9 Picturesque Campgrounds Near Aspen, Colorado

The town of Aspen may be best known as Colorado’s mountain playground for the rich and famous but don’t overlook the chance to experience this posh destination from the comfort of your tent or RV.

These top camping spots near Aspen will let you hit the trails or live the high life by day and return to your cozy campsite for a chill (and decidedly less expensive) overnight stay.

Plus, there’s loads to see and do in the area, including hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and walking around town, so you won’t run out of activities for your camping vacation — though you may find that putting your feet up at your campsite and reveling in the top-notch mountain scenery is the perfect way to spend your day.

1. Difficult Campground

Why you should go: Tucked along the banks of the Roaring Fork River, Difficult Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds near Aspen. In the summer, you’ll enjoy the shade of large pines, cottonwoods, and aspens, which offer a more secluded feel.

• Reservations accepted: Yes
• Best season: Late spring, summer, early fall
• Campsite type: Tent/RV
• RV hookups: None

Pros: With 47 sites to choose from, this is one of the larger campgrounds near Aspen, improving your chance of getting a reservation. The campground has a lot of trees, so many of the spots feel relatively secluded and the sound of the nearby Roaring Fork River helps drown out highway noise. This is also one of the closest campgrounds to downtown Aspen, making it a great spot if you want to visit the town.

Cons: The campground has space to accommodate trailers up to 40 feet, however, keep in mind that you won’t be able to drive over Independence Pass, which limits vehicle and trailer length to 35 feet, so plan your trip accordingly. This popular campground is usually packed so don’t expect total peace and quiet and make sure you book your reservations well in advance.

If you go: CO-82, Aspen, CO 81611; (970) 927-0107

2. Lincoln Gulch Campground

Why you should go: A scenic campground tucked in the pine forests along the Roaring Fork River, Lincoln Gulch Campground offers secluded sites and basic amenities (a pit toilet, picnic tables, and fire rings).

• Reservations accepted: No
• Best season: Summer, early fall
• Campsite type: Tent/RV (under 35 ft. in length)
• RV hookups: None

Pros: Located right along the Roaring Fork River, this campground offers prime access to the Grottos Trail, a short, fun trail that is perfect for adventurous kiddos who love to do a little rock scrambling. Plus, it’s centrally located about halfway up Independence Pass — within a 30-minute drive you can either be hitting the shops in Aspen or out on an adventure on the Continental Divide.

Cons: With only 7 campsites available on a first-come, first-serve basis, don’t count on rolling in on a Saturday and snagging a spot. You’ll have better luck during the week, though it’ll still take a bit of luck to get a spot during the peak summer season (if you’re tenting or using a rooftop tent, you may be able to find a dispersed camping site further up Lincoln Creek Road).

Keep in mind that the campground is located at 9,600 feet in elevation, so don’t forget to pack your warm overnight stuff as it can get chilly, even in the summer.

If you go: Almont, CO 81210; (970) 963-2266

Related read: 7 Cabin Rentals in Aspen, Colorado for Every Budget

3. Lost Man Campground

Why you should go: If you’re looking to explore the fabulous Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness or the mining ghost town of Independence, Lost Man Campground is the spot for you. Located 14 miles out of Aspen, it’s a great spot for campers who are looking to explore the trails and other highlights along Independence Pass. The sites are large and relatively secluded, making it a great spot for some R&R.

• Reservations accepted: No
• Best season: Summer, early fall
• Campsite type: Tent/RV (under 35 ft. in length)
• RV hookups: None

Pros: Even though you’re right off the road, the forested sites block most of the noise and feel much more secluded than you might expect. Plus, you’ll have great access to hiking trails, with the Lost Man Trailhead located right across the road.

Cons: With 10 single sites and no reservations, you may need some luck to secure a spot during the summer season. The campground does offer basic amenities like vault toilets and water, but keep in mind that it’s roughly 30 minutes outside of Aspen, so if you forget something, it’s a bit of a drive to get to the nearest store.

If you go: Aspen, CO 81611; (970) 963-2266

4. Portal Campground

Why you should go: If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, Portal Campground offers a near-Aspen camping experience that lets you get away from (most of) the crowds. The campground offers gorgeous scenery with great views over the Grizzly Reservoir. Pack your fishing rod, stand-up paddle board, or hiking boots, because this is sure to be a great spot to spend the weekend.

• Reservations accepted: No
• Best season: Summer, early fall
• Campsite type: Tent/RV (under 35 ft. in length)
• RV hookups: None

Pros: This campground is roughly 6 miles off of Independence Pass, offering a more secluded, middle-of-nowhere feel compared to some of Aspen’s other campsites. And while it can still get busy on the weekends, generally it sees less traffic than some of the other campgrounds in the area.

According to one camper, “This campground is beautiful! There are a few spots right on the lake, and a few more tucked into the trees. The campground isn’t huge, so I would suggest getting there early for a weekend getaway.”

Cons: High-clearance vehicles with 4WD are recommended for navigating Lincoln Creek Road. Depending on the road conditions, plan on a bumpy drive — the dirt road can get quite rutted. If you’re not comfortable taking your camper off the pavement, this isn’t the spot for you.

If you go: Buena Vista, CO 81211; (970) 963-2266

Related read: 9 Glorious Places to See Colorado’s Fall Colors

5. Silver Bar, Silver Bell, and Silver Queen Campgrounds

Why you should go: Located southwest of Aspen, a few miles up Maroon Creek Road, Silver Bar, Silver Bell, and Silver Queen campgrounds offer outstanding access to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area and Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.

