Timber Creek Campground

The only campground on RMNP’s quiet west side — Colorado River headwaters

Location: Grand Lake Entrance, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO, CO

Price: From $35 per night

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (1380 reviews)

Season: Late May – early October (⚠️ closes Aug 10, 2026 for sewer rehab)

Timber Creek is Rocky Mountain National Park’s only west-side campground at 8,900 ft along the Colorado River headwaters, 8 miles north of the Grand Lake Entrance. Dramatically quieter than the Estes Park side — no shuttle, fewer crowds, full services in Grand Lake. 98 sites, 30 ft total vehicle length limit strictly enforced. Your reservation includes a Timed Entry permit (does not include Bear Lake Road). ⚠️ Closes August 10, 2026 for sewer system rehabilitation — verify reopening date at recr

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): weak signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: Verizon. Verizon 4G: 100%. AT&T 4G: 0%. T-Mobile 4G: 0%.

Amenities: Flush Toilets, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Picnic Tables, Fire Grates, Food Storage Lockers, Amphitheater, Colorado River Access

Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/timber-creek-campground-rmnp to be notified when sites open up.

Timber Creek is Rocky Mountain National Park's secret. While thousands queue for Bear Lake on the east side, the west entrance at Grand Lake gets a fraction of the visitors. The campground sits at the Colorado River headwaters at 8,900 feet. Trail Ridge Road — the highest paved road in any US national park — is accessible from either entrance. And Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake, is 8 miles away with kayak rentals, restaurants, and a genuine mountain town.

The Colorado River headwaters run adjacent to the campground — this is where the river that carved the Grand Canyon starts, as a small mountain stream. Walk down to it and think about where the water ends up.

What is new at Timber Creek Campground: 2026: ⚠️ Campground closes August 10 for sewer rehabilitation. Verify reopening date at recreation.gov. Trail Ridge Road construction possible — check nps.gov/romo.

Wildlife alert: Elk, moose, and black bear present on the west side. Moose are more common here than on the east side — give significant distance, they are unpredictable. Colorado River corridor has excellent beaver and otter viewing.

Fire rules: Campfires in fire rings only. No outside firewood. Fire restrictions possible in late summer — check nps.gov/romo on arrival.

Things to do near Timber Creek Campground: Trail Ridge Road summit (12,183 ft). Grand Lake kayaking and fishing. Colorado River headwaters from camp. North Inlet Trail into the park backcountry.

Insider tips for Timber Creek Campground: The Grand Lake boardwalk has better restaurant and bar options than Estes Park for an evening out Trail Ridge Road west approach has fewer pullout crowds than the east approach — start from Grand Lake entrance Granby Ranch and Shadow Mountain Reservoir are 15-20 minutes away for additional water recreation

Skip Timber Creek Campground if: You have a combined vehicle length over 30 ft. You want Bear Lake Road access without a second drive. You're visiting after Aug 10 2026 without checking the reopening date.

Best time to visit Timber Creek Campground: Jun — Snowmelt. Waterfalls. Trail Ridge Road freshly open.. Jul — Best weather. Colorado River at good flow. Grand Lake activities open..

Common issues at Timber Creek Campground: 30 ft TOTAL vehicle length — strictly enforced, not a suggestion. Measure your truck + trailer combined. This is the strictest limit of any RMNP campground. Rangers will turn you away. Closes August 10, 2026 for sewer system rehabilitation. Verify current reopening date at recreation.gov before booking any late summer or fall dates in 2026. Bear Lake Road permit NOT included with Timber Creek reservation. You get a standard Timed Entry permit — which lets you enter the park and drive Trail Ridge Road — but not Bear Lake Road. Shuttle from Glacier Basin is required for Bear Lake trailheads.

What campers say about Timber Creek Campground: "The west side of RMNP is completely different. Emptier, quieter, wilder. Timber Creek is the best-kept secret in Colorado." — Campendium "Grand Lake for dinner is worth it — the mountain town atmosphere and lake views are wonderful." — Google Reviews "Colorado River literally runs past the campground. Kids played in it for hours." — The Dyrt

Nearby campgrounds: Pines Campground (Co) (WY), Moraine Park Campground (Estes Park, CO), Glacier Basin Campground (Bear Lake Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO), Aspen Campground (Co) (WY).