuttle that stops right at Glacier Basin — it drops you at Bear Lake without the parking headache, and you can do a point-to-point hike back down.
Cell service is essentially nonexistent here, so download your trail maps and any recreation.gov confirmation screens before you leave Estes Park. Also, bring your own firewood — they do not sell it on-site, and gathering deadfall in the park is prohibited.
Photos
NPS Photo
NPS
NPS PhotoGetting There
Directions
Drive up Bear Lake Road, near Beaver Meadows Entrance. At the major intersection for Park & Ride, turn left and follow the signs to Glacier Basin Campground.
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