Moraine Park Campground and Headquarters East Utility Rehabilitation Project

Pouring and smoothing concrete for a new campsite in Moraine Park Campground

NPS

The Moraine Park Campground and Utility Restoration Project is underway!

This critical infrastructure project will improve the water, wastewater, and electrical distribution systems that serve not only Moraine Park Campground, but also Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and Rocky Mountain National Park's Headquarters area and many other critical park facilities.

Moraine Park Campground is expected to remain closed this summer/fall season due to construction delays.

Project Background

This project has been funded by the Great American Outdoors Act. Thanks to this funding, we are working to replace and repair aging water lines, increasing water capacity by installing larger storage tanks throughout the system, upgrading the park's water treatment plant with modern technology, repairing aging wastewater lines and electrical distribution systems that serve the park's Headquarters Area as well as Moraine Park Campground, Moraine Park Discovery Center, and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.

Improvements to the electrical distribution system include moving electric power lines underground to better protect against the risk of wildfire or damage caused by storms and falling tree branches.

This project will also improve the camping experience at Moraine Park Campground by moving campsites prone to flooding out of riparian areas and improving drainage to prevent erosion in campsites, replacing tent pads in some campsites, replacing walkways and parking areas at comfort stations to improve accessibility, adding approximately 15 additional accessible campsites, adding approximately 90 new food storage boxes, and adding electrical hook-ups to approximately 49 campsites. The project will also relocate and replace the existing entrance kiosk to improve traffic flow and rehabilitate the inside of the ranger station building to improve accessibility for park staff.

No changes are planned for the existing restroom buildings, amphitheater, or campground shuttle bus stop.

Construction work on this project is taking place in the following locations:

• In areas near Beaver Meadows Entrance
• Moraine Park Campground
• Along Moraine Park Road

 

Construction workers are digging a trench near an existing campsite in Moraine Park Campground for new electrical hook-ups

NPS

 

Installing new water lines in Moraine Park Campground

NPS

 

Example of damaged culvert and water pipes in need of replacement in Moraine Park Campground

NPS

Why is this Project Important?

Located on the east side of the park, Moraine Park Campground is the largest campground in Rocky Mountain National Park. It serves over 30,000 tent and RV campers annually.

The existing infrastructure in Moraine Park Campground was installed when the campground was first built in the 1960s and is well past the typical 30-year service life. Increased visitor usage, evolving trends in recreation, the need to improve access for all campers, and deferred maintenance to improve and update critical water and utility systems have all contributed to the need to rehabilitate the Moraine Park Campground and nearby utility systems.

 

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Where is Moraine Park Campground?

Moraine Park Campground is accessed via Bear Lake Road and is the largest of the park’s five front country campgrounds. Moraine Park Campground is open year-round and has 244 campsites that can accommodate a variety of camping equipment types, including up to 40-foot RVs, sprinter vans, and tents. Over 30,000 campers stay at MPCG annually.

To learn more about Moraine Park Campground, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/camping.htm

How will this Project be Funded?

The Moraine Park Campground and Utility Rehabilitation Project is funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA).

GAOA’s National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund, supported by revenue from energy development, provides up to $1.9 billion per year for five years to make significant enhancements in national parks and other public lands to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education and enjoyment for current and future visitors.