Travel Nurse Housing Bliss: 12 Weeks at Jellystone Park™ in Estes Park

• Share Story
• 
• 
• 

When I took a 12-week assignment near Estes Park, Colorado, I knew I wanted something more than a bare-bones campground or posting up in random parking lots in town for 3 months. I was traveling in my camper van, looking for a spot that offered not only full hookups and reliable Wi-Fi, but also a sense of calm—a place to truly rest between shifts. Jellystone Park™ in Estes Park, CO checked every box and then some.

From the moment I pulled in and got settled, I felt like I’d found my own little oasis—nestled at the base of the canyon, just minutes from downtown but worlds away in vibe.

Just Minutes From the Action—But Tucked Into Peace

Set right before the canyon opens into the meadows of Estes Park and the dramatic expanse of Rocky Mountain National Park, Jellystone Estes Park feels remote without being isolated. I loved that I could be in the heart of town in 10 minutes, at Lake Estes in five, or parked at the Beaver Meadows entrance to the national park within 15.

And when I didn’t feel like going anywhere, I didn’t have to. The on-site hiking trails became my favorite way to stretch my legs before or after a shift. No need to drive anywhere—just step outside and walk into the pines. It was the kind of peaceful, convenient escape that made it easy to imagine staying for a full 13-week travel nurse contract.

A Charming Basecamp for Exploring Estes Park

On my days off, I took full advantage of being so close to Estes Park. This town had a mountain charm that really hit the sweet spot—lively but not too overwhelming. I’d grab a morning coffee from Kind Coffee, take a solo walk along the riverwalk, and maybe end the day with a treat from The Taffy Shop (yes, it’s worth it).

One of my favorite post-shift wind-downs was heading to Rock Cut Brewing for a drink and some friendly conversation with locals. If you’re traveling solo, spots like this make it easy to feel like part of the community.

And then there’s Rocky Mountain National Park—one of the biggest perks of staying here long-term. I hiked Emerald Lake, drove Trail Ridge Road at sunrise, and spotted elk in Moraine Park more times than I can count. Having access to all this in my downtime was incredible—and something I’ll never take for granted.

A Short Escape from the City (or a Home Base Within It)

Though I was based in Estes, I appreciated how close Denver still felt. In under two hours, I could make it back to the city for a weekend, catch a concert at Red Rocks, or just explore some of the food and art scenes in RiNo.

It also works in reverse—if you’re stationed in Denver and need a weekend escape, this is the spot. The drive alone, winding through the canyon, helped me reset.

Long-Term Nurse Friendly

As a full-time traveler living in my camper, functionality matters—and Jellystone delivered. 

• Easy hook up for my camper van
• Consistent Wi-Fi for checking job boards, doing charting, and calling family
• A fully equipped laundry room
• Welcoming and helpful staff that I got to know when I had questions
• Trash pickup at my site
• Bear Awareness (reminding me that I was camping in real Colorado, with real wildlife, but with the conveniences I needed to feel safe and settled)

Balance of Solitude and Community

One of the best parts about staying here was the ability to choose how social I wanted to be. Some days I kept to myself, enjoying a slow morning with coffee outside my camper. Other days I joined the casual conversations with other long-term guests or families visiting for the weekend.

Whether you’re traveling solo or with a partner, the atmosphere here supports whatever you need—quiet recovery or light connection.

Friends and Family Friendly

I had a few visitors during my stay, and Jellystone Park™ made it easy. There were tent sites and cabins available to book, and the vibe is relaxed and family-friendly. Whether it was roasting marshmallows at a shared fire pit or watching kids ride by on bikes, there was always a little hum of life that made things feel grounded.

If you’re staying at a Blue Water property, your family and friends can stay discounted too! Check it out here.

Evenings That Help You Unwind

After long shifts, coming back to Jellystone felt like exhaling. I’d throw together something easy for dinner, sit outside, and just be. Sometimes I’d catch a sunset from the edge of the campground. Other nights I’d head into town—The Barrel and Avant Garde Aleworks were go-to spots for chill evenings with live music or a good trivia night.

It felt like life slowed down here in all the right ways.

Final Take

If you’re a travel nurse on assignment in northern Colorado, I can’t recommend Jellystone Park™ in Estes Park enough. Whether you’re in a camper like me or looking to rent a cabin, it offers:

• Space to breathe
• Real rest between shifts
• Easy access to adventure
• And a thoughtful balance between solitude and community

It’s rare to find a place that supports your work life and your well-being. For me, Jellystone wasn’t just a place to park—it became a place to recharge.

Thinking about a travel assignment but unsure where to stay? Explore Vivian Health’s partnership with Blue Water for exclusive discounted stays at their 60+ properties for Vivian Health users HERE.

Curious about a family’s experience staying at a Blue Water property while visiting a travel nurse? Take a look at their story HERE!

Want to discover more about Blue Water, their property locations, and what makes them unique? WATCH our interview with Blue Water’s President and CFO, Rafael Correa.

This post is in partnership with Blue Water Development, an owner of Jellystone Park™ in Estes Park, CO.