Campground

Rocky Mountain National Park Timber Creek Campground

Rocky Mountain National Park
Near Grand Lake, Colorado

Facilities

Timber Creek Camgpround contains single family tent-only sites, walk-to sites, and RV sites (30 ft/9 m or smaller in length) without hookups. There is no group camping at Timber Creek Campground. If you are looking for a group site, please check Glacier Basin Campground located on the east side of the park off of the Bear Lake Road.   

Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring with grate, and a tent pad.   

During the summer season, potable water is available throughout the campground and campers have access to dish sinks for washing dishes. A water fill and a dump station for are located in the campground and are open for use to all campers. Dumpsters, recycling bins, and propane recycling are scattered throughout the campground for the camper's convenience. 

Natural Features

Timber Creek Campground has been impacted by both mountain pine beetle infestation, which killed many of the trees, but also by wildfire. This results in almost no shade in the campground, but it provides for an opportunity to see forest regrowth. Wildflowers can fill surrounding meadows and a mix of Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, and ponderosa pine are all around as you explore the park. 

Wildlife is plentiful in Rocky Mountain National Park. Mule deer and the majestic Rocky Mountain elk are commonly seen. Black bear, coyote, bighorn sheep and moose also inhabit the area, but are less common to see.

Recreation

Rocky Mountain National Park has over 350 miles (563 km) of hiking trails. There are many wonderful trails to explore on the west side of the park, including the Colorado River Trail, Coyote Valley Trail, Green Mountain Trail, and more. Enjoy fishing along the banks of the Colorado River. 

The park also offers some unforgettable scenic driving routes, including Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road. Enjoy the scenic views in the land above trees while exploring the alpine tundra or visit Alpine Visitor Center.

Are you interested in history? Take a step back in time and explore the Holzwarth Historic Site, just down the road from Timber Creek Campground.

Recreation Sites

  • Standard Nonelectric
  • Walk To
  • Management
  • Tent Only Nonelectric
  • Overnight

Activities

  • Amphitheater
  • Backpacking
  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Evening Programs
  • Fishing
  • Guided Interpretive Walks
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Interpretive Programs
  • Kayaking
  • Mountain Climbing
  • Picnicking
  • Scenic Drive
  • Swimming
  • Visitor Center
  • Wilderness
  • Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

  • Accessible Campsites
  • Creek Access
  • Drinking Water (peak season)
  • Dump Station
  • Emergency Phone
  • Firewood Vender
  • Flush Toilets (Seasonal)
  • Host
  • Paved Parking
  • Pets Allowed
  • Pit Toilets
  • Ranger Station
  • Recycling
  • Trash Collection
  • Picnic Tables
  • Campfire Rings
  • Paved Roads
  • Tent Pads
  • Water Spigot
  • Water (Seasonal)
  • Accessible Parking
  • Accessible Flush Toilets
  • Entrance Station
  • Vault Toilets
  • Campfire Programs
  • Drinking Water
  • Food Storage Locker
  • Utility Sinks

Nearby Attractions

The town of Grand Lake lies just 10 miles south of the campground (2 miles outside the park's west entrance). Dining, shopping, and other recreational activities can be found there.

Getting Here

Latitude
40° 22' 45.0631" N
Longitude
105° 51' 0.9743" W

From Grand Lake, Colorado: 

Drive north on U.S. Highway 34 and enter Rocky Mountain National Park via the Grand Lake Entrance. Drive along Trail Ridge Road for 8 miles (13 km) from the park entrance and follow signs to Timber Creek Campground. The campground will be on the left.

From Estes Park, Colorado:

Enter Rocky Mountain National Park via the Beaver Meadows or Fall River Entrances. Follow Trail Ridge Road west for approximately 35 miles, crossing the Continental Divide. The entrance to Timber Creek Campground is located on the right side of the road. 

Need to Know

  • Need to Know - You must scroll down and read all of the "Need to Know Information" below.

    By completing your camping reservation, you are agreeing to the following items. Use the scroll bar in this small window to scroll and read all the information. 

  • Camping space is extremely limited. Ensure your camping unit or equipment will fit in your chosen site. Other options may not be available. 

    Be aware - Vehicles larger than 30-feet are not permitted in Timber Creek campground.

  • Entrance Fee. A park entrance fee is required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, or show your annual or lifetime park pass. You may pay the entrance fee upon arrival.

    Pass Discounts on Camping. If you use a Senior or Access Pass for a camping fee discount while booking a reservation, you must present the pass and photo ID upon check-in.

  • Check-in Time. Check-in begins at 1 p.m.

  • Site Limits. Each site is limited to eight (8) persons and one camping unit (i.e., a tent, RV, or trailer/tow vehicle) plus one additional tent per standard nonelectric site.  

    All tents shall be located on the tent pad. All additional camp structures must be self standing without impacts to vegetation or trees.  

    Parking is limited to two (2) vehicles per site. A vehicle is defined as one vehicle, one trailer, one RV, or one towed unit.  

    Each vehicle must be parked on the gravel or paved parking pad causing no resource degradation or encroachment onto the paved access road. Some sites will accommodate only one vehicle on the graveled parking pad. Extra vehicles must park in overflow areas.

    Maximum length of stay. The maximum length of stay during peak season is 7 nights. Please check the rules and regulations before making your reservation.

  • Be Advised: Trailer length is the total maxium vehicle length allowable.

    (Trailer Length = Trailer + Hitch + Vehicle)

  • Maximum Vehicle + Trailer Length = Vehicle + Trailer + Hitch = 30 ft at Timber Creek campground.

  • No Hookups. There are no RV hookups available.

    Dump Station. RV sewage and wastewater tanks must be emptied at the dump station.

    No Shower or Laundry. There are no shower or laundry facilities in the campground; portable showers are prohibited.

  • Food Storage and Wildlife. Bears, deer, elk, raccoons and skunks frequent the area. All food, pet food, cooking utensils and other scented items must be stored in a food storage locker, located in the campground.

  • Firewood. Firewood is available for purchase inside Timber Creek Campground or in the Town of Grand Lake. 

    Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more. 

  • Prohibited Wheeled Devices. The use of skateboards, rollerblades, scooters and other similar devices is prohibited.

  • STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails and follow local guidelines for firewood. CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit the National Invasive Species Information Center

  • ATTENTION: If you plan on renting an RV or camping equipment and having it delivered to Rocky Mountain National Park, it is your responsibility to make sure that the individual or business that you are renting the equipment from has a valid permit to do business in the park. It is illegal to conduct business in a park area without a permit, contract, or other written agreement. Renting from a business or individual without a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) with the park may leave you without accommodations as the RV/camping equipment may be turned away upon delivery.

  • Contact Information

    16018 US HWY 34
    Grand Lake, CO 80447

    For campground inquiries, please call: 970-586-1206

    Additional Information