Campground FAQ

Before you make your reservation, it’s a good idea to review these frequently asked questions about our campgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reservation Guidelines

No minimum stays on Mondays – Thursdays unless a holiday is involved.
Two-night minimum stay is required on all weekends. For example, if you want to camp over a weekend, you must book Friday and Saturday, or Saturday and Sunday.
Three-night minimum stay is required on the holidays of Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
Reservations are accepted up to and including the arrival date. The farthest out you can make a reservation is 180 days prior to your arrival date. Online reservations can be made 24 hours a day at www.reserveamerica.com. The reservation center is open for calls at (800)964-7806 seven days a week during the recreation season from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. MST on weekdays, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. MST on weekends. During the off-season, October through March, the reservation center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. MST and is closed on weekends.
Groups are limited to five sites and a maximum of 30 people. Please contact the Campground Manager when making a group reservation.
Reservations not checked in by midnight on the day following your arrival date will be released without a refund.
ADA sites are available for persons with disabilities or otherwise limited physical mobility. If no one in the party is disabled, another site must be selected. If all other sites are reserved and an ADA site is the only available, it may be reserved by a non-disabled person.
When you make your reservation, payment in full is required. VISA, Master Card, and American Express are accepted. If paying in person for a walk-in site, we accept VISA, Master Card, American Express or cash (sorry, no personal checks).

Campground Policies

Check-in/Check-out Times: Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. Check-out time is 11:00 a.m. No refunds are given for early departure.

Site Occupancy Maximums: To prevent overcrowding and to ensure that all guests are able to enjoy their camping experience, we have established strict maximum occupancy guidelines:

No more than six people are allowed per site (including children).
Only one camping unit (RV, trailer, 5th wheel, pop-up, van, truck camper) allowed per site. Extra tents in addition to the primary camping unit are not allowed in full hookup, water & electric, and standard sites. These sites are designed to accommodate only one RV with one vehicle.
One vehicle per site strictly enforced. Overflow parking spaces for extra vehicles are very limited and you may be asked to park extra vehicles off the properties.
“Tent-only” sites allow up to two small 3-person tents or one large 6-person tent and 1 vehicle. Tents must fit on the designated tent pad.
Double occupancy “tent only” sites can accommodate 7 – 10 people, up to four small 3-person tents or two large 6-person tents as long as they fit on the designated tent pads, and a maximum of 2 vehicles.
Double occupancy “standard” and “water & electric” sites can accommodate 7 – 10 people, one trailer or RV and one additional large 6-person tent or two small 3-person tents, and a maximum of 2 vehicles.
Please be sure to check the occupancy limitations before selecting your site to be sure that it will accommodate the needs of your family or group and rent additional sites if needed.

Quiet Hours: You will be camping near others who deserve a good night’s sleep. Please respect our quiet hours which are between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. If you or members of your group are disturbing your neighbors, you may be asked to leave the campground and will lose any remaining camping days without a refund. We strive to make everyone’s camping experience the best it can possibly be!

Generators/Noise: The use of generators is not permitted in the campgrounds. If you require electricity, please select a water & electric or full hookup site. No amplified music or wind chimes please.

Fireworks/Firearms: Firearm carry and use in accordance with local, state and federal law. Firearm carry is not allowed in any building. Fireworks are prohibited.

Pets: We welcome your pets and do not charge additional fees. We ask that you keep your pets under control at all times and on a leash no longer than 10 feet while in the campground. We ask that you clean up after your pets (doggy bags are provided throughout the campgrounds) and refrain from taking them into buildings, the swimming pool area, and playground areas. Please do not leave your pets unattended in your site. There are great doggy daycare facilities in Estes Park that can accommodate your pet if you spend the day hiking in the National Park.

Off-road Vehicles: ATVs, unlicensed dirt bikes, and UTVs are not allowed in the campgrounds.

Drones: Drones are not allowed over the campgrounds, adjacent lakes and reservoirs, and surrounding Bureau of Reclamation property.

Firewood and Campfires: We ask that you purchase locally and do not transport unused firewood to other areas. This prevents the spread of tree-killing organisms such as the mountain pine beetle. Firewood is for sale at the campgrounds. Campfires are allowed in the designated fire rings as long as there are no fire bans in effect. Campfires must be completely extinguished with water if site is unattended.

