Moraine Park Campground and Headquarters East Utility Rehabilitation Project
The Moraine Park Campground and Utility Restoration Project is underway! Construction workers are digging a trench to lay down new water lines along Moraine Park Road, August 2, 2023
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 Moraine Park Campground and many park facilities on the east side of the park.
While the campground is under construction, it will be closed to all users beginning in late May 2023 through early summer 2024.
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 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 60 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. There may be temporary closures and impacts to the Moraine Park Discovery Center and along the Bear Lake and Moraine Park Roads.
Construction work on this project will take place in the following locations:
Moraine Park Campground
The northeast section of Moraine Park focused near the Moraine Park Discovery Center, the portion of Bear Lake Road located just west of the Moraine Park Discovery Center, and along Moraine Park Road.
What is Happening Now?
As of August 2023, construction is underway throughout all loops of Moraine Park Campground and along Moraine Park Road. Trenches are being dug for the installation of new water lines and electric power lines. Campsites are being moved out of sensitive riparian areas while protecting native vegetation. New campsites are being created and tent pads are being installed.
Expect to see flaggers and temporary traffic delays when traveling on Moraine Park Road for the installation of new water lines. Moraine Park Road is open to all users.
Construction workers are digging a trench near an existing campsite in Moraine Park Campground for new electrical hook-ups, August 2, 2023
NPS
A new tent pad has been recently built in a campsite in Moraine Park Campground, August 2, 2023
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.
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.
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.
