Timber Creek Campground Overview
Timber Creek Campground is the only campground on the west side of the park. The campground is about eight miles (13 km) north of the Grand Lake entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. It sits along the Colorado River at an elevation of of 8900 feet (3000 m). A mountain pine beetle infestation caused most of the trees to be removed, so there is no shade at campsites. Camping in a trailer or RV? Please be advised, this campground has a total vehicle length limit of 30 feet (9 m). RVs and combined vehicles and trailers that exceed this limit cannot camp in Timber Creek Campground.
Some campsites at Timber Creek Campground are available to be reserved up to 6 months in advance on a rolling window.
Any sites that are open are listed as "A" for available. A number of campsites are available to be reserved 2 weeks prior to your desired camping date. Any campsite listed as "NR" are Not Yet Released. This means that these campsites are not yet available to be reserved.
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.
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, and fire ring with grate.
During the summer season, a dump station is located in the campground and is open for use to all campers. Additional dumpsters and recycling areas 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.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Grand Lake lies just 8 miles (13 km) outside the park's west entrance. Dining, shopping, and other recreational activities can be found there.
Charges & Cancellations
Directions to Campground
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.