I'm planning our camping trip for next summer and need some ideas for a 7 year old while we camp at Rocky Mountain National Park. Does anyone know if they do a fireworks show? Easy trails that she could keep up on? Any recomendations on camp grounds within the park? We camp a lot in eastern nebraska all summer, but mountains will be different. Will it get really cold at night? I've been there once, but it was soo long ago I don't remember the details. Also any recent prices would be helpful. Thanks in advance! Any ideas welcome!
2007-12-27 02:46:36 · 6 answers · asked by Just me 4 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Camping
Anyone ever use a tent heater? Have one to suggest?
2007-12-27 03:09:15 · update #1
We live outside of Denver and we love to go to RMNP. On the lower end of the park, the main entrance, is Estes Park. There are links below to show you the best deals and the monthly calendar. We've been there for the 4th, and there are fireworks over Lake Estes. There are sooo many things to do there.
One place we like is Dick's Rock shop - it's on the road from Estes into the park, and it's lots of fun (by the donut shop). In the park, if you have a choice, stay at the Morraine park campground - it's beautiful and convenient to everything. Yes, it is ALWAYS cold at night; weather can change instantly, so be prepared for heat, rain and snow. Also, we love driving on Trail Ridge road, looking for animals, marmots. deer, etc. Go at dusk and you'll see lots of animals, but drive slowly.
On the other side of the park, the other entrance, is Winding River campground (which we love), and Grand Lake. There is tons to do there as well, especially during the summer.There will be fireworks over Grand Lake.
Also, there's hiking, camping, swimming, nature programs, etc. Don't forget the Junior Ranger program...
Re: prices, there is a wide range. The Stanley Hotel is quite pricey, but beautiful($150 + a night). You can stay at Mary's Lake campground, and rent a camper, plus they have a great wolf program ($65 a night). We've also stayed at the Holiday Inn, which was fine, too(from $99 a night). You can camp in the park for even less.
As you can see there is a lot to do, and we try to make a few trips every year. Don't forget to buy your park pass in advance, and have a great time! ;)
2007-12-27 03:03:51 · answer #1 · answered by Rachael in Colorado 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
There will be no fireworks in the National Park itself (they are a fire hazard). Outside the Park is Estes Park (a town)...they may have a fireworks show.
It can get cold at night, but 40 degree bag at night should be okay (20 might be better..or bring some extra blankets just in case). Remember that there are pretty regular afternoon thunderstorms in the Colorado Rockies, so be prepared.
Check the National Park Service link below for info on trails, camping, and fees.
Check the other links for info on Estes Park.
2007-12-27 12:20:59 · answer #2 · answered by Wayner 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've camped outside of Grand Lake a couple of times. Always in late May. It's never gotten so cold that I needed anything more than a +20F rated sleeping bag. I've never camped inside the park at the established drive-up campsites..just some of the Forest Service ones outside the park. All were nice.
2007-12-27 23:24:10 · answer #3 · answered by Willie D 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
a tent heater? why would you put a heater in a tent? what really helps are those hand warmer packs you put in ur pockets, except place em on ur neck and hold em there with a scarf or sock hat. as for fireworks i'd have to suggest Grand Lake, though Kremmling has good fireworks, its farther away but you have less folks drunk during the show... unless you go to the town park... eh oh well, you figure it out, more people means more drunks and if ya got kids, do ya really want them being frightened by my friends up in Grand Lake? i doubt it...
2008-01-02 18:04:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Summer lows at the Estes Park area (at 7,522 feet above sea level) are usually in the low 40's while the Grand Lake area
(at 8,360 feet above sea level) dips into the mid 30's so you should all have sleeping bags, blankets or extra fleece clothing that will keep your comfortable in those conditions. A tent heater is unnecessary and is not recommended.
You probably know about the campgrounds and reservation system: http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/camping.htm
Activities for children: http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/kids.htm
For trails I always recommend the purchase of a good trail guide book and a good topo map of the area. This is a day hiker's book:
http://www.amazon.com/Rocky-Mountain-National-Dayhikers-Guide/
And the Trails Illustrated map: http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/product/376/269/246.html
2007-12-27 11:54:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park... I wish I was going camping with you guys.
June- July... you should be okay with a normal sleeping bag. Camp by any ski resort area... they do fireworks on 4th of July... like Vail, Beaver creek, Winter Park, steamboat springs
2007-12-27 10:53:08 · answer #6 · answered by Back W 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