Olive Ridge Campground — Hotel in Estes Park

First Come, First Served is NOT properly adhered to. Very misleading.

My family, including little children, were all packed up and ready to camp when we arrived on a Friday MORNING ( check-in is 2:00pm ) of Labor Day weekend. Despite that at least 10 campsites were completely empty and claimed to be "First Come, First Served", they had Reservation tags on the site post. Again , check-in supposed to be 2:00pm. No signs of life at these 10+ campsites, as we drove by one after another, ourselves fully prepared and ready to camp. It was upsetting to be prepared and yet see others whom weren't be granted "reserved" access to so many FCFS sites.

This is the consequence of allowing what should be called "In-Person Reservations", since it meant that people interested in camping AT SOME LATER TIME over the holiday weekend came by the camp in-person and effectively RESERVED one of the many so-called "First Come, First Served" campsites. Considering that people were allowed to stake claim to these FCFS sites before check-in time makes it clear that the camp host is effectively allowing reservations of FCFS sites.

Can you imagine if this is how restaurants, or anything else, treated First Come, First Served? Campgrounds, especially when in such high demand nowadays and over holiday weekends, should not treat it this way.

Unfortunately, Olive Ridge Campground does this to the extreme, leaving my fully prepared family out of luck despite being the ones to actually arrive first with our people and equipment, ready to camp.

I understand this kind of poor practice doesn't only apply to Olive Ridge, but for a place that claims to have a lot of "First Come, First Served" sites, it's very misleading and negatively impacts those of us who took the proper time to be amongst the first ready to camp. Spontaneity feels almost possible these days when people are being allowed to game the system. If they won't change their rules, then we're stuck joining the others in gaming the system, which sucks...

First Come, First Served is NOT properly adhered to. Very misleading.||My family, including little children, were all packed up and ready to camp when we arrived on a Friday morning of Labor Day weekend. Despite that at least 10 campsites were completely empty and claimed to be "First Come, First Served", they had Reservation tags on the site post. No signs of life at these 10+ campsites, as we drove by one after another, ourselves fully prepared and ready to camp. It was upsetting to be prepared and yet see others whom weren't be granted "reserved" access to so many FCFS sites.||This is the consequence of allowing what should be called "Same Day Reservations", since it meant that people interested in camping SOME TIME over the holiday weekend came by the camp in-person and effectively RESERVED one of the many so-called "First Come, First Served" campsites. ||Can you imagine if this is how restaurants, or anything else, treated First Come, First Served? Campgrounds, especially when in such high demand nowadays and over holiday weekends, should not treat it this way.||Unfortunately, Olive Ridge Campground does this to the extreme, leaving my fully prepared family out of luck despite being the ones to actually arrive first with our people and equipment, ready to camp.||I understand this kind of poor practice doesn't only apply to Olive Ridge, but for a place that claims to have a lot of "First Come, First Served" sites, it's very misleading and negatively impacts those of us who took the proper time to be amongst the first ready to camp. Spontaneity feels almost possible these days when people are being allowed to game the system. If they won't change their rules, then we're stuck joining the others in gaming the system, which sucks...

Olive Ridge Campground is a inspiring back to nature, Pine and Aspen wooded area for a real retreat from the hum drum of life. (no cell phone coverage) Some limited sites that will actually get full sun for solar panels, so enjoy the smell of the pines and the partial shade. The sites provide a area for tents, picnic table, seating and depending on the site, either parking for 1-2 vehicles plus your trailer or small RV. Enjoyable for young families and old alike. One of the more subdued, conservative, wholesome parks I been too. Quite hours from 10pm to 6am.||Kurt, and his son Nick Pelz are the camp hosts there, very helpful, genuine and sincere. They maintain the well kept park. You can stay up to 14 days. ($25 a night, senior with pass, $12.5) (note tow vehicle free, if extra car, there is an addition fee)|The Dipper Loop is first come, suggest Thursday entry to get a spot secured. You may not hold a different site for other people unless they are arriving that day.||Located 21 min. south of Estes Park, and 11 min. from Lily Lake, you'll find great hiking in those areas. Plan to have timed entries in certain govt. parks. To get fresh water filled into containers, go south, 1.6 miles to Allens Park. Turn right and travel a winding road (stay left at Y) follow to the small creek on the right. A small hut has a pump, put some money in the donation drop.||Be aware of wild...