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. These campsites are currently listed as "NR" for Not Yet Released.
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.
Recreation
Rocky Mountain National Park has over 350 miles of hiking trails that range from flat lakeside strolls to steep mountain peak climbs. Visitors enjoy the park's various lake trails (Bear Lake, Cub Lake, Mills Lake), waterfall trails (Adams Falls, Alberta Falls, Ouzel Falls) and summit trails (Deer Mountain, Twin Sisters Peaks, Flattop Mountain).
The park also offers some unforgettable scenic driving routes, including Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road. Trail Ridge Road reaches 12,183 feet (3715 m) above sea level and is the highest continuous paved highway in the United States. It climbs above the park's evergreen forests to its windswept alpine tundra, where visitors enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Driving along the historic Old Fall River Road is like motoring through an earlier era. Constructed in 1920, this steep, one-way, uphill, gravel road punctuated by switchbacks quietly leads travelers from Horseshoe Park through the park's wilderness to Fall River Pass, 11,796 feet (3595 m) above sea level.
Several visitor centers are located within the park, offering ranger-led activities, education and history about the park, and seasonal nighttime programs.
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 located 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 outside the park's west entrance. Dining, shopping, and other recreational activities can be found there.
Charges & Cancellations
Please review the Reservation Rules and Policies for details about changes and/or cancellations.
Directions to Campground
From Grand Lake, Colorado: head north on US Hwy 34/Trail Ridge Road. 8 miles (approx. 13 km) from the park entrance, follow signs to Timber Creek Campground. The campground will be on the left.