Campers Creek

For Coloradans who truly seek to immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness of Rocky Mountain National Park, far from the conveniences of developed campgrounds, Campers Creek offers an authentic backcountry experience. Located within the park's breathtaking East Inlet drainage, accessible from Allenspark, this designated campsite zone (DCZ) provides a rare opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level. It’s a place where the sounds of a flowing creek replace urban clamor, and the chances of spotting incredible wildlife are part of the daily routine. If you're a local who values solitude, stunning natural beauty, and a self-sufficient approach to camping, Campers Creek promises an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Colorado's most iconic national park.

Rocky Mountain National Park is a treasure trove of outdoor experiences, but its popularity means that truly wild and secluded spots can be hard to come by. Campers Creek stands out as a primitive, designated backcountry site that ensures a low-impact and quiet visit. It's not for those seeking amenities or easy car access; rather, it caters to adventurers ready to backpack into the wilderness. As one individual aptly described a similar secluded spot, "All we could hear was the wind through the tops of the trees. Couldn't get any better. Not much of a view other than the sky above you, but that's what makes it feel so secluded. If you're looking for a campsite that makes you feel like you're completely in the middle of nowhere, with access to creek water nearby, this is the spot for you!" This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of what a site like Campers Creek delivers: a profound sense of being truly "in the middle of nowhere," surrounded by natural splendor.

Campers Creek is a backcountry campsite located within Rocky Mountain National Park, accessible via the East Inlet Trailhead near Allenspark, CO 80510, USA. While the mailing address points to Allenspark, the practical access point for the East Inlet Trail is typically from the west side of RMNP, near the town of Grand Lake. To reach the trailhead, visitors generally drive to Grand Lake and then follow signs to the East Inlet Trailhead.

As a backcountry site, Campers Creek requires a hike to reach it. The specific distance varies depending on the exact location of the designated site within the Campers Creek zone and the trailhead used. While some nearby backcountry sites are as short as 1.5 miles in, Campers Creek is further into the East Inlet drainage, requiring a more substantial hike. This longer approach contributes to its secluded feel, ensuring that only those truly seeking a wilderness experience will reach it. The trail itself is generally well-maintained but can be challenging, gaining elevation as it progresses. Hikers will traverse diverse terrain, including forested areas and open meadows, often alongside the East Inlet Creek. Accessibility for vehicles ends at the trailhead; from there, it’s entirely on foot, emphasizing the primitive nature of this camping opportunity. It’s crucial for Coloradans planning a trip here to be prepared for backcountry conditions and to carry all necessary supplies, as there are no services once on the trail.

Campers Creek, as a designated backcountry campsite within Rocky Mountain National Park, provides a minimalist and primitive camping experience. The emphasis is on preserving the natural environment and encouraging self-sufficiency. Therefore, campers should expect very few, if any, developed services.

• Designated Campsite: Campers Creek is a specific, marked wilderness campsite. Camping is permitted only within the designated zone or at the individual marked sites to concentrate impact and protect the surrounding fragile ecosystem.
• No Developed Facilities: Unlike front-country campgrounds, Campers Creek does not offer amenities such as flush toilets, vault toilets, running water, picnic tables, fire rings, or trash receptacles. Campers must adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles.
• Water Source (Untreated): Water can be sourced from nearby natural water bodies like Campers Creek or the East Inlet Creek. However, all water gathered from these sources MUST be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption to ensure it is safe to drink.
• Wilderness Permit Required: An official wilderness permit from Rocky Mountain National Park is mandatory for all overnight stays at Campers Creek. These permits are highly competitive and must be reserved well in advance, typically through Recreation.gov, often opening on March 1st for the upcoming season. Permits must be picked up in person at one of the park's visitor centers.
• Bear Canister Requirement: From April 1 through October 31, a commercial hard-sided, carry-in/carry-out bear-resistant food storage canister is required for the storage of all food and scented items. This is a strict park regulation to protect both wildlife and human safety.
• Campfires Prohibited: Campfires are strictly prohibited at Campers Creek and throughout the RMNP backcountry. Campers must use portable stoves for cooking.
• Leave No Trace Ethics: Campers are expected to practice all seven Leave No Trace principles, which include packing out all trash (including food scraps), proper disposal of human waste (digging catholes at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet from water, trails, and camps), and staying on durable surfaces.
• Limited Group Size: Backcountry permits typically have strict limits on group size (usually 1-7 people for individual sites) to minimize impact on the wilderness.

