Rio Grande National Forest runs a handful of drive-in campgrounds along the Conejos River corridor, and Aspen Glade sits directly on the water in the lower loop. Sites are spread out under large pine trees, giving each one a degree of separation that's harder to find at more compact campgrounds. No cell signal reaches the area, so Verizon users and others dependent on mobile data should plan accordingly.
The lower loop's proximity to the Conejos River is the campground's defining feature. John M. notes "tons of shade under giant pine trees," and that canopy is dense enough that solar charging setups can struggle on overcast days. Sites not directly on the river are still close, with Kirk B. describing his site as "not on the river but close, only a minute walk away." Wildlife signs have been noted in the area, including large footprints in riverside mud, so food storage precautions are worth taking seriously.
Fishing is the primary draw for many visitors. The Conejos River within the campground gives anglers access to rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and cutbow trout on public water. Amenities are functional rather than extensive: vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and firewood are available on-site. There are no showers and no electrical hookups. The campground accommodates rigs up to 90 feet, which is unusually generous for a forest service site. Reservations are available and the season runs from late May through mid-September.
Access involves a rough road, so drivers of low-clearance vehicles should check conditions before heading out. Rates run $29 to $62 per night depending on site type. Pets are permitted. The Mogote campground sits roughly 2 miles east and provides an alternative for campers who want a different configuration along the same corridor.
Description
Overview
Aspen Glade Campground sits on the Conejos River in southern Colorado, providing a premium setting for fly fishing and peaceful nature watching.
Recreation
Forest Road 250 provides an unforgettable scenic drive, where visitors are met with sweeping views of the Conejos Canyon and River. Just upstream of the campground is a section of "Gold Medal" trout fishing, offering top-tier fishing for large quality trout. Just 168 miles of the 9,000 miles of trout streams in Colorado are designated with this title. The nearby Sheep Creek Trail is also highly recommended for avid hikers.
Facilities
The 32 spacious, reservable campsites are considerably quiet, allowing for the sounds of birds overhead. Drinking water and vault toilets are provided.
Natural Features
Within the campground, Loop A and B are lightly wooded with Ponderosa pines. Loop C is heavily wooded with tall, mature spruce, aspen and fir trees. It lies along the fast-flowing Conejos River. The understory for all campsites is grass topped with pine needles. Aspen Glade sits near the border of New Mexico at 8,500 feet. It is situated between the Carson and Rio Grande National Forests. Wildlife in the region includes bear, deer, elk and a variety of birds.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors can ride a traditional steam engine at the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad on a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (805) 434-1996.
Reservation Info
Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance but they must be made at least four days prior to your intended arrival date. Use web site www.recreation.gov for reservations, or call toll free 877-444-6777
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit all fires.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsAspen Glade (rio Grande National Forest, Co) is located in Colorado near Antonito
Directions
From Antonito, Colorado, go west on Highway 17 for approximately 15 miles to the Aspen Glade Campground.
Address
23750 STATE HIGHWAY 17
Antonito, CO 81120
Coordinates
37.0725 N
106.2730556 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 3 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 2 hrs 39 min from Farmington, NM
- 2 hrs 39 min from Pueblo, CO
- 2 hrs 53 min from Albuquerque, NM
