Best Campgrounds near Aspen, CO

Camping around Aspen includes several well-known sites that make good starting points for seeing the famous Maroon Bells. Difficult Campground sits just five miles outside town with basic restrooms and picnic tables that work well for family trips. Prospector Campground connects directly to hiking and biking trails that run through the Rockies. Fishing spots along the Colorado River aren't far for anyone bringing gear. The roads to most camping areas stay in good shape, though winter and spring often bring closures you should check before driving out. Trees between sites create decent privacy and shade at most campgrounds. If you want to see something completely different, the Great Sand Dunes are close enough for a day trip from your camp. Both tent and RV campers will find suitable spots, and some campgrounds have electrical hookups available. Summer brings the biggest crowds with warm days, but nights can still get cold even in July and August. Keep your food secured since moose and other wildlife move through the area regularly. The short distance to town means you can easily grab supplies or a meal in Aspen when you don't feel like cooking at camp. The mix of natural areas and town access makes Aspen camping work for both weekend trips and longer stays.

Best Camping Sites Near Aspen, Colorado (357)

    1. Difficult Campground

    35 Reviews
    Aspen, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 927-0107

    $33 - $120 / night

    "Campsite nestled amongst aspen trees, moose regularly passed through, but all five minutes from Aspen. Sites are exactly as they look in the pictures providing seclusion with nice fire pits."

    "Great location, only 5-10 from Aspen. Will definitely be back."

    2. Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

    28 Reviews
    Aspen, CO
    9 miles
    Website

    "My girlfriend and I drove in late to the dispersed camping on Lincoln Creek Road off of 82 (Independence Pass) towards Aspen."

    "Lincoln Gulch is close enough to Aspen to travel to town, but far enough away that you feel secluded."

    3. Portal Campground

    27 Reviews
    Aspen, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 925-3445

    "This was a stunning campground tucked away high up in the mountains on Independence pass."

    "Nestled just outside of Aspen, Portal Campground offers a serene and scenic retreat in the heart of the Rocky Mountains."

    4. White River National Forest Silver Bell Campground

    7 Reviews
    Aspen, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 963-2266

    $15 / night

    "I think the best campsites here are the walk-in tent sites and specifically sites 9, 10 and 11."

    "This was the first ever campground I went to in Colorado and had a blast! It’s right on the creek and where I stayed was right outside of the entrance."

    5. Little Maud Campground

    12 Reviews
    Meredith, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $32 / night

    "We came to this campground right after wildfires in 2018 decimated the surrounding area. Despite this tragedy the campground was lush and green, full of adult pine, aspen and spruce trees."

    "The road around the loop is paved but the sites themselves are not. You tent peg into the dirt. It’s a 5, 10-minute walk to the reservoir but you feel a world away from it’s busy day visitors."

    6. Weller Campground

    9 Reviews
    Aspen, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 925-3445

    "I couldn’t get into a campground closer to Aspen as I left, so when this appeared I took it.

    There are 11 sites and only three of us were there, so it didn’t feel crowded at all."

    "Awesome Aspen trees and wildlife in the area."

    7. Silver Queen Campground

    6 Reviews
    Aspen, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 963-2266

    $15 / night

    "This campground is super close to the Maroon Bells - Maroon Lake is just up the road. It has all the essential facilities - fire ring, picnic tables, toilets, water."

    "But the camping is so close to Maroon Lake and the hike to Crater Lake. The landscape is gorgeous, especially if you can catch the fall colors."

    8. Chapman Campground And Group Camp - White River NF

    11 Reviews
    Meredith, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 927-0107

    $30 - $260 / night

    "On the whole you visit Chapman to enjoy the backcountry experience and to get away from everything. "

    "It was right next to the vault toilets (but they were very clean and the smell was unnoticeable)."

    9. Mollie B_white River

    10 Reviews
    Meredith, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 927-0107

    $32 / night

    "The heart of Colorado beats quietly and steadily at this campground."

    "There's running water, and secure dumpsters around the grounds. Each campsite also has its own secure bear box that was large enough to fit my 50qt cooler."

