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Places to Camp near White River National Forest

1,518 Reviews

White River National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of White River National Forest. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near White River National Forest and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near White River National Forest, CO (335)

  1. Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Road Dispersed - CO
  2. Camper-submitted photo from Difficult Campground

    2.

    Difficult Campground

    30 Reviews
    116 Photos
    539 Saves
    Aspen, Colorado

    Overview

    Located 5 miles southeast of Aspen, Colorado, Difficult Campground sits on the banks of the Roaring Fork River on the western slope of the Colorado Rockies. Campsites are nestled in a mixed forest of aspen, cottonwood, pine, fir, scrub oak, and spruce, and several are at the river's edge, offering an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation.

    Recreation

    Renowned for its fly fishing, the Roaring Fork River sustains populations of large rainbow, brown, cutthroat and brook trout. The nearby peaks and soothing sounds from the river offer anglers a perfect backdrop for an afternoon of fishing. Whitewater adventure seekers may want to raft portions of the Roaring Fork, as it is navigable by small craft throughout most of its length to its confluence with the Colorado. Hikers can access trails near the campground.

    Facilities

    Difficult Campground has 47 standard sites, including a group site. It is important to note that vehicles over 35 feet in length are prohibited over Independence Pass but can access the campground via Aspen. The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. Electrical hook-ups are not available. Firewood is available for sale at the site. Campground radius turns are tight for large RVs, and brush encroaches on roadways and spurs.

    Natural Features

    In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live. The Roaring Fork River flows by the campground, a tributary of the mighty Colorado. Deep, swift and clear, the Roaring Fork rises in the Sawatch Range on the west side of the Continental Divide and drains an area of the Colorado Western Slope called the Roaring Fork Valley.

    Nearby Attractions

    The nearby town of Aspen is a popular destination for visitors to the area. From downhill skiing and world-class fly fishing, to dining and resorts, there is a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunites in this mountain town.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $108 / night

  3. Camper-submitted photo from Prospector Campground

    3.

    Prospector Campground

    45 Reviews
    177 Photos
    277 Saves
    Dillon, Colorado

    Overview

    At an elevation of 9,000 feet, Prospector Campground is in the heart of Summit County in the White River National Forest. The sites offer open views to Dillon Reservoir and several mountain ranges, an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation. Due to the pine beetle infestation and removal of hazard trees, there is little or no shade in the campground.

    Recreation

    Dillon Reservoir, often referred to as Lake Dillon, is the greatest draw to this campground. At 3,233 acres and 26.8 miles of shoreline, Dillon Reservoir is an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and sailing. The reservoir supports a healthy population of rainbow trout and brown trout. Occasionally, a few cutthroat trout make their way into the lake from feeder streams. Opportunities for hiking and biking include more than 7 paved miles of the 50-mile Summit County trail system. From the reservoir, the Old Dillon Reservoir trail is a favorite. This short, easy trail has spectacular views of the Tenmile Range and the Continental Divide. The Old Dillon Reservoir was built in the 1930s to supply water to the original town of Dillon, which is now covered by the new Dillon Reservoir. For those wanting a bit more solitude, hiking in the Ptarmigan Wilderness area is a wonderful escape from the crowds.

    Facilities

    Prospector Campground has 105 sites, able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Roads and spurs are not paved. The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. No electrical hook-ups are available. Firewood is for sale from hosts at the campground. Boat ramp access is available in the marinas located in the nearby towns of Frisco and Dillon.

    Natural Features

    In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.

    Nearby Attractions

    Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain ski resorts are all located within 10 miles from Dillon Reservoir. These resorts stay open year round.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $26 - $28 / night

  4. Camper-submitted photo from Sylvan Lake Campground — Sylvan Lake State Park
  5. Camper-submitted photo from Gore Creek Campground

    5.

    Gore Creek Campground

    20 Reviews
    69 Photos
    402 Saves
    Vail, Colorado

    Overview

    Gore Creek Campground is situated six miles east of Vail, Colorado, at an elevation of 8,700 feet and centrally located for recreation and relaxation in the White River National Forest.

    Recreation

    The Gore Creek campground is located along Gore Creek in a forested setting near the boundary of the Eagles Nest Wilderness. This is the closest campground to the town of Vail and there are several trailheads nearby into the Eagles Nest Wilderness; all wilderness regulations must be observed when traveling in the wilderness (foot and horse travel only). The campground is also located at the west end of the paved Vail Pass/Tenmile Canyon recreation trail open to foot traffic and bicycles.

    Facilities

    The campground offers 16 back-in sites, eight walk-in tent sites; number 18 is a fully accessible tent site, four handicapped accessible bathrooms and bear-resistant food lockers. Parking spurs for campsites are up to 35 feet long. RVs longer than this would not fit in this campground.

