East Portal Campground
There are wonderful views of the snow covered peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park and access to the East Portal Reservoir which has ample opportunities for fishing.
We’re closed for the season and look forward to welcoming you to your campsite in 2026!
Estes Park Campground at East Portal
Unwind in the Rockies
Secluded Camping in Estes Park
So close, yet feels so far away from the hustle and bustle of Estes Park. This very popular campground is located at an elevation of 8,300 feet at the end of a beautiful road just west of town. There are wonderful views of the snow covered peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park and access to the East Portal Reservoir which has ample opportunities for fishing. This double loop campground offers shady sites suitable for tenters and campers with small RVs and trailers shorter than 22 feet in length. It is especially well-suited for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore nearby nature and trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sites at this campground open up to views of Rocky Mountain National Park and starry nighttime skies. A mature blend of ponderosa and lodgepole pines interspersed with groves of aspens makes it a wonderful home away from home. It is an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation. The camping season runs from Memorial Weekend to mid-September. 3420 Tunnel Road, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
Natural Features
The campground is heavily shaded and is located on a sloping hillside framed by granite outcroppings on the ridgeline above. Inner roads are primitive and narrow, which make navigating large rigs challenging. Sites are relatively small and are better suited for tenters and small trailers. Wildlife in the area abounds. Elk and deer frequent the campground on a regular basis. Black bears are also present, which makes responsible food storage a high priority. Fox, coyote, raptors, and a wide variety of small mammals and birds are common sightings.
On-Site Facilities
The Estes Park Campground at East Portal has 66 sites suitable for tents and small trailers and RVs. A map of the East Portal Campground is available here. There is a maximum length of 22 feet for RVs. All sites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings, some with ADA accessibility. Guests also have access to drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers, water & electric hookups, dump station, firewood and ice sales, and a playground for the kids.
Cell phone service is spotty and there is no wi-fi, so please plan accordingly. Current fire restriction info is available HERE.
For hikers, taking a walk on a trail located just west of the reservoir, provides access to many other trails within Rocky Mountain National Park including the extremely popular Glacier Basin and Sprague Lake areas. The nearby Wind River trail is a peaceful and uncrowded route which will take you to an area of the National Park that most visitors don’t get to see. There’s a multi-use singletrack connecting the campground to the YMCA that’s great for mountain biking as well. Don’t forget to bring your fishing gear to try your luck at the East Portal Reservoir just a few steps away from the campground. Our Rec Center offers leisure and lap pools, hot tub, indoor track, group fitness classes, weights and aerobic machines as well as on-site child watch services. We have two golf course locations with 18-Hole, 9-Hole and Disc Golf. Our Marina has bike and boat rentals as well as a pavilion to rent for family gatherings.
Recreation
There’s something for everyone.
Nearby Attractions
The nearby town of Estes Park is a popular destination for visitors to the area. From hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, golfing, and world-class fly fishing, to family-friendly activities like go carts and mini golf, there are a multitude of outdoor opportunities in our mountain town. For more info, visit VisitEstesPark.com.
Driving Directions
3420 TUNNEL ROAD, ESTES PARK, CO 80517
From downtown Estes Park take U.S. Highway 36/Colorado Highway 66 west approximately 1.7 miles. After the stoplight at the intersection of Mary’s Lake Road, take Colorado Highway 66 to the left (which becomes Tunnel Road) for about 3.3 miles to the campground.
East Portal Campground Reservations
To check availability, make a reservation, or change an existing reservation, please call ReserveAmerica at (800) 964-7806 or visit ReserveAmerica.com.
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