While none of the three are large campgrounds, they are all within close proximity of each other, and you can reserve a site to ensure you have a prime spot to take in the staggering beauty of one of the most photographed spots in Colorado.

• Reservations accepted: Yes; some sites are first come, first served
• Best season: Summer, early fall
• Campsite type: Tent/RV
• RV hookups: None

Pros: Did I mention the scenery? From the towering peaks and vast aspen groves to the rushing sounds of Maroon Creek and meadows of wildflowers, camping near the Maroon Bells will not disappoint. Whether you want to go hiking, wildlife watching, or catch that perfect golden hour shot of the iconic Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, a trip to the area is sure to be memorable.

Cons: An extremely sought-after location, getting a campsite during the summer at any of these campsites requires a bit of luck — and some willingness to be flexible on your trip dates. There is also a five-day stay limit, so you’ll want to plan your trip accordingly.

Also, be ready for a packed trailhead and lots of other people in the area. Though the crowds will dissipate the further out you go, expect any of the popular scenic viewpoints and trailheads along the road to be quite busy.

If you go: Aspen, CO 81611; (970) 963-2266

6. Weller Campground

Why you should go: Weller Campground is conveniently located for a quick trip to Aspen, a short morning hike to Weller Lake, or a longer all-day outing in White River National Forest. Although the campground is on the smaller side, the 11 sites are roomy and surrounded by scenic aspen groves.

• Reservations accepted: No
• Best season: Summer, early fall
• Campsite type: Tent/RV
• RV hookups: None

Pros: The decent-sized sites along this campground loop gives you plenty of space to set up your tent or RV. You’ll be in a prime location for some great day hikes including the trip up to Weller Lake or a day out exploring the nearby Grottos. And you’re only about 8 miles outside of Aspen, so it’s easy to plan a trip into town for a bite to eat or a stroll around the shops and galleries.

Cons: This is not the quietest campground near Aspen — be aware that you’ll have some road noise from the highway and that the Weller Lake Trailhead across the road is a popular day hiking spot.

If you go: 31035 CO-82, Aspen, CO 81611; (970) 963-2266

Related read: 8 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado Offering Year-Round Adventure

7. Chapman Campground

Why you should go: With fantastic access to Ruedi Reservoir and a host of USFS trails in the area, Chapman Campground has a wide variety of sites to accommodate everything from tents to RVs. A great spot for families, the campground has all the basic amenities you could want, including picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water.

• Reservations accepted: Yes
• Best season: Late spring, summer, early fall
• Campsite type: Tent/RV
• RV hookups: None

Pros: With 84 sites to choose from and less traffic than some of the other campgrounds near Aspen, Chapman might make trip planning a whole lot easier since you’ll be more likely to get a reservation. During your stay, you’ll have your pick of hiking, biking, fishing, or paddleboarding. Nearby Chapman Reservoir provides a great spot to watch for wildlife or simply kick back and relax.

Cons: Even though it’s a larger campground, some of the spots are a bit closer together and not as secluded as you might like. And keep in mind that you are just over an hour’s drive from the Aspen/Snowmass area, so this may not be as ideal of a spot if you want to spend a lot of time in town. Basalt is the closest town for a grocery store or firewood run.

If you go: Frying Pan Rd, Meredith, CO 81642; (970) 963-2266

8. Mollie B. White River Campground

Why you should go: A perennial favorite that sees lots of return visitors, the Mollie B. White River Campground is located on the northwest end of Ruedi Reservoir. With sweeping views over the water by day and a starry expanse at night, there’s lots to love about this campground.

• Reservations accepted: Yes
• Best season: Late spring, summer, early fall
• Campsite type: Tent/RV
• RV hookups: None

Pros: The campground has 27 sites to choose from as well as flush toilets and drinking water. There is a boat ramp so you can bring your watercraft for an outing on Ruedi Reservoir or head out fly fishing on the Fryingpan River below. The area offers beautiful hiking and mountain biking trails.

Cons: Not all of the sites have shade, so bring your own in the summer. The flush toilets, while a nice option, aren’t always open or in working order, so don’t count on them. And while you’re a short drive from Basalt (a cool town in its own right), you are still about an hour’s drive away from Aspen.

If you go: Basalt, CO 81621; (970) 963-2266

Related read: 7 Gorgeous Winter Camping Spots in Colorado

9. Dearhamer Campground

Why you should go: Hike, bike, fish, or boat — however you like to get outside, Dearhamer Campground offers plentiful access to the top recreation opportunities in the area. Its location on the southeastern side of Ruedi Reservoir makes a great jumping-off point for all sorts of outdoor adventures.

• Reservations accepted: Yes
• Best season: Late spring, summer, early fall
• Campsite type: Tent/RV
• RV hookups: None

Pros: With excellent views over the reservoir and a chance to spot wildlife, this campground is a great spot to kick back and relax. According to one reviewer, “First time coming to this campground and I loved it! The host was kind, and the wildlife was great. Lucky to see four bald eagles flying around the reservoir while paddle boarding!”

Cons: Some of the sites are close together so don’t plan on having total privacy. Some sites do have large trees close by, but others aren’t very shaded and can be quite hot in the summer. As you’re close to the water, bugs can be annoying depending on the season, so don’t forget to pack some bug spray.

If you go: Frying Pan Rd, Basalt, CO 81621; (970) 963-2266

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