    Natural Features

    In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting eight wilderness areas, four defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Black bear and mule deer are common. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.

    Nearby Attractions

    The nearby town of Vail is a popular destination for visitors to the area. From downhill skiing and world-class fly fishing, to dining and resorts, there are a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunities in this resort mountain town.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $28 - $30 / night

  6. Camper-submitted photo from Little Maud Campground

    6.

    Little Maud Campground

    12 Reviews
    54 Photos
    143 Saves
    Meredith, Colorado

    Overview

    Located approximately 14 miles east of Basalt, Colorado, in the White River National Forest, Little Maud Campground is situated on Ruedi Reservoir at an elevation of 7,800 feet. Sites at this campground open up to views of the reservoir and starry nighttime skies. A mixed conifer forest hems in the shoreline and nearby peaks offer an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation.

    Recreation

    Renowned for its fly fishing, Fryingpan River flows below Ruedi Dam. Here, large rainbow, brown, cutthroat and brook trout are plentiful in an area nicknamed the "toilet bowl." The fish feed on Mysis shrimp, a small freshwater shrimp stocked in the lake. The stretch of river from the dam down to the confluence of Fryingpan and the Roaring Fork River has been designated as Gold Medal Waters by the Colorado Wildlife Commission. Special regulations in this area include fishing only with artificial flies and lures, and releasing all trout except brown trout, with a limit of two fish over 14 inches. For hikers and bikers, the Ruedi Trail, located north of the reservoir, climbs to the top of Red Table Mountain. The trailhead is located 200 feet north of the Jeep trail near the boat ramp and parking lot. This eight mile trail gains over 3,000 feet in elevation, leading hikers to a spectacular panoramic view of the area. Boating, swimming, and water skiing are all possible. Interpretive programs are popular activities.

    Facilities

    Little Maud Campground has 21 standard sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. There is a maximum length of 35 feet for RVs. The sites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. Guests also have access to vault toilets and drinking water, but electrical hook-ups are not available.

    Natural Features

    In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting eight wilderness areas, four defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.

    Nearby Attractions

    The nearby town of Aspen is a popular destination for visitors to the area. From downhill skiing and world-class fly fishing, to dining and resorts, there are a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunities in this resort mountain town.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $31 - $33 / night

  7. Camper-submitted photo from Peak One Campground

    7.

    Peak One Campground

    30 Reviews
    47 Photos
    365 Saves
    Frisco, Colorado

    Overview

    Peak One Campground is located on the Dillon Reservoir near the town of Frisco, offering an abundance of recreational activities. The reservoir is encircled by Swan Mountain and the dramatic Gore and Tenmile Ranges. This campground is an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation. Due to the pine beetle infestation and removal of hazard trees, there is little or no shade in the campground.

    Recreation

    Dillon Reservoir, often referred to as Lake Dillon, is the greatest draw to this campground. At 3,233 acres, and with 26.8 miles of shoreline, it is an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and sailing. Anglers will find that the reservoir supports a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout, with an occasional cutthroat trout finding its way into the lake from feeder streams. Opportunities for hiking and biking in the area abound, including more than 7 paved miles of the 50-mile Summit County trail system. The Old Dillon Reservoir trail is a favorite. This short, easy trail has spectacular views of the Tenmile Range and the Continental Divide. The Old Dillon Reservoir was built in the 1930s to supply water to the original town of Dillon, which is now covered by the new Dillon Reservoir.

    Facilities

    Peak One Campground has 80 sites able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, flush toilets, and drinking water. Electrical hook-ups are not available. Firewood is for sale from hosts at the campground. Boat ramp access is available in the marinas located in the nearby towns of Frisco and Dillon.

    Natural Features

    In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Described as being more vertical than horizontal, nearby Eagles Nest Wilderness Area, designated in 1976, is a playground of craggy cliffs, sheer rock faces, alpine lakes, and deep, forested valleys. Visitors will find foot travel across this pristine area challenging and often strenuous, but will be rewarded with spectacular scenery. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.

    Nearby Attractions

    Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain ski resorts are all located within 10 miles of Dillon Reservoir. These resorts stay open year round.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $50 - $54 / night

  8. Camper-submitted photo from White River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground

    8.

    White River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground

    28 Reviews
    14 Photos
    161 Saves
    Frisco, Colorado

    Overview

    Heaton Bay Campground is situated at an elevation of 9,000 feet and centrally located for recreation and relaxation in the White River National Forest. There is little or no shade in the campground due to pine beetle infestation and the removal of hazard trees, but the sites offer open views to Dillon Reservoir and several mountain ranges.

