About Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground
Overview Glacier Basin Campground is open for the summer camping season. All campsites at Glacier Basin Campground are available by reservation only through Recreation.gov. To make a reservation, visit www.recreation.gov, use the Recreation.gov Mobile App, or call 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 campsi
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground
Heading to Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232462) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin 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 …
How do I contact Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 970-586-1206.
References & Official Resources