Best Tent Camping near Aspen, CO
Tent campers in the Aspen area have access to several established campgrounds along with dispersed camping options throughout White River National Forest. Portal Campground sits at 10,000 feet elevation near Grizzly Reservoir, offering five tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings. The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness provides backcountry tent sites at Crater Lake, requiring a 2-mile hike from the trailhead and permits for overnight stays.
Many tent-focused sites in the region require high-clearance vehicles for access. Portal Campground is reached via Lincoln Creek Road, a 6-mile dirt road with numerous dispersed camping spots along the route. Campers frequently mention the importance of proper food storage in this bear habitat. Most dispersed tent sites include established fire rings but lack amenities like potable water or trash service. During summer months, fire bans may restrict open flames, particularly at higher elevations. Vault toilets are available at Portal Campground and select trailheads, while backcountry campers need to dig cat holes at least 6 inches deep and 100 feet from water sources.
Tent camping in the Aspen region provides direct access to high-altitude trails and alpine lakes. The Four Pass Loop and West Maroon to Buckskin routes connect to several tent-accessible wilderness campsites. Areas near Twin Lakes offer tent spots with mountain views and relative privacy despite their popularity. Nighttime temperatures drop significantly even in summer, with Portal Campground sites regularly experiencing temperatures in the 30s overnight. A camper on The Dyrt noted that "even in late August, it was very cold at night, upper 30s, and a really pleasant high 60s during day."
