Dispersed camping opportunities near Redstone, Colorado range from primitive riverside sites at elevations between 7,300-9,000 feet to established campgrounds with varying levels of amenities. The mountainous terrain creates microclimates where temperatures can drop 30-40 degrees at night even in summer months. Sites along Four Mile Road tend to fill by Friday afternoon during peak season, with better availability mid-week.
What to do
Hiking from camp: Bogan Flats Campground provides quick access to nearby trails, including routes toward Marble. A camper noted, "Near by Marble has trails for Hiking, Biking, ATV and 4X4. Dont miss Slow Grovin' for some great BBQ!"
Water activities: Cool off at Avalanche Campground where "the river is just nearby, as are some wonderful hiking trails." The campground offers a serene setting as "the creek wasn't very deep but probably in the spring or early summer the water would be deep enough that you should drive an SUV or truck."
Explore historic sites: Take a short trip to view Crystal Mill from Bogan Flats Campground, as one visitor shared: "perfect location to visit Marvle and Crystal Mill." Reserve early during fall when the aspens change color for optimal views.
Mountain biking: The paved path from Carbondale-Crystal River KOA connects directly to Carbondale. A cyclist mentioned, "The bike trail it right outside the camp ground and you can ride to Aspen or Glenwood."
What campers like
Riverside sites: Redstone White River National Forest campground offers premium spots along the Crystal River. Campers appreciate that "sites along the river are the best" and "the views are spectacular and the entire area is gorgeous."
Clean facilities: Despite their rustic nature, many campgrounds maintain exceptionally clean facilities. At Redstone, visitors commented that "vault toilets were probably the cleanest I've ever used at a campground" and "the bathrooms were well kept, clean and very nice."
Privacy between sites: At Difficult Campground, "sites are carved out with plenty of space and cover between you and your neighbors" with "a 20 foot buffer between us and our neighbors." Another camper noted, "Plenty of space between sites (we could only see the site across the street from us, all others were behind tree cover), so lots of privacy."
Wildlife viewing: Campers regularly spot wildlife at their sites. At McClure Campground, "There was lots of wildlife sharing my site which was fun to watch. I had a doe deer and her boyfriend show up before I even got my tent set up and squirrels and chipmunks were everywhere as were the hummingbirds."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is virtually non-existent in most camping areas. At Four Mile Road Dispersed, "There are no services (no bins, no toilets, no cell service)" and visitors must travel to Carbondale for reception.
Bear safety precautions: Bear boxes are provided at many campgrounds due to active wildlife. A camper at Bogan Flats noted, "Each site offers a bear box, picnic table, and campfire rings." At Difficult Campground, visitors warned, "There was a bear raiding vehicles at night so make sure you lock everything and use the bear boxes provided at each site!"
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations are common. A visitor to Bogan Flats advised, "It did get coooold during early June, bring a good sleeping bag and warm clothes!!" At higher elevations, "it gets pretty cool most nights, even in July and rain showers came through almost every early morning."
Limited supplies: Stock up before arrival as options are scarce. McClure Campground is "a little far away from civilization/stores, which is exactly what we were looking for" and "the nearest place to get cell service and supplies is Carbondale which is about 20 miles away."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: Redstone Campground offers safe water play options. "We went with our two kids, and it was perfect. The Crystal was rushing, so we had to be extra cautious, but it's super close to the campground for quick access."
Biking opportunities: Many campgrounds connect to family-friendly bike paths. At Redstone, families "loved biking into Redstone, which is, perhaps, the cutest town I've ever seen: quaint general store, antique shops, a museum, a great pizza place, and a park."
Playground alternatives: Natural features serve as play areas at some campgrounds. At Difficult Campground, sites "12 and 13 - there is a steep boulder field behind these sites which looks like a fun climb" for older children under supervision.
Weather preparedness: Pack layers for children as temperatures fluctuate significantly. At Oh Be Joyful Campground, a camper noted the campground is at "7,300 feet so you do the math" regarding temperature changes from day to night.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up options: Carbondale-Crystal River KOA offers full-service sites for those requiring utilities. A visitor explained, "This campground has an old fashioned feel. They have cabins that look very retro, Actually only 20 RV sites, some of them on the Crystal River."
Site selection strategy: At Redstone, "Osgood and Allgeier have electric hookups; Mechau does not. Our site, 17 (Osgood), was a very large pull-through equipped with a large metal picnic table, fire ring, lantern hook, and bear box."
Leveling considerations: At McClure Campground, "McClures sites were all nice and level and several were pull through that could handle fair sized rigs" making setup easier for larger vehicles.
Road conditions: Access can be challenging for larger rigs. Regarding Difficult Campground, a visitor cautioned, "It is a bit of a trick getting an RV up independence pass. If continuing SE be sure the road restrictions are followed."
