Campervan and RV Rental Denver — Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Passes and Tips for 2027

Denver is the gateway to the Colorado Rockies: within two hours you are in Rocky Mountain National Park, on the Peak to Peak Highway or among the red rocks of Colorado Springs. The city itself lies at about 1,600 m, so it is the first lesson in driving a campervan at altitude. Rental depots are on the edge of the metropolitan area, so you pick the vehicle up and head straight for the mountains. This guide covers routes, reservations and the rules guests meet most often. For general advice on renting in the United States, see our guide for European visitors.

Routes from Denver

• Rocky Mountain National Park (about 110 km to Estes Park): elk, alpine lakes and Trail Ridge Road, which climbs above the tree line to more than 3,700 m. In 2026 a timed-entry reservation was required in summer between 9 am and 2 pm, with a separate one for the Bear Lake Road corridor, so check the rules for your dates on the park website.
• Peak to Peak Scenic Byway (about 100 km): a mountain road along the Continental Divide, from Black Hawk to Estes Park, with aspens in autumn.
• Garden of the Gods and Colorado Springs (about 110 km, an hour and a quarter): red sandstone formations; Pikes Peak rises just behind.
• Aspen and the Maroon Bells (about 340 km, four hours, through the Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70): one of the most photographed views in Colorado. Access to the Maroon Bells in summer is regulated and needs a reservation.
• Great Sand Dunes National Park (about 380 km, four and a half hours): the tallest dunes in North America, with a campground at the foot.
• Moab and Arches (about 560 km, six hours): the Utah red rock desert, if you have a week or more.

Where to stay overnight

• National forest campgrounds. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests around Denver have simple, cheap campgrounds, booked online; the popular ones are full on summer weekends.
• National and state park campgrounds. Rocky Mountain National Park has several; reserve months ahead for July and August.
• Private RV parks. They have full hookups: electricity, water and sewer, and some are close to the city.
• No wild camping. Sleeping in a vehicle on city streets and in car parks is restricted and fined.

Driving and costs that guests forget

• Altitude. Engines lose power at height, and long descents are hard on the brakes. Use a lower gear instead of braking all the time, and leave extra time for climbs.
• Winter driving. On mountain stretches of I-70 a traction law applies in winter, which means tyres suited to snow or chains. Rental companies often restrict winter use or charge extra, so read the contract.
• Vehicle size. A typical American Class C motorhome is seven to nine metres long and more than three and a half metres high. A smaller campervan is easier on mountain roads and in car parks, and some park roads limit vehicle length.
• Mileage and generator. American rental companies often charge separately for miles above the included allowance and for generator hours. Read the quote to the end.
• Afternoon storms. In summer thunderstorms and hail are common in the afternoon, so do mountain walks in the morning.

When to go

June to September is the season for the high mountains, with the highest roads open. In late September the aspens turn golden. Snow can fall on the passes as early as September and as late as May. Winter is ski season; roads are open but need traction devices and caution, and Trail Ridge Road is closed.

A campervan in Denver through Crystalium Booker

We are still building our campervan offer in Denver. Send us your dates and group size through the contact page and we will look for a vehicle for you, and keep an eye on the campervans in Denver page for new listings. Do you rent out a campervan in or around Denver? List it with us.