Dispersed camping near Snowmass Village, Colorado provides opportunities in the White River National Forest at elevations typically between 8,000-10,500 feet. Many sites require high-clearance vehicles, especially those along Lincoln Creek Road where campers must navigate rough terrain and sometimes cross flowing water. Summer temperatures at these high elevations often drop into the 30s overnight even in July and August.
What to do
Hike to alpine lakes: At Silver Queen Campground, campers can access trails leading to scenic mountain lakes. "You can reserve these sites online which helps with planning. The sites are well situated just up independence pass a short ways out of Aspen with great views and the sound of the roaring for river," reports Thomas S., who notes the campground serves as an excellent base for exploring.
Fly fishing opportunities: The Fryingpan River near Little Maud Campground offers gold medal waters for anglers. "The Fryingpan River is a tributary of the Roaring Fork River, both of which are part of Colorado's Gold Medal Waters," explains one visitor who recommends camping in May to avoid summer crowds.
Mountain biking access: Several forest roads provide mountain biking routes near camping areas. A camper at Portal Campground noted, "There are plenty of things to do in the area - hiking, mountain biking, fishing, etc." Another mentioned that the campground sits at "10,500 feet so if you aren't used to the altitude or familiar with altitude sickness you'll want to do a little research before camping."
What campers like
Creekside sites: Camping next to flowing water ranks high with visitors to the region. At Silver Bell Campground, a camper shared, "The sound of the water at night was so calming and wonderful. 10 minute drive to Maroon Lake, 15 minutes to Aspen." Sites 3 and 4 have direct river access according to another reviewer.
Bear boxes at sites: Most established campgrounds provide secure storage for food and scented items. "Bear locker on site was helpful to store food, also the fire pit was clutch!" reported a camper at Little Maud. At Avalanche Campground, "Bear proof storage boxes and fire pits are available for each space."
Privacy between sites: Despite popularity, many campgrounds offer good separation between campsites. At Difficult Campground, "The Campground was full but it didn't seem crowded because of the separation between sites which was awesome," according to Sarah E. Another camper noted, "For the most part, the sites are carved out with plenty of space and cover between you and your neighbors."
What you should know
High clearance vehicle requirements: Many dispersed sites require capable vehicles. At Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground, "The road is a bit rough. I got my BMW X3 through but it was tough and a bit stressful driving," reports one camper. Another warns, "4WD a must, I wouldn't take an RV up there unless it's a sprinter!"
Night temperatures drop significantly: The high elevation means cold nights even in summer. "In mid September the nights and mornings can be cold, when I woke up at 6am the temperature was 34 degrees F," noted a camper at Avalanche Campground. At Bogan Flats, "It did get coooold during early June, bring a good sleeping bag and warm clothes!!"
No cell service: Most camping areas lack connectivity. "No cell service anywhere until you get to Carbondale," reports a visitor to Redstone Campground. Another camper at Portal Campground noted, "There is no cell service at all out here though, and it is easily a 20-30 minute drive to Basalt."
Tips for camping with families
Easy access to water features: Bogan Flats Campground offers family-friendly sites near the Crystal River. "Great for singles and families. Most campsites are large and allow for several families to one site," noted a reviewer who recommended sites next to the water as the best option.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids often enjoy spotting animals near camp. At Difficult Campground, one camper reported, "We camped at Difficult CG and really enjoyed our stay... we saw moose both days on the drive into the site!" Another mentioned seeing "a fairly large fox early one morning."
Explore small mountain towns: The Snowmass area offers charming towns to visit during day trips. "Short walk down to river, or 1 mile into Redstone (Ruby of the Rockies!!) for a quick visit to general store and antique shop," mentions a camper. Another suggested, "A nice treat about camping near Aspen is getting take-out from one of the great restaurants in town."
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions on mountain roads: Some areas have strict vehicle length limits. At Silver Queen Campground, "WARNING: No vehicles over 35 feet long are allowed on Highway 82 to access this campground." Thomas S. at Difficult Campground noted, "It is a bit of a trick getting an RV up independence pass. If continuing SE be sure the road restrictions are followed."
Sites with hookups: While most Forest Service campgrounds lack amenities, Redstone Campground offers some services. "One loop has hookups. One doesn't," explains a reviewer. Another camper mentioned, "Our site, #1, was a very large pull-through equipped with a large metal picnic table, fire ring, lantern hook, and bear box."
Reservoir access for larger rigs: For those with RVs seeking water recreation, Mollie B Campground provides options. "There are a wide variety of campsites available, with everything from larger RV pull-throughs, to small tent-only sites," according to one camper, who added the campground was "easy to reach and maneuver around in my RWD low-set sedan, and the roads are very well maintained."
