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.
Directions to Campground
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.