Estes in November

Question

Hello!

I'm looking to plan a trip with our travel trailer to Estes Park at the end of November. I'm having a hard time finding any rv parks that still offer services. We know it will be cold and we assume many things will be closed in RMNP but we were hoping the trip would still be worth it. Anyone have any experience with travel trailer camping in Estes or visiting RMNP in late November ?

Thank you in advance!

Answer

Visiting Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) in late November can be a unique and peaceful experience, as the crowds have thinned out and you get to enjoy the quiet winter scenery. However, it comes with some limitations, particularly for travel trailer camping and access to park amenities.

RV Parks and Camping: By late November, many Estes Park RV parks and campgrounds either close for the season or offer very limited services. Some options may remain open for winter camping, but hookups (water, sewer, and electricity) are often limited, and roads can be icy or snowy. Always call ahead to confirm availability and winter services. A few potential options include:

Estes Park Campground at Mary’s Lake: Typically open year-round, but in late November services may be limited to electric only. Check in advance about site sizes for travel trailers.
RMNP’s Aspenglen or Moraine Park Campgrounds: These are usually closed to RVs by late fall; however, drive-through winter parking may be available for self-contained trailers. Some sites may be open for walk-in camping, but not full services.
Private RV Parks near Estes: Some private parks like Estes Park KOA may offer limited winter service or dry camping. Reservations and advance inquiry are essential.

Weather Considerations: Expect cold temperatures, often below freezing overnight, and potential snowfall. Roads inside RMNP may be icy, especially at higher elevations. Some scenic drives, such as Trail Ridge Road, are closed for the season and will reopen late May or early June. Lower elevation roads, like Bear Lake Road and Moraine Park, remain accessible for hiking and wildlife viewing, but always check current road and weather conditions.

Activities and Sights: Even with limited access, November offers opportunities for winter hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography without summer crowds. Elk may still be present in lower valleys, and the autumn foliage will have mostly passed, giving way to stark, photogenic landscapes.

Hike short, lower elevation trails such as Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, or Lily Lake for easier walking in potentially snowy conditions.
Drive around Estes Park town for scenic views of the valley and the surrounding peaks.
Visit shops, galleries, and restaurants in Estes Park that remain open year-round for cozy breaks from the cold.

Recommendations: If you are comfortable with winter camping, limited services, and chilly temperatures, late November can be a peaceful, scenic time to visit Estes Park. Ensure your travel trailer is winter-ready, with water tanks winterized and heating options considered. Always monitor weather and road conditions before and during your trip.

Overall, the trip can still be very rewarding for solitude, winter scenery, and wildlife, but you should plan carefully and temper expectations regarding campground amenities and RMNP access.

Estes in November

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