    10. Lincoln Creek Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Aspen, CO
    10 miles

    "Walked through, beautiful sites. Spread enough apart you don’t see your neighbors. Some spots close to the road, however it was not open to cars until June 21-November 21"

    "Some sites are small and some aren't, some you have to walk a little ways from parking but not bad at all, most are close to where you park."

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Recent Reviews near Aspen, CO

1900 Reviews of 357 Aspen Campgrounds


  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    FR 48 Dispersed Camping

    Solid spot

    Good spot, lots of space, many have fire rings built. Road is a bit bumpy but nothing you’d need 4wd or clearance for.

  • Trish M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Horse Ranch Park (dispersed)-paonia Rd

    Stunning & secluded

    Found this place late afternoon and fell in love with Gunnison National Forest! Lost Lake was right across the road from where we camped. Found a beautiful spot with a great view! Most of the other spots were taken so we were blessed. Can't wait to go back again.

  • Trish M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Winfield Camping Area

    Beautiful

    Thanks to Dyrt we found this beautiful place. Every weekend we try to disperse camp in a new location and this one was amazing. Got in on a Friday afternoon and found an amazing large spot. Had 2 fire pits but nobody camped beside us so we had it all to ourselves. Drive up to the trail head for Lake Ann. Friday need some clearance and 4x4. Hikes Lake Ann and wow that last 1.5 miles is a doozy but well worth it!! Will be back for sure to hike Mt. Huron

  • Will F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Shrine Pass Road Dispersed Camping

    Overnight stay

    I stayed at the first pull out up the road. It’s quite bumpy road but was quite at night and conveniently off of i70. It’s a busy road during the day though. I didn’t go past the first pull out so idk how many spots there are.

  • John M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Buffalo Springs Dispersed

    Everything but a view

    There are plenty of spots and plenty of distance between them. The only complaint is that there is no view and nothing to see. Would definitely stay again, though.

  • A
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Musicians Campground

    Amazing views!

    There are very clean vault toilets available and each site has a fire pit

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Dispersed Camping - Turquoise Lake

    Great for group camping

    Over Labor Day weekend, a group from where I work went for the long weekend! Pretty crowded but we stayed through Monday night into Tuesday and most people left Monday. There was a moderate fire warning but we didn’t have any issues! Right next to a running stream from turquoise lake and about a 10-15 minute drive from where we camped. We did have a little issue trying to find a place to dump our trash, but they have a dump site. Multiple recycling bins and one trash bin. But you need one of the yellow bags. Someone told me they were $8 a bag. We ended up carrying all our trash out and back to Denver with us.

    Got cold at night (low 40’s) but shorts and a tank top during the day!

  • Alonso O.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Twin Lakes Overlook Dispersed Camping

    Amazing views and many spots

    What a wonderful experience, I have to thank The Dyrt for this find. When we got to location, we were surprised with the amount of spots we could camp in. Although they have closed down camping near the shore, we were able to get a spot right above the hill. Every other camper was friendly.

  • Michael H.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Gold Park Campground

    Great Spot for Car Camping with Family

    This is a great campsite 30-40 minutes outside Minturn. 

    There is no cell service (which is great), and the sites were easy and spaced pretty well apart. Access to the creek made great fun for the kids.

    First Come, First Served, so we rolled in on Thursday in Midsummer and there were only a few spots left. 

    Camp hosts were awesome


Guide to Aspen

Camping near Aspen, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views, outdoor activities, and a chance to unwind in nature. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a secluded getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking and biking options. One reviewer mentioned, "The fam stayed here for 3 nights and we had a nice experience. It was our home base while we took advantage of nearby hiking, biking, and other activities" at Prospector Campground.

  • Fishing and Water Sports: If you love fishing, the lakes and rivers around the area are perfect. A camper at Rifle Gap State Park Campground said, "Great for family... has a lake to swim/boat in as well as plenty of hiking trails around."

