Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Resort

I have been a camper at Spruce Lake (1990’s) and Elk Meadow Campground (since 2000). So over 25 years with this company. This year I had to leave 3 days early due to a medical issue that my medical team recommend I return home ASAP. So I left 3 days early. After being a camper with them for over 25 years, sometimes more than once a season, they WOULD NOT provide a credit for the next season due to needing to leave. Even though they have done away with the General Store, a bathroom is usually out of service, no ice cream bars, scant RV supplies, cable TV, and now no WiFi….continuing to cut services for campers yet increase costs…..I will NOT be returning to this campground or sister campgrounds. Though they have wonderful views, I will choose to camp at other campgrounds in the area. This is pure greed on the owners and mangers part and no concerns about returning, loyal customers. One other note about this year’s stay, we were under a Red Flag Warning and a burn ban. Durning this high fire risk weather, there was a very large fire with sparks in the pit by the playground and a camper had one at their site. I witnessed and reported to the assistant manger who was walking her dogs long before there ban and warnings were lifted. The next day I asked her if she was able to get the fires extinguished. She said no because the fires were started after the bans and warnings were lifted. And that was an outright lie as I reported before the bans and warnings ran out and the fires were going full force when I reported. So this also tells me that the assistant manager and the campground really doesn’t wish to enforce laws to preserve the area from another catastrophic wild fire in the National Park and the surrounding mountain towns and citizens. As a past resident of Colorado this really should upset local people and visitors.

Warning for all active duty, reserves, veterans, and families with medical needs. Stay somewhere else that values and supports our military. If you have a deployment that comes up, cancelled leave, TDY, time in the field, drill weekend, or a sudden surgery/medical event these people will take your money and say too bad. Their version of 'above and beyond' is maybe allowing you to reschedule. Also beware that they feel they can make new rules and policies at the drop of a hat, like suddenly your deposit is only good for this weekend and if a deployment comes up suddenly they don't care and will just keep your money. If you ask to speak to a manager they are always busy and no matter how many times you call to leave your name and number they will never call you back. Supposedly their system can't do refunds. We had to jump through hoops to get there the last Saturday of their season due to military orders and then a surgery keeping us from our original plans. We stayed one night and they tried to charge us a second even though I called prior to and let them know we'd only be there one night. Our deposit covered 1.5 nights so I went into the office to say we shouldn't have been charged the second night and they voided the charge. So they do have the ability to do a refund. These people are rude, uncaring, unchristian, and they don't deserve a penny of money from any current or prior military family because they don't support the troops and when they are called to duty. They refused to refund us in any part and refused to honor our credit in the spring. The first weekend we were supposed to be there was the Celtic Festival where Estes park sells out. I know they sold what we rented and cancelled, they weren't out any money but we were. When you check in they give you a map and the first two pages of the brochure is a list of dozens of rules, yes dozens. One of which is that they can add to or change any policy at any time. Which means they can give an exemption if they want, or decide to not honor credit past a certain date or offer credit at all. Beware of what you are signing up for with these people who don't care about taking money from military families and denying refunds due to orders. I wish I had believed all the other negative reviews of this place I had read. I told them I was going to leave our story on every review page possible and was told 'do what you want.'

We stayed here 2 weeks in September 2010. Aspens where colored, and the elk was in full rut. Enjoyed it being right at the RMNP south entrance, and right at the edge of town. Listened to bugleing all night long. Go back again this fall. Park has easy access for the large campers/motor homes. - Review provided by RV Park Recommendations & Reviews Facebook Group

Sites need to be level . Close to RMNP . Trolley stop on road in front of park and takes you downtown where parking is limited. Free wifi and cable. Restrooms and laundry are kept clean . Don't be surprised if you see elk coming thru the park in the morning.Overall great place to stay when visiting Estes Park or RMNP