Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular camping destinations in the United States. But is it free to camp in Rocky Mountain National Park? The answer is a little complicated, so let’s dive into the details.
First, it’s important to point out that there are three types of camping options available in Rocky Mountain National Park: backcountry camping, drive-in camping, and RV camping. Backcountry camping is free, but requires a permit.
Drive-in camping requires a fee and an advance reservation for most sites. And RV camping requires a fee and an advance reservation for all sites.
Backcountry camping is allowed in most areas of the park and does not require an advance reservation or fee; however, you must obtain a free permit from any ranger station or visitor center before setting up camp. The park also has backcountry campsites with amenities such as fire rings and bear boxes, but these are limited and require an additional fee.
Drive-in campsites are available on a first come/first served basis at Moraine Park Campground and Glacier Basin Campground; however, there is an additional fee for these sites. All other drive-in campsites in Rocky Mountain National Park require an advance reservation, which can be made up to six months in advance, and cost anywhere from $20 to $26 per night depending on the site type.
For those looking to camp with an RV in Rocky Mountain National Park, there are several campgrounds that offer full hookup sites as well as more primitive sites with no hookups. All RV sites must be reserved in advance and prices range from $30-$50 per night depending on the type of site you choose.
In conclusion, it is not free to camp at Rocky Mountain National Park unless you are backpacking or willing to stay at one of the few first come/first served drive-in sites at either Moraine Park or Glacier Basin campsites; otherwise you must pay for a permit or an advance reservation for any other drive-in or RV site in the park.