Food Storage: Proper food storage is required. There are black bears in the area, and we ask that you store your food items in the locked trunk of your vehicle or the bear-resistant food locker. Food, coolers (full or empty), grills, and/or garbage are not to be left in an unattended campsite. Bird feeders are not allowed.

Wastewater Disposal: RV waste water (grey and black) must be deposited into the dump station facility or sewer at full hookup sites and not onto open ground. Personal porta-potties and pop-up showers are not allowed…please use our restroom facilities.

Marijuana: The possession and use of marijuana on the properties is strictly prohibited as the campgrounds are on Federal property.

Are There Walk-In Campsites?

If a site does not have a reservation, it is available as a “first-come first-served” site. These sites are in limited supply and are only released to guests who can check availability in the campground office. Guests may also check on availability by calling (800)964-7806 or by visiting www. reserveamerica.com. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Walk-ins are not allowed after the camp store has closed at 8:00 pm.

WHAT IS AVAILABLE AT EACH CAMPSITE?

Every campsite has a fire ring, a picnic table, and a bear-resistant food storage locker. Tent sites have designated tent pads. “Big Rig” full hookup campsites with water, electric, and sewer are available at the Estes Park Campground at Mary’s Lake with 30/50 amp service and a 20 amp GFI outlet. Partial hookup sites with water and electric and 30 amp service are available at both campgrounds. Dump stations are also available at both campgrounds. ADA accessible sites are also available.

HOW MANY PEOPLE, VEHICLES AND TENTS ARE ALLOWED ON EACH SITE?

The maximum for single sites is 6 people (including children). Double sites allow up to 10 people.

RV-Only Full hookup sites allow one camping unit (for example: RV camper, pop-up, fifth wheel, truck camper, etc.) with one vehicle. Tents are not allowed in full hookup sites.

RV-Only Water & Electric sites can accommodate one camping unit with one vehicle. Tents are not allowed in water & electric sites.

RV-Only No Hookup sites can accommodate one camping unit (rv, trailer, truck camper, van camper, vehicle with a rooftop tent) with one vehicle. Tents are not allowed in standard sites.

Tent-Only No Hookup sites can accommodate one large 6-person tent or two small 3-person tents and one vehicle.

There is a one car limit in each camp site (this is strictly enforced). If you have an additional vehicle, be aware that at the Mary’s Lake Campground, there are only a few overflow parking spaces available and they are not guaranteed. At the East Portal Campground, all extra vehicles must be parked off of the property. A $7.00/day vehicle fee will be collected for every vehicle.

HOW BIG CAN MY TENT BE?

The largest we can accommodate is one 6-person tent per site (maximum 12′ x 16′). Two smaller 3-person tents are allowed as long as they fit on the provided tent pad. If you plan to bring 2 large tents or more than 2 small tents, you will need to rent two camp sites. This is strictly enforced. Please check the tent pad size when making your reservation to be sure it will meet your needs.

CAN I PUT UP A SHADE CANOPY?

Yes. One shade canopy is allowed in each site. We allow 2 shade canopies in the double sites.

ARE HAMMOCKS ALLOWED?

Yes, as long as they are secured to trees with straps that do not damage the bark. Trees must be located within the designated boundaries of the camp site.

IS THERE A LIMIT TO THE SIZE OF A GROUP?

Yes. In order to be courteous to other campers, we have set a size limit for groups. The maximum is 30 people and five sites. The Estes Park Campgrounds do not have dedicated group areas. We try our best to accommodate small gatherings, but cannot go over the designated maximums because of overcrowding, the strain on our bathroom facilities, and how large gatherings have the potential to negatively affect other campers in the campgrounds. If you would like to book multiple sites, please contact the Campground Manager by calling the Park directly before making your reservations to determine whether the campground is an appropriate facility for your gathering. If it is determined upon your arrival that you have exceeded the maximum number of people or the maximum number of sites per group, the reservations may be forfeited without a refund.

IS THERE SHADE IN THE CAMPSITES?

