Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Aspen, CO

Silver Bell campground has stunning views and although the campsites are kind of small without an abundance of privacy, the view and the sound of the river really makes up for it. I’ve camped here twice, once in site 9 and once in site 10 and I’ve camped here in June and in September. I think the best campsites here are the walk-in tent sites and specifically sites 9, 10 and 11. The scenery is magnificent and it gets even better if you drive up the road and go for a hike at the lake. Reservations are not accepted and this is a major tourist destination so what I do when I want to camp here is I make reservations for a nearby campground(Difficult campground) and I stay there until a campsite becomes available at Silver Bell and then I let the host at Difficult know they can release my site because I’m moving to Silver Bell. Bear bins are provided in each campsite. If you come here in the fall, temperatures at night can be cold. A nice treat about camping near Aspen is getting take-out from one of the great restaurants in town.

This was a stunning campground tucked away high up in the mountains on Independence pass. You take the turn to Lincoln Creek Campground, and instead of going into that campground, you drive 6 miles on a dirt road to get to Portal Campground. During your drive on the dirt road you will pass free dispersed campsites that are more secluded compared to a campground feel. Portal Campground is on a resevoir (very cold as its at about 10,000 feet).

From Aspen, Colorado travel eleven miles southeast on Highway 82 toward Independence Pass to Lincoln Creek Road. Turn right and travel seven miles south on Lincoln Creek Road.

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.

There are two vault toilets at this campground. You can camp literally feet away from the water if you get a good spot. Be aware of the weether moving in here as its at a high elevation. Also be aware of food storage etc. with wildlife.

All in all, this is a great campground that is somewhat hidden and well worth the travel. Bring the paddle boards!

I spent one phenomenal afternoon and night here, it is just after you come down the mountain pass. The views were literally surreal! My dog and I spent some time down on the beach throwing the tennis ball and then the evening up on the mountain site.

Things to know: •Verizon has service there •There is a general store close but it was closed fairly early and I wouldn’t rely on that, make sure your cooler is full! •There are some vault toilets down the road 10 min near the general store. •Roughly an hour (20 miles) from Aspen. •Rough terrain but not for long, paved up to the sites then rocky as you pull off into your spot. •I saw small pull behinds there.

The Gunnison KOA is in a beautiful setting with large trees that is about 75 yards from the river. The spaces are generously sized, although the camping sites could use power outlets. They are very kid and pet friendly; and have a dog park. There is a friendly donkey who roams the grounds, so make sure your 4 legged friends are okay around bigger animals. The bathrooms are clean and functional. The same could not be said for the dishwashing station that is outdoors. It is in horrible condition, including a dripping faucet. Also, be aware that you are very close to the river and there is a mosquito and moisture problem. Even with these minor problems, this is still a great place to stay.