Established Camping
Difficult Campground
About
National Forest
White River National Forest
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.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Beautiful!
What a beautiful campground in a beautiful location! Cleanest vault toilets I have ever seen. There are good amounts of trees between sites for privacy and the hiking trail nearby is great. Only problem is that it books up super fast!
Amazing campsite that's well managed and in a great location!
Clean, well organized, insanely well kept/managed, great amenities, and of course breathtaking views and surroundings. Was easy to find coming down Independence Pass and upon pulling in found out spot in a cinch. Each lot is marked by name which made it easy. Wood is sold here for $7 per bundle. Difficult Trail is within walking distance. There was a bear sighting a few days prior to us but nothing to speak of personally. Did see a moose though in the early morning!
- (6) View All
Very spacious and fresh pit toilets
The sites are spread out and private. Bears are active so it is important to use the bear boxes but they have plenty of space for storage. One of the best campsites I have ever been to.
Location
Difficult Campground is located in Colorado
Directions
Take Highway 82 for 5 miles southeast of Aspen, Colorado. Look for USFS Difficult Campground sign on the right, past Mile Marker 45.
Coordinates
39.1416667 N
106.7708333 W