Summerland Park Backcountry Campsite is a single site in open Summerland Park on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park near Grand Lake. The 8,610-foot campsite lies south of the North Inlet Trail in aspens and pine near a large meadow along North Inlet Creek. The site, reached by an easy 1.7-mile hike, is a great spot for seeing moose, deer, elk, and lots of wildflowers. The trail has a net gain of 70 feet from the trailhead and takes one or two hours to hike from car to camp. The Summerland group campsite is 0.2 miles before the site. There’s no privy at the site, so bring wag bags for proper sanitation. Get water from the creek, but boil or treat before use. The campsite is snow-free by the third week of May.
Pro Tips
North Inlet Trailhead is on the northeast edge of Grand Lake. From U.S. 34, head east on West Portal Road for about two miles to a left turn marked North Inlet Trailhead on gravel road 663. Follow the steep road to two parking areas at its end. Follow North Inlet Trail to the campsite. Look for a wooden sign on the right and follow a path to the site.A backcountry permit is required for all overnight camping in Rocky Mountain National Park’s backcountry. Get permits at the Park Headquarters Backcountry Office next to Beaver Meadows Visitor Center west of Estes Park, at Kawuneeche Visitor Center north of Grand Lake, or at the park website.You agree to obey National Park regulations for backcountry camping when you get a Backcountry Use Permit. The permit must be with you at all times and a tent tag must be displayed on your pack while hiking and on your tent. You must follow your planned itinerary so campsites aren’t overused or crowded. You also receive a tag to place on the dashboard of your vehicle, allowing overnight parking at trailheads without being towed.Practice a Leave No Trace ethic when camping at Summerland Park site. Pitch tents in designated areas near a silver arrowhead. Secure food and garbage. Store food in a bear-resistant canister, which is required from May to October at all campsites below timberline. Keep food, trash, and scented items in the container and stash it 200 feet from your site. Don’t camp below dead trees; wind storms blow branches off them.There is no privy at the campsite. Bring at least two RESTOP wag bags per camper for human waste to avoid site contamination. In an emergency, dig a six-inch deep hole and bury waste and toilet paper. Make sure you’re at least 200 feet from the campsite, water sources, and trails.Recommended season(s): May through September.
—Stewart M. Green
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