Right off the bat, I have to say this campground had the cleanest vault toilets I've ever used, so thank you so so much to the camp hosts for taking such amazing care of the facilities and being so friendly as well.
Now, let's get to it. Driving from Denver was pretty easy even pulling our little A-frame camper. Straight up the 25, cross through Fort Collins and up the 14 which is a little twisty turny but plenty wide enough and no hills. Just take it slow and use the slow vehicle turnouts. Pay attention for the Mountain Park sign as the turn into the campground is shortly after on your left. Look for the one-lane bridge, and you'll know you're in the right spot.
We were in Bear Loop, Site 8 which was as close to the bathrooms and showers as you can really get. Spot had some shade, some sun and it was easy to back in and hook up to the electric box. Like most other places we've camped, your neighbors are pretty close, so we got to hear kids screaming, dogs barking and lots of general noise. When we go again, I'll be looking at sites 4, 5 and 23 which were close to the bathrooms but backed up to the mountain for more privacy, also pull-thru sites!
Overall, we had a fantastic time! We had sunny days and afternoon storms with a touch of hail. Gave us the perfect excuse to cozy up in the camper and take a nap. You can walk or drive down to the Poudre River for fishing or to stick your feet in the water. Had it been 10 degrees warmer, we would have been sitting or swimming in a couple areas that were mellow enough to allow it. Instead, we sipped beers and skipped rocks and enjoyed not doing a whole lot. For the more active types, there are several trails in the area to go for a hike.
The campground is also just down the road from Glen Echo "Resort" which looked a little dumpy but has a restaurant/bar and Archers which looked a bit more interesting for perhaps renting a cabin. They also have a food truck serving basic fries and burgers with a patio for eating and enjoying the views. Both spots have small stores with very overpriced items like snacks, firewood, ice and beer. You're better off bringing cash to buy firewood from the hosts for $5 a bundle.
If you want a good base for adventure or relaxation, Mountain Park is a fantastic option. There are also a bunch of other campgrounds along the Poudre which is likely where we'll be looking from now on. Getting to the area is an easy drive, comes with beautiful views and feels like you're a million miles away from the hustle and bustle. read more