Hermit Park Open Space - an Estes Park Campground and Open Space
The 1,362 acres of Hermit Park Open Space nestle into the hills at 7,880-8,964 feet elevation. Ponderosa pine forests and wetland meadows characterize this beautiful property and its abundant habitat for an impressive variety of mountain wildlife. Features include cabins, RV and tent camping, group campground, reservable group pavilion, and trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
The preservation of this stunning area was a joint effort between Larimer County, Agilent Technologies, Town of Estes Park, Estes Valley Land Trust, Great Outdoors Colorado, City of Loveland, Erion Foundation, City of Fort Collins, McWhinney Foundation, Town of Berthoud, and many more contributors.
Hermit Park Open Space requires entrance and camping permits, and is open March through mid December. It is located 2 miles southeast of Estes Park, Colorado.
General Regulations
For specifics, ask a ranger for a copy of the Regulations Brochure.
Entrance permits are required for all use at Hermit Park Open Space, whether you drive in, walk in, bike in, or ride a horse.
- Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Collection of firewood, including cutting of trees and branches is not allowed.
- Firearms or fireworks are prohibited.
- Glass containers are not allowed.
- Public consumption of alcohol above 3.2% is prohibited (no kegs allowed).
- Dogs must be on leashes not longer than 10 feet and must not be left unattended at any time.
- Max of 8 people per campsite/cabin.
- Cabins, non-electrical RV, and tent campsites.
- Campground hosts on duty during the summer.
- April - October, you can reserve sites at www.larimercamping.com or 800-397-7795. November, December, March, April many sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- A camping permit is required for each campsite for each night (in addition to entrance permits).
- Maximum of 14 nights in any 30-day period anywhere in the Larimer County Natural Resources system.
- Required of all visitors.
- Valid at Blue Sky Trailhead, Carter Lake, Flatiron Reservoir, Hermit Park Open Space, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space (including Soderberg Open Space), Horsetooth Reservoir, Pinewood Reservoir, Ramsay-Shockey Open Space, and Estes Park Campgrounds at Mary's Lake and East Portal.
- Annual entrance permits (valid for the calendar year) are available at The Natural Resources Department, at entrance stations prior to entering the parks, at the Citizen Information Center, at nearby retail outlets, and online.
- Daily park entrance permits (valid from day of purchase until noon the next day) are available at The Natural Resources Department and at entrance stations and self-serve stations prior to entering the parks and open spaces.
- This is a very popular camping area; even on weekdays during the summer, reservations are recommended. It's a good idea to call ahead for availability if you don't have reservations.
- Weekends during the summer - capacity is usually reached.
- Please see Common Questions for more information!