The Estes Park Campground at East Portal is heavily wooded with plenty of shade and the Estes Park Campground at Mary’s Lake has dispersed shade mainly in the tent site areas. Many of the Tent-Only sites at the Mary’s Lake Campground now have shade shelters over the picnic tables. The full hookup and water & electric sites at Mary’s Lake receive full sun.

IS THERE A LENGTH LIMIT FOR RV'S?

The Estes Park Campground at East Portal is well-suited for tent campers and RVs or trailers that are less than 22’ in length. Navigating trailers around the narrow campground roads has proven to be challenging, so the RV length limit is strictly enforced. RVs and trailers longer than 22’ in length are much better suited for Mary’s Lake Campground which has full hookup sites for rigs up to 43’ in length.

HOW DO I DETERMINE IF MY RV OR TRAILER WILL FIT IN A SITE?

Please measure the total length of your RV from the front on the tongue/gooseneck to the rear bumper. Many times the model number on trailers only accounts for the length of the box, so it is important to include the length of the tongue or gooseneck in the total length. the maximum allowable length is listed on the site description on ReserveAmerica. Your truck or tow vehicle will be parked perpendicular to your RV and does not need to be added to the measurement. The driveway lengths are accurate and cannot accommodate RVs that are even slightly over the listed vehicle length limit. Please choose accordingly as refunds will not be given if it is determined upon your arrival that your RV is longer than the maximum length allowed in the site.

IS THERE WIFI AND/OR CELL SERVICE IN THE CAMPGROUNDS?

We are not able to provide Wi-Fi due to limited bandwidth. Cell phone coverage at Mary’s Lake is good-to-excellent. Cell phone coverage at East Portal is marginal depending on your provider. An emergency phone is provided at the office.

ARE THERE SHOWERS?

Yes. Estes Park Campground at Mary’s Lake and Estes Park Campground at East Portal have shower houses that are available to campers staying in the parks. They are not available for outside guests. Showers at the Estes Park Campground at Mary’s Lake are coin-operated and require quarters (minimum $2.00). Change machines are available on site. The facilities are meticulously cleaned multiple times a day and we regularly receive compliments on their cleanliness from appreciative guests.

DO YOU HAVE ADA CAMPSITES AND BATHROOM FACILITIES??

Yes, there are wheelchair-accessible campsites, bathrooms, and showers at both campgrounds. Reservations for an ADA campsite can be made online at www.reserveamerica.com or by calling the ReserveAmerica Call Center at (800)964-7806.

HOW'S THE FISHING?

It’s great! The reservoirs adjacent to the campgrounds are periodically stocked by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The Estes Valley lakes, reservoirs, and rivers are known to have some of the best trout fishing in Colorado. For more information on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocking report go to their website at https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/StockingReport.aspx.

CAN I BOAT OR SWIM IN MARY'S LAKE?

No; boating and swimming are not allowed. Mary’s Lake is a reservoir that is supplied by a powerful flow of water coming from Grand Lake and has an extremely strong undertow near the outlet. However, fishing from the shore is a great way to spend a day.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?

It’s always best to bring clothes for all four seasons even in the middle of July! If you intend to venture up into the higher elevations in Rocky Mountain National Park, be prepared for much cooler temperatures as well as sudden electrical storms and the possibility of heavy rain and hail. There’s a common saying in Colorado … “if you don’t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes” which means that our sudden mid-day showers tend to pass through quickly and are typically followed by afternoon sunshine.

DO I GET A REFUND IF IT'S RAINY OR WINDY DURING MY VISIT?

Sorry, we cannot control the weather during your stay. No refunds are given for less-than-ideal weather conditions including heavy rain, wind, snow, smoke, and hail. Refunds are not given if your camping equipment is damaged by the weather.

CURRENT FIRE RESTRICTIONS

Click here for the current fire restrictions in the Estes Valley.

Estes Park, US

12:45 pm, Apr 23, 2026

48°F

Humidity: 24 %

Pressure: 1003 hPa

Wind: 14 mph

Wind Gust: 26 mph

Clouds: 100%

Visibility: 6 mi

Sunrise: 6:11 am

Sunset: 7:48 pm