Tent camping near Aspen, Colorado ranges from high-elevation wilderness sites to riverside spots accessed by rugged forest roads. The region's backcountry camping areas span elevations from 7,000 to over 10,500 feet, with summer nighttime temperatures often dropping below 40°F even during July and August. Most dispersed sites in the surrounding White River National Forest require campers to pack out all waste and observe seasonal fire restrictions.
What to do
**Mountain biking from camp base: Located near Lower Prince Creek Campground, these trails offer immediate access for cyclists. "Easy access to mountain bike trails and the greater Carbondale area... Solid choice for those looking to explore the Roaring Fork Valley without breaking the bank," explains Kate A.
**Alpine lake swimming: While chilly year-round, Grizzly Reservoir provides swimming opportunities near Portal Campground. Connor M. notes, "Portal campground is a very secluded off the beaten path campground... We camped here in Early July and it was pretty busy but were able to snag a spot by the Lake."
**Fourteener summit attempts: From Chaffee County Road 390 dispersed sites, hikers can access multiple 14,000-foot peaks. "We attempted a hike up Mt Belford (a 14er) but only made it around 12k feet before turning back as it was too cold and windy (and difficult!). Pace yourself and drink A LOT of water if you're not accustomed to the altitude," advises Tommy S.
What campers like
**Off-grid seclusion: Portal Campground's remote location appeals to those seeking isolation. "Portal campground is a very secluded off the beaten path campground. The road is a high-clearance road that is fairly rutted out with tight turns and very small sections to pass people," shares Connor M.
**Private streamside spots: Tent campers value the water access at dispersed sites. "Found one with a great view of one of the surrounding 14ers with a creek," says Sam D. about camping along Chaffee County Road 390. Another camper adds, "The site is about 50 feet down the hill and mostly hidden from the traffic. You could see the roaring Creek, and walk down to it in 30 seconds."
**Alpine wilderness immersion: Four Pass Loop backcountry campsites offer true wilderness. "We stayed at 3 different campsites as we took the entire Four Pass loop over four days. All the campsites had amazing views, and most were incredibly private," reports Marta S., adding, "Each of the campsites were clean and well maintained with a stream nearby for water."
What you should know
**Vehicle requirements: Most dispersed camping areas demand high-clearance vehicles. At Portal Campground, Connor M. cautions, "The road is a high-clearance road that is fairly rutted out with tight turns and very small sections to pass people. I didn't see a single RV/trailer and most everyone was driving a 4Runner, Tacoma, or Jeep."
**Bear safety essentials: Proper food storage is mandatory throughout the region. Amber C. mentions that at Portal Campground "every campsite has a bear box and fire ring."
**Weather preparation: Twin Lakes Dispersed campers should prepare for rapid weather changes. "The back drop of the mountains is spectacular. It was even better since we had had a light snow," notes camper N.I., who visited in October.
**Toilet facilities: Most dispersed sites lack facilities. One camper reports that Lower Prince Creek Campground "is a BLM site with five primitive camping sites available. However there is a bathroom. I didn't locate any potable water spigots."
Tips for camping with families
**Swimming holes for kids: Natural water features provide entertainment. Amanda L. found at Chaffee County Road 390 that "there was an awesome little swimming hole, maybe 5 feet deep with a little make shift diving board already in place."
**Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe native species from safe distances. At Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Crater Lake, Cory D. reports, "The views of Maroon bells at crater lake are unbelievable. There is wildlife everywhere. We saw many mountain goats, mule deer, and other critters."
**Aspen grove camping: Seasonal color changes make for memorable family experiences. "We had a blast with this spot, arrived late at night and woke up inside an aspen grove," says Dwight R. about Twin Lakes Dispersed camping during fall.
Tips from RVers
**Size limitations: Most forest roads prohibit larger RVs and trailers. At Portal Campground, Sean N. warns, "No vehicles over 35 feet long are allowed on Highway 82 to access this campground."
**Camping van accessibility: Smaller camper vans can access more remote sites. Eric B. notes that at Lower Prince Creek Campground, "except for the large picnic area and site one, the campground is best set up for tents and camper vans."
**Road conditions: Unpaved access roads require careful navigation. Jason reports about Chaffee County Road 390, "The road in does get rough. Definitely 2wd passable, but slow going with washboards and some rocks."
