Rocky Mountain National Park Campsites

This isn’t a direct answer but as you are probably already aware, RMNP has significant terrain above treeline and even the low areas are high elevation.  For your 6 year old I would strongly encourage something in the 15 mile range TOTAL.  4-6 miles in midwestern terrain would equate to no more than about 2 miles in RMNP.  If the objective is maximum enjoyment for him I would plan a low mileage with an emphasis on camp time and less on hike time.  Also I would add that late June you will be encountering significant areas of snow depending on your route which would further complicate mileage goals.

If you only have 3 days total for your trip, then plan to spend much of that time acclimatizing to the altitude. If you have not done trips at elevation before, then don’t underestimate the time required to acclimatize, even to the 8000 feet “lower” elevations around Estes Park. If you begin your first day backpacking to 10,000+ feet, you’ll likely experience altitude sickness, which is very unpleasant and draining of energy. If you only have 3 days, you might consider car camping at lower elevations at a place like Moraine Park and just doing day hikes for 3 days. Also, in June you will find significant snowpack remaining over most of the higher elevations in the Park.

I agree with all that has been said about the altitude issues. It generally takes about 2 weeks for someone from the Midwest to increase his/her red blood cell count to compensate for our altitude. Don’t be fooled about the hike up to Andrews Creek, as it’s a bit more arduous than you might think. Another thing to be aware of – 5-7 years ago the Park ‘de-commissioned’ the pit toilets at both Andrews Cr. and the nearby Glacier Gorge campsites, due to e-coli getting into the creeks. So they require that you carry out your human waste, and also keep your food in a bear canister. If you could spend 3-4 days at a place like Estes Park first (~ 7200′), that would go a long way toward acclimatizing to the altitude here. And, yeah, there will likely be some snow on the ground in June. The suggestion of staying at Moraine Park and doing day hikes is a pretty good idea.

While I appreciate the feedback I am already aware of all of the potential complications you have laid out (including the no pit toilet at Andrews Creek). This is nowhere even close to my first hike in high elevation and I already understand and know how to prepare and deal with that issue.

All I am really looking for is suggestions on what are some of the premier/best camp sites in the park as I have never visited that particular location in the past (primarly due to the shortage of long distance trails that acutally get you back away from people/day hikers). A simple ranked tier list of a top 3 – 5 favorite camp site would be more than adequte.

Thanks again for the intention behind your responses.

You might also look at camping in Timber Creek on the west side of the park. A little higher in elevation, but a number of trails make for great day hikes, including the Colorado River Trail. Our grown sons hiked those trails with us when they were little so I know they are doable for young kids. Throwing stones in the Colorado was a fun pastime.

So look at campsites that would take you into Big Meadows and beyond.

Odessa Lake is another very scenic camp site that’s short and easy to get to, but may have snow in June – good hiking from there up to Lake Helene and up the gorge beyond.

If you want to skip the snow and see less people, the 10 – 12 mile loop hike around Lumpy Ridge has very pleasant montain forest, two camps (Peregrine and Robit Ears), and you’ll see rock climbers all over Lumpy Ridge.

Check out the East Inlet on the west side. Driving from the midwest you’ll be able to spend high time on trail ridge road (12K+) to promote acclimation prior to setting off. Besides, it’s a visual snap shot for your son into the high country that perhaps he’s never seen. Could serve as a carrot on trail. There are several lower elevation campsites for backcountry night #1 but nights 2 and 3 (if available) can be up higher if desired. A downhill exit is always nice. Lots of campsite options near streams (which 6 year olds love). Easy/frequent access to water (which avoids needing to carry a bunch of water weight. I like the out and back routes for younger hikers, which requires less of a commitment than a loop route and in RMNP typically puts the harder uphill hike on the first half to the trip. It’s a beautiful and less traveled area with lots of wildlife sightings and opportunities to fly fish for trout. Sagebrush BBQ has good post trip burgers and food. If you want to stay on the busier east side, I agree with the Odessa loop. Glacier gorge is beautiful but so crowded.

Upper East Inlet (looking west from Boulder Grand Pass)

Lake Verna campsite (October)

Approach route to Ptarmigan Glacier (via the Odessa Loop)

Topping out on Ptarmigan Glacier

Thanks guys, really appreciate the input. Brian, the pictures you posted are a great visual aid as well. The East Inlet option may become my number one option. I’m assuming there would be fewer people there on average as well which would be a big plus.