Community Forums

tjsmiles · 07-06-2016, 10:35 AM

Is this state park too far to camp at and visit Rocky Mountain National Park? We like state park settings, or if anyone has ideas of other park like settings close by would be appreciated. We were looking at Crater Lake also. Thanks TJ

bikerdavet · 07-06-2016, 12:48 PM

It is not to far. I work in Loveland and many folks use the area as a staging point for RMNP and other area attractions.

Krashqueen · 07-06-2016, 10:27 PM

There is one closer. Rivers Edge.

twogypsies · 07-06-2016, 10:49 PM

I'd try to get into Rocky Mountain NP instead of Boyd Lake. It doesn't get any better than that!

Why drive that distance? If you stay IN the park you'll see much more. Staying at Boyd I don't think you'll make too many trips into the park.

Crater Lake is too far from Rocky Mtn. to stay.

(I think you mean another trip??)

micd · 07-07-2016, 10:59 AM

You might want to check out Hermit Park. Hermit Park Open Space requires entrance and camping permits, and is open March through mid December. It is located 2 miles southeast of Estes Park, Colorado.

It is very close and a very natural treed campground with good spacing. Here are a couple of posts I did where I show pictures of the area.

1994 Brave 29RQ RV: Hermit Park Campground and hiking

1994 Brave 29RQ RV: Estes Park Hermit Park Campground exploration

If you have dogs this is a great campground because you can hike on all the trails with them in this campground.

Hermit Park Open Space - an Estes Park Campground and Open Space

Hope you have a good time!

jtobbe · 07-07-2016, 08:31 PM

We stayed in Boyd Lake last year. They hide the fact that you have to buy a $7 (i think) a day vehicle pass that is not included in the site fee. The campsite is nice however you can not have any part of any of the vehicles off the pavement. several of the sites are curved and ours flooded when it rained.

We drove in to Estes Park every day. It is a nice ride but it gets old quick!

Save time and enjoy a campground in Estes Park. We are going back there next year and we will be staying there, not sure of the campground yet.

Lynnowensmom · 07-08-2016, 08:39 AM

Jtobbe we have stayed at Boyd Lake many times since our daughter lives a few blocks away. After you pay for your site and parks pass you should not have to pay daily rate for towed car. That is the catch-towed vehicle! You will get a free daily pass for your towed vehicle. Enjoy, Lynn

tjsmiles · 07-08-2016, 11:54 AM

Thanks everyone! Waited too long to get campsite in national park, so will check out the other campgrounds that were suggested. Appreciate your responses! TJ

Timay · 07-08-2016, 12:12 PM

There are several RV parks in Estes Park, which is very close to RMNP...google is your friend...

Tim

jtobbe · 07-09-2016, 04:36 AM

We had our 5th wheel and the person that was at the guard shack charged us an extra $40 for our stay to have the daily pass. I said that I would think it was included with the reservation and she said it is in the fine print. I did not buy a parks pass as that was the only CO state Park we were staying in. That is the catch. It was cheaper to pay the daily rate. Most of the other state parks we stay in (East coast) The daily fee is included with the campsite reservation.

Nice park however with the drive into Estes Park through the Big Thompson river canyon every day I would definitely recommend that you stay in Estes Park as I will be next year.

twogypsies · 07-09-2016, 03:08 PM

Rocky Mtn. Entrance Fee: 1 day - $20; 7 days $30;

Annual - $80 If you buy the Annual it's good for any park in the U.S. for a year.

There's also a lifetime pass for $10 for seniors and a disability pass