  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Difficult Campground shared, "Moose regularly passed through, but all five minutes from Aspen."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful scenery. A visitor at Turtle Rock Campground said, "This place is fantastic... absolutely beautiful, well cared for, nice people."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A reviewer at Rifle Gap State Park Campground noted, "The staff was incredibly kind and friendly. Views are unreal and bonfires at night at next level."
  • Proximity to Town: Campgrounds like Heaton Bay Campground are conveniently located near towns. One camper mentioned, "You are right between two towns Frisco and Silverthorne."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Difficult Campground, have minimal amenities. A camper pointed out, "No amenities, no laundry, no showers, no electricity."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be cautious of wildlife. A visitor at Elk Creek Campground shared, "We saw moose in the afternoon into evening... we even had a bear visit our tent."
  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds may have rough access roads. A camper at Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground mentioned, "The road is a little rocky, but I didn’t have any trouble in my Promaster without 4WD."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with activities for kids. A reviewer at Bogan Flats Campground Grp S said, "Kids loved it. Dad loved the fishing access."
  • Pack Extra Supplies: Bring along essentials like bug spray. One camper warned, "This is a very busy campground, with people & mosquitoes!" at Bogan Flats Campground Grp S.
  • Plan for Privacy: Some sites can be close together. A visitor noted, "The sites were a bit close together, about half were exposed, no tree coverage" at Bogan Flats Campground Grp S.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for Electric Hookups: If you need power, make sure to choose campgrounds that offer electric sites. A camper at Elk Creek Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms are clean and sanitary. No showers."
  • Be Prepared for Wind: Some campgrounds can get windy. A reviewer at Elk Creek Campground said, "The wind is pretty bad... it gets windy every day from 12pm to 6pm."
  • Use Bear Boxes: Always store food properly. A camper at Difficult Campground advised, "Make sure you lock everything and use the bear boxes provided at each site!"

Camping near Aspen, Colorado, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors while being close to town. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Aspen, Colorado?

The Aspen area offers several excellent campgrounds for visitors. Difficult Campground is highly recommended for its secluded sites among aspen trees, just 5-10 minutes from town. Wildlife sightings, including moose, are common, and the private campsites feature nice fire pits. For those seeking stunning views, Silver Bell Campground in White River National Forest provides a picturesque setting with the relaxing sounds of a nearby river. While the sites are somewhat small with limited privacy, the natural beauty more than compensates. Other noteworthy options include Weller Campground, Chapman Campground, and for RV travelers, Gateway RV Park, which serves as an excellent base for exploring the Aspen region.

When is the best season for camping in Aspen, Colorado?

The prime camping season in Aspen runs from June through September when mountain conditions are most favorable. Many campgrounds, including Gore Creek Campground, are ideal during this period for boondocking with access to great trails and breathtaking views. Early fall (September-early October) offers spectacular foliage as aspens turn golden, providing stunning scenery at locations like Oh Be Joyful Campground. Summer brings pleasant daytime temperatures with cool evenings, perfect for campfires and stargazing. Most higher elevation campgrounds remain closed until late May or early June due to snow, and begin closing in September or October. Always check current conditions before your trip, as mountain weather can be unpredictable even during summer months.

Is dispersed camping allowed in the Aspen area?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in several areas around Aspen. Lincoln Creek Dispersed offers drive-in and walk-in access for those seeking a more primitive camping experience. When driving to Portal Campground on Independence Pass, you'll pass numerous free dispersed camping opportunities along the 6-mile dirt road. Twin Peaks Dispersed Campground is another excellent option with phenomenal views after coming down the mountain pass. This area features beach access and mountain sites, making it a favorite among Colorado campers. Remember that dispersed camping typically means no facilities, so pack out all trash, follow Leave No Trace principles, and check current Forest Service regulations regarding fire restrictions and stay limits.

What amenities are available at Portal Campground in Aspen?

Portal Campground is a stunning high-altitude campground accessed via Independence Pass. To reach it, turn at the Lincoln Creek Campground sign, then continue 6 miles on a dirt road. The campground offers basic amenities while maintaining its remote mountain character. Facilities include fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. There is no running water, so campers must bring their own supply or filter from nearby sources. The spectacular mountain setting compensates for the limited amenities, with nearby hiking opportunities and natural beauty. For those seeking more amenities, Glenwood Canyon Resort offers full hookups with the added benefit of being right on the Colorado River with direct access to the bike path connecting to Aspen.