Olive Ridge Campground

For those of us in Colorado who cherish the peace and beauty of the mountains, Olive Ridge Campground offers a quintessential high-country camping experience. Located near the charming mountain community of Allenspark, this campground provides a serene and immersive natural setting, ideal for escaping the urban hustle and reconnecting with the great outdoors. Unlike some of the more bustling campgrounds, Olive Ridge maintains a tranquil atmosphere, making it a favorite for campers seeking quietude among the towering trees and fresh mountain air. It's a place where the sounds of nature prevail, and the starry nights are truly magnificent, free from light pollution.

Olive Ridge is particularly appealing to Colorado locals because of its authentic feel and strategic location. It strikes a perfect balance between being readily accessible from Front Range cities and offering a genuine sense of wilderness. Imagine waking up surrounded by mature ponderosa pines and aspens, with abundant shade keeping your campsite cool and comfortable. This campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a basecamp for adventure, a peaceful retreat, and an opportunity to create lasting memories in one of Colorado's most beloved regions. While it embraces a more rustic approach to amenities, this simplicity is precisely what draws many to its welcoming embrace, allowing for a truly unplugged experience.

Olive Ridge Campground is conveniently situated on CO-7 Scenic, Allenspark, CO 80510, USA. This placement is incredibly advantageous for Colorado residents, as it lies along a scenic byway that connects several key mountain towns and provides direct access to the eastern side of Rocky Mountain National Park. For those traveling from Denver, Boulder, or Fort Collins, the drive to Olive Ridge is part of the experience, offering stunning mountain vistas and a gradual ascent into the subalpine forests.

The campground’s location on State Highway 7, between Allenspark and Meeker Park at mile-marker 14, ensures relatively easy access even for pop-up campers and smaller RVs, as noted by visitors. While the interior roads are gravel/dirt, they are generally manageable. It's important to note that CO-7, while scenic, is a mountain highway, and conditions can vary with weather, particularly during the shoulder seasons. Always check local road conditions before departing, especially if snow or heavy rain is in the forecast.

One of Olive Ridge's most significant advantages is its close proximity to the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park, making it an exceptional launching point for exploring some of the park's less crowded yet equally stunning trails. Furthermore, the charming village of Allenspark is just a short drive away, offering a few basic services, a coffee shop, and a sense of local mountain culture. For more extensive supplies or dining options, the full-service community of Estes Park is approximately 15 miles north, providing another accessible hub for campers.

• Tent Sites: Many sites are well-suited for tent camping, often including a picnic table and fire ring.
• RV Sites: Accommodations for various RV lengths (up to 50 feet), with spacious pull-through or back-in options at some sites. Note: No electric, water, or sewer hookups are available.
• Picnic Tables: Provided at each campsite for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• Fire Rings/Grills: Available at every site, perfect for campfires and cooking, contributing to that classic camping atmosphere.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and regularly maintained restroom facilities are conveniently located throughout the campground.
• Trash Services: Dumpsters are strategically placed for easy and responsible waste disposal.
• Food Storage Lockers (Bear Lockers): Essential for safely storing food and scented items, protecting wildlife and ensuring camper safety.
• Camp Host: A hospitable camp host is typically on-site to assist campers, rake sites clean upon arrival, and ensure a pleasant stay.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase within the campground, making it convenient to enjoy a campfire.

• Exceptional Proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park: Located very close to the Wild Basin entrance, offering unparalleled access to its trailheads and less-traveled areas.
• Heavily Wooded Sites: Camp in the shade of majestic ponderosa pines and aspens, providing a true forest immersion.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Known for its tranquility, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxing and noise-free camping experience.
• Stargazing Opportunities: Minimal light pollution allows for incredible views of the night sky, perfect for astronomy enthusiasts.
• Diverse Wildlife Viewing: A chance to spot local Colorado wildlife such as deer, elk, and various bird species.
• Variety of Site Types: Offers a good mix of sites suitable for both tent campers and RVs, including some first-come, first-served options.
• Rustic Charm: Appeals to those who prefer a more traditional, "unplugged" camping experience without modern hookups.
• Scenic Surroundings: Enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Roosevelt National Forest.
• Close to Hiking: Direct access or very short drives to numerous hiking trails, including those within Wild Basin leading to Copeland Falls, Finch Lake, and Sandbeach Lake.

Address: CO-7 Scenic, Allenspark, CO 80510, USA

Phone: (303) 541-2500 (This number is typically for the Boulder Ranger District, which manages the campground, and can provide information regarding reservations, conditions, and general inquiries. It's the most reliable contact for official information.)

Mobile Phone: +1 303-541-2500 (Same as above, confirming the primary contact number for the managing body.)

For reservations, it is highly recommended to use the Recreation.gov website, as this is the primary platform for booking sites at federally managed campgrounds like Olive Ridge. The website also provides the most up-to-date information on availability, fees, and any alerts or closures.

For Colorado locals, Olive Ridge Campground isn't just another camping spot; it's an accessible and authentic slice of our state's wild heart. We understand the allure of escaping the city for the serenity of the mountains, and Olive Ridge delivers on that promise without requiring an arduous journey. Its location on CO-7 Scenic, a well-known and beautiful route, ensures a straightforward drive from major Front Range communities, making it perfect for spontaneous weekend trips or planned family vacations.

What truly sets Olive Ridge apart for Coloradans is its commitment to a more traditional camping experience. While it may lack the full hookups found in private RV parks, this simplicity fosters a deeper connection with nature – a value many of us hold dear. The beautiful, quiet, and tree-filled sites, coupled with the absence of cell service for many providers, encourage a genuine digital detox. This allows for quality time with loved ones, undistracted enjoyment of the crackling campfire, and uninterrupted stargazing under Colorado's clear mountain nights.

Furthermore, its unparalleled proximity to the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park means that world-class hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic exploration are literally at your fingertips. For locals who frequently explore RMNP, having such a convenient basecamp to return to after a day on the trails is invaluable. The friendly camp hosts, well-maintained vault toilets, and clean surroundings reflect the care put into ensuring a positive experience. Olive Ridge Campground truly embodies the spirit of Colorado outdoor adventure, offering a peaceful, convenient, and genuinely immersive mountain escape right in our own backyard.

Olive Ridge Campground

CO-7 Scenic, Allenspark, CO 80510, USA