Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Arapaho-Roosevelt/Olive Ridge
Overview
Olive Ridge Campground, part of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, offers a quintessential Colorado mountain experience. Nestled at an elevation of 8,300 feet near Allenspark, this destination provides a serene forest canopy and immediate access to some of the region’s most stunning landscapes. It serves as a rustic gateway for travelers who want to avoid the busier resort-style parks in favor of a deeper connection with nature.
Location & Surroundings
Located just off the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, the park is surrounded by towering ponderosa pines and Douglas firs. The landscape is characterized by its rugged terrain and proximity to the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors often enjoy the crisp mountain air and the frequent sightings of local wildlife, including elk and mule deer, which wander through the shaded sites.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional Forest Service site, Olive Ridge focuses on a rustic experience. The park provides vault toilets and hand-pumps for potable water, but does not offer electrical or water hookups. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. While many sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 40 feet, maneuverability varies, so checking specific site dimensions is essential for larger rigs.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw here. The Longs Peak trailhead is only a few miles away, offering a challenging trek for experienced hikers. Those seeking a more moderate adventure can explore the waterfalls and alpine lakes within the Wild Basin area. For a change of pace, the charming town of Estes Park is a short drive north, providing shopping, dining, and additional supply runs.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is ideal for self-contained RVers who prioritize scenery and solitude over modern luxuries. It is a perfect fit for avid hikers and photographers who want to be first on the trails in the morning. If you appreciate a quiet, dark-sky environment and the traditional smell of a campfire under the pines, this rustic retreat is the perfect Colorado basecamp.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Michele Burck
Nice to have a campsite with half FF, which gives better opportunities for Coloradans. Nicely wooded. Camp hosts Kurt and Nick are fantastic with their friendly demeanor and do a great job keeping the place clean and peaceful.
Kienan & Yvonne Clark
Olive ridge campground was an awesome place to camp. Each campsite is far apart from each other, not like most places where they jam in as many people as possible. These campsite are spread apart. No cell service, if need to call head towards estes park to call. So olive ridge is peaceful and quite. The hosts are very welcoming and very friendly. I would definitely come back and stay again. I was informed that forest service wants to expand the campground and add more spots. It should stay as is. No need to ruin something that is already perfect
DS Webster
This is a very nice primitive national forest campground. It has always been well maintained and kept clean with this year (2025) being one of the very best with Kurt as camp host. We have been going here for 16 years, often several times a year. The water supply that has been absent for a number of years is being repaired this month so things will only get better.
Kimberly Sanders
Such a beautiful family friendly campground! The camp spots are nicely spaced out and the bathroom facilities were clean and stocked with toilet paper. There’s no cell service but that was expected and appreciated. Highly recommend 🙌
Kathleen Talkington
Beautiful, quiet campground with a very hospitable Camp Host. The site was raked clean when we arrived. Bathrooms are clean and well-stocked. No services including water fill station or dump station but the tree-filled sites with no light pollution are worth the lack of amenities. We'll be back!