Where to Stay, Shop, and Eat When Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park

While visiting Rocky Mountain National Park you have a wide range of choices for accommodations, restaurants, shopping, and more. Nearly all of it is found just outside the borders of the park in the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake.

Inside Rocky Mountain National Park itself you will find little in terms of accommodation or food. There are several large campgrounds in the park and wilderness tent sites, but no hotels or lodges. At the Alpine Trail Ridge Store on Trail Ridge Road, you can find a few snack items and drinks, but there is no other food for sale in the national park. All of the other lodging and food options are found outside of the park.

The town of Estes Park is the main hub for these services. Estes Park serves as the eastern gateway town to Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a town of about 10,000 full-time residents located right at the edge of the park. Estes Park is a major tourist hub and has many hotels, lodges, campgrounds, restaurants, galleries, gift stores, as well as a handful of grocery stores.

The west side of Rocky Mountain National Park is bordered by the town of Grand Lake on the shores of Colorado’s largest natural lake. It is a small town with a full-time population of just over 500 people. Yet this small town offers numerous places to stay, a number of restaurants, many interesting shops, and two small grocery stores. Its wooden boardwalks give it an old-west feel and it is usually the quieter alternative to Estes Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park Campgrounds

Rocky Mountain National Park has five established campgrounds in the national park. Only one of them does not require a reservation. The others need to be booked well in advance...

Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness Camping

Awaken to the sounds of nature in one of Rocky's 260 designated wilderness campsites. There's no better place to awaken.

Rocky Mtn NP Picnic Areas

Rocky Mountain National Park has some fabulous places to enjoy a meal in the great outdoors. Find out where they are and everything else you need to know.

Estes Park Lodging

In beautiful Estes Park you can find accomodations ranging from simple to luxurious. Whether you want a small B&B, a cozy cabin, or a fancy hotel, you'll find it all in this section.

Estes Park Campgrounds

If you are looking for a campground with all the amenities, Estes Park has you covered. They have a wide range of campgrounds to meet your desires and needs. (External Link)

Estes Park Restaurants

Estes Park has a wide range of restaurants from a quick grab and go to a romantic meal you won't forget. Find a complete list of restaurants here. (External Link)

Things to Do Around Estes Park

There are so many activities to do in Estes Park. You'll find many delightful stores, mini-golf, adventure parks, museums, coffee shops, fishing ponds, etc. (External Link)

Explore Grand Lake Colorado

Located at the western entrance is the town of Grand Lake. With old-west boardwalks and its lakeside attractions, its a perfect place to base your adventure.