• Profound Seclusion and Tranquility: The most significant highlight of Campers Creek is the unparalleled sense of peace and solitude it offers. Being a backcountry site accessible only by foot, it provides a true escape from crowds and allows for deep immersion in nature, where the primary sounds are the wind and the creek.
• Abundant Wildlife Opportunities: The East Inlet drainage is a prime habitat for Rocky Mountain wildlife. Campers at Campers Creek have a high chance of spotting elk, deer, and especially moose. As one reviewer mentioned for a similar area, "I saw a black bear on the way to Spirit Lake," indicating the potential for exciting wildlife encounters.
• Picturesque Creek Setting: The name "Campers Creek" suggests that the site is situated near a flowing creek, providing the soothing sounds of water and a source for treating drinking water. This adds to the serene ambiance of the campsite.
• Access to Iconic Trails: Campers Creek is part of the extensive East Inlet Trail system. From this base, more experienced hikers can explore deeper into the wilderness, reaching stunning alpine lakes like Spirit Lake, Lone Pine Lake, Lake Verna, Fourth Lake, and Fifth Lake, offering challenging yet highly rewarding day hikes.
• Authentic Rocky Mountain National Park Experience: For those who want to truly "rough it" and experience RMNP's wilderness without the amenities of front-country campgrounds, Campers Creek provides that genuine, self-reliant backpacking adventure.
• Stargazing Paradise: Away from urban light pollution, the night skies above Campers Creek are exceptionally dark, offering incredible opportunities for stargazing and appreciating the Milky Way.
• Photography Opportunities: The rugged terrain, pristine creek, and potential for wildlife sightings make Campers Creek an excellent spot for nature photography.
• Challenge and Reward: The effort required to reach Campers Creek enhances the feeling of accomplishment and the reward of experiencing such a pristine and secluded natural environment.
• Less Crowded Wilderness: While RMNP backcountry permits are competitive, the deeper penetration into the wilderness means less human traffic compared to popular day-hike areas.

Address: Allenspark, CO 80510, USA (This refers to the general area for accessing the backcountry site. For specific trailhead information, refer to official Rocky Mountain National Park resources related to the East Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake.)

For permits and detailed information regarding Rocky Mountain National Park backcountry regulations and reservations, please use the official channels:

Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness Office Phone: (970) 586-1242 (It's essential to verify current phone numbers and operating hours directly on the official RMNP website, as these can change.)

Permit Reservations: Recreation.gov (Search for "Rocky Mountain National Park Backcountry Permits")

For Coloradans, Campers Creek epitomizes the ultimate Rocky Mountain National Park backcountry experience. It's designed for those who don't just want to visit the mountains but truly want to live in them, even if for just a night or two. While it requires a significant hike and adherence to strict primitive camping rules, the reward for this effort is a level of solitude and natural immersion that is increasingly rare in popular national parks. For local adventurers who pride themselves on self-reliance and a deep respect for the wild, Campers Creek offers an unmatched opportunity to test their skills and rejuvenate their spirits.

The allure of abundant wildlife, the soothing sounds of the creek, and the breathtaking alpine scenery make the challenging journey entirely worthwhile. It's a chance for Coloradans to truly disconnect, leaving behind the distractions of daily life to fully engage with the raw beauty of their state. The knowledge that you've earned your spot in such a pristine environment, surrounded by the quiet majesty of the Rockies, creates a sense of accomplishment unique to backcountry camping. While securing a permit can be competitive, the payoff is a memorable and deeply personal encounter with the wilderness. For those Coloradans seeking the purest form of outdoor adventure, Campers Creek is not just a campsite; it's a testament to the wild heart of our state, inviting you to step beyond the familiar and embrace the extraordinary.

Campers Creek

Allenspark, CO 80510, USA