    Recreation

    Dillon Reservoir is 3,233 acres with 26.8 miles of shoreline, offering an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and sailing. The reservoir supports a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout, in addition to a few cutthroat finding their way into the lake from feeder streams. Opportunities for hiking and biking in this area include more than 7 paved miles of the 50-mile Summit County trail system. The Old Dillon Reservoir Trail is a favorite. This short, easy trail has spectacular views of the Tenmile Range and the Continental Divide. For those wanting a bit more solitude, hiking in the Ptarmigan Wilderness area is a wonderful escape from the crowds.

    Facilities

    Heaton Bay Campground has 87 sites, able to accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Walk-in only tent sites available of a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. Guests can fill their RV tanks. Electrical hook-ups are available for a fee at several of the sites. Firewood is for sale from hosts at the campground. Boat ramp access is available in the marinas located in the nearby towns of Frisco and Dillon.

    Natural Features

    In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.

    Nearby Attractions

    Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain ski resorts are all located within 10 miles from Dillon Reservoir. These resorts stay open year round.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $44 - $46 / night

  9. Camper-submitted photo from Baby Doe

    9.

    Baby Doe

    17 Reviews
    86 Photos
    206 Saves
    Leadville, Colorado

    Overview

    Baby Doe Campground is situated on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake in the shade of a lodgepole pine and subalpine fir forest. This family-friendly campground is a popular summer destination for boating, hiking and fishing.The campground was named for Elizabeth McCourt, whose nickname was Baby Doe. She made a name for herself in the Colorado mining community in the 19th century when she took on the rugged work of a miner.

    Recreation

    The 1.2-mile Turquoise Lake Nature Trail meanders along the shoreline is a gentle loop trail through the forest and down to the shoreline of Turquoise Lake. This trail connects to the 6.4-mile Turquoise Lake Trail that parallels the shoreline from Sugar Loaf Dam to May Queen Campground. Trail guides are available at the trailhead located about a mile south, at the entrance to Molly Brown Campground. On the lake, boating, sailing, canoeing and fishing are favorite activities. Anglers fish for stocked cutthroat, rainbow, brown and lake trout. A boat ramp is located about a mile south of the campground.

    Facilities

    The campground offers single-family sites, some of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and trash collection are provided. Firewood is available for purchase from the Host. Parking spurs are gravel or dirt.

    Natural Features

    Campsites are perched along the scenic lakeshore. The Mount Massive Wilderness Area, a 30,540 acre stretch of primitive land boasting Colorado's second highest peak at 14,421 feet, is nearby. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields.

    Nearby Attractions

    Venture to Independence Pass for a scenic drive with breathtaking views of the Rockies and surrounding alpine tundra habitat. At 12,095 feet, it is one of the highest paved mountain passes in the country and marks where the Top of the Rockies National Scenic and Historic Byway crosses the Continental Divide.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.__ A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite.____ Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.__ In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins

    $26 / night

  10. Camper-submitted photo from Mollie B_white River

    10.

    Mollie B_white River

    10 Reviews
    46 Photos
    97 Saves
    Meredith, Colorado

    Overview

    Located approximately 14 miles east of Basalt, Colorado in White River National Forest, Mollie B White River Campground sits adjacent to the Ruedi Reservoir at an elevation just under 7,800 feet. Sites at this campground open up to views of the reservoir and starry nighttime skies. A mixed conifer forest hems in the shoreline, and nearby peaks offer an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation.

    Recreation

    Renowned for its fly fishing, Fryingpan River flows below Ruedi Dam. Here, large rainbow, brown, cutthroat and brook trout are plentiful in an area nicknamed the "toilet bowl." The fish feed on mysis shrimp, a small freshwater shrimp stocked in the lake. The stretch of river from the dam down to the confluence of Fryingpan and the Roaring Fork River has been designated as Gold Medal Waters by the Colorado Wildlife Commission. Special regulations in this area include fishing only with artificial flies and lures, and releasing all trout except brown trout, with a limit of 2 fish over 14 inches. For hikers and bikers, the Ruedi Trail, located north of the reservoir, climbs to the top of Red Table Mountain. The trailhead is located 200 feet north of the Jeep trail near the boat ramp and parking lot. This 8-mile trail gains over 3,000 feet in elevation, leading hikers to a spectacular panoramic view of the area. Boating, swimming, and water skiing are all possible. Interpretive programs are popular activities.

    Facilities

    Mollie B Campground has 27 standard sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. There is a maximum length of 40 feet for RVs. The sites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. Guests also have access to flush toilets and drinking water, but electrical hook-ups are not available.A boat ramp is available for use at this campground.

    Natural Features

    In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.

    Nearby Attractions

    The nearby town of Aspen is a popular destination for visitors to the area. From downhill skiing and world-class fly fishing, to dining and resorts, there are a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunites in this resort mountain town.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $31 - $33 / night


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1518 Reviews of 335 White River National Forest Campgrounds