1 campground with availability this weekend
Difficult Campground welcomes pets with clean, spacious sites nestled among Aspen trees. Located just 5-10 minutes from Aspen at the base of Independence Pass, this White River National Forest campground offers a pet-friendly environment with bear boxes at each site for secure food and supply storage. All sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with vault toilets described as exceptionally clean by multiple visitors. The campground maintains good privacy between sites with plenty of tree coverage providing natural separation. Dogs must be leashed at all times while in the campground. Sites are generally well-spaced with adequate room for both tents and smaller RVs, though some sites may pose challenges for larger rigs due to narrow access roads.
Lincoln Creek Dispersed camping area provides a more primitive option for campers with pets seeking fewer restrictions. Located along Independence Pass Road, these dispersed sites require campers to be self-sufficient as no drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available. Bear activity occurs throughout the region, making proper food storage essential when camping with pets. Several hiking trails accessible from nearby campgrounds accommodate leashed dogs, including the Difficult Trail within walking distance of its namesake campground. The Rio Grande Trail, a paved path connecting to Aspen, offers additional pet exercise opportunities. The campground host sells firewood for $7 per bundle (cash only). Pet owners should note that wildlife sightings, including bears and moose, are common in the area, requiring vigilance when camping with animals.
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $33 - $120 / night
"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."
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 / 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."
"We loved tent camping here with our dog. We saw plenty of trailers and smaller RVs as well. The road around the loop is paved but the sites themselves are not. You tent peg into the dirt."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $36 / night
"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."
"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)."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $36 - $285 / night
"My husband loved this campground because of the rushing stream nearby that you could hear while sleeping. I liked it because there was only one other camper in the entire campground."
"Stay away from camp grounds 4 & 7 is you can. They are the only ones with no tree coverage."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $36 / night
"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."
"Just past the ghost town of Ashcroft you start your travels off road. A sign tells you only the numbered sights 1-9 are authorized for fires in metal pits."
"Pearl Pass is nested in a beautiful area between Aspen and Crested Butte. "
ScoutThe man who runs the place is super nice, the shower, though small, is clean, as is the bathroom. The view was nice, but the noise from the interstate and the train is a deal breaker.
The website says there is a mountain between the campground and the highway, but it isn't tall enough to block the sound. It is not quiet, despite what the website says.
TravelerVery nice campground next to a creek/small river. No noise except the river. Bathhouse immaculate. Not cheap but one of my favorite campgrounds so far. Also staff is friendly, polite and helpful.
ScoutNice easy access right off the highway with nice views… perfect overnight rest stop.
TravelerNice little stop off on I70 near Glenwood Springs. When we checked in the guy at the desk told us the property has been sold, is being developed as affordable housing.
RangerLots of open space where you can set up camp. This spot is mostly for elk hunters, although normal folks are of course welcome. Just don’t set up camp next to one of the horse hitching rails unless you actually have a horse. Note that you can only camp here for 7 days within a 30 day window, which is unlike the normal 14 day limit. This area gets extremely crowded in the summer and fall peeping seasons. I was here in mid October and the crowd was mostly gone.
ScoutThis is not free. $20 and one restroom.
ScoutSmall campground with nice size sites.
RangerThis place was beautiful. The rough road was worth it. There were trails all around the grounds. The lake was beautiful and absolutely a fisherman’s paradise. There was no water available and the main water was turned off, but they had plenty of clean porta-potty’s. There were plenty of spots open and we were able to reserve our spot online after we picked it.
ScoutThere's really only two spots further from the road, but that's still only about 30ft away. The rest are pull-offs on the road. Most of the suitable places are in the coal mined area so expect black dust everywhere. I would absolutely not drink from the stream, even with a great filter.
Camping near Aspen requires planning for high-altitude conditions, with most sites sitting above 8,000 feet elevation where temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer months. The White River National Forest campgrounds surrounding Aspen remain open from late May through September, with peak visitation during wildflower season in July and early August. Road access to many sites becomes limited after the first significant snowfall in October.
Hiking directly from camp: At Lost Man Campground, campers can access trails without driving. "The real amazing part though is the access to Lost Man Trail right across the street. Easy hike to amazing views of the mountains, valley, and water features," notes Katie H. The trailhead sits directly across Highway 82 from the campsite entrance.
Paddle sports on reservoirs: Portal Campground offers non-motorized water access at Grizzly Reservoir. "The campground is adjacent to the reservoir and is within walking distance of the marina grounds. With plenty of beachfront access, many campers were able to set up day tents by the lake, anchor boats, and launch paddle boards and canoes easily," writes Allison G. Visitors should bring flotation devices as mountain water remains cold all season.
Creek fishing opportunities: Small stream fishing provides alternatives to reservoir angling. "We stayed in one of the sites closest to the water which was about 100 yards away... We walked down there a few times and caught a bunch of little rainbow and cutthroat trout - they were very eager to take flies," reports Randall S. about Chapman Campground. Fishing licenses required year-round.
Privacy between sites: Many campers praise the separation between sites at Silver Queen Campground. "Though sites are relatively close together, it still felt as though we had privacy nestled into the trees," notes Emily V. Most sites include natural vegetation barriers creating visual separation from neighbors.
Easy wildlife viewing: "We saw quite a bit of wildlife during our short stay, ospreys, marmots, foxes, deer, and plenty of fish and other birds," shares Andrew C. about Chapman Campground. Morning and evening hours provide best viewing opportunities when animals are most active.
Early reservation access: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near Aspen fill months in advance. "We initially wanted to camp up by Maroon Bells, but there were no campsites available, so we turned around and headed back to Weller Campground. We had a great experience here and it was a perfect little camp ground," says Angela F. Reservations typically open 6 months before arrival dates.
High clearance vehicles required: Some dispersed camping areas demand appropriate vehicles. "This was a stunning campground tucked away high up in the mountains on Independence pass... CAUTION: high clearance vehicles recommended for Lincoln Creek Road. WARNING: No vehicles over 35 feet long are allowed on Highway 82 to access this campground," warns Sean N.
Limited cell service: Prepare for communication blackouts at most Aspen-area campgrounds. "There is no cell service at or near this campground, nor any stores, so if you are needing communication or to pick up ice, supplies, etc, make sure to do it before leaving Basalt," advises Jennifer C. about Little Maud Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Aspen, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Aspen, CO is Difficult Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Aspen, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 234 dog-friendly camping locations near Aspen, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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