Aspen might be home to some of the leading and most luxurious hotels in the world, but you’ll see a million stars instead of five when setting up camp at any one of the area’s designated campsites under the expansive night sky. From dispersed camping on Lincoln Creek and Pearl Pass to traditional campgrounds along Independence Pass and every favorite secluded spot for backpackers in between.
Camping, Huts, RVs
There are a variety of campgrounds and campsites located in the Aspen area. We hope you enjoy getting outside and in touch with nature. For more information on camping, dispersed camping, cabins, backpacking and RV camping visit the White River National Forest Website, or call 970-925-3445. Reservations can also be made by contacting the National Camping Reservation Center at 1-877-444-6777
Camping is prohibited within 100 feet of all trails, streams, and lakes if you decide to build your own campsite. You must be OUT OF SIGHT when camping in open areas. Above timberline, only stoves are allowed in the alpine tundra. For more information, contact the Aspen Ranger District at 970-925-3445.
Bear Resistant canisters are required for overnight camping in Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Area and recommended for Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness Area. Aspen Expeditions, Ute Mountaineer, or Four-Mountain Sports have canisters available for rent or purchase. Permits are required, in advance, for all camping at Conundrum Hot Springs located within the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Area.
4 miles southeast of Aspen on Highway 82 is Difficult Campground which has 47 campsites. The season ranges from mid-May to early-October and the elevation is 8,180 ft. It has access to fishing and hiking. Difficult Campground has vault toilets, water and trash facilities. It can accept a trailer up to 40 ft. Reservations Required - Click to Book
11 miles southeast of Aspen on Highway 82, then a half of a mile on Lincoln Creek Road is Lincoln Gulch Campground. It has 6 campsites. The season ranges from mid-May to early-October with an elevation of 9,600 ft. It has access to fishing and hiking. It also has vault toilets, water and trash facilities. It can accept a trailer up to 16 ft. First come basis.
11 miles southeast of Aspen on Highway 82, along Lincoln Creek Road, past the Lincoln Gulch Campground. There are 28 campsites. The season ranges from mid-May to early-October and the elevation is 9,800 ft. There is access to fishing and hiking. It does not have any vault toilets, water or trash facilities. Trailer space is limited. First come basis.
14 ½ miles from Aspen on Highway 82 is Lost Man Campground. It has 10 campsites and the season ranges from mid-May to early October. The elevation is 10,500 ft. It has access to fishing and hiking. It also has vault toilets, water, and trash facilities. Trailer space is limited. First come basis.
9 miles southeast of Aspen on Highway 82 is Weller Campground. It has 11 campsites and the season ranges from mid-May to early-October. Elevation is 9,400 ft. It has access to fishing and hiking. It also has vault toilets, water and trash facilities. Trailer space is limited. First come basis.
Visiting Aspen in a Recreational Vehicle (RV)? Trailers or motor homes over 35 ft. in length are prohibited from traveling on Highway 82 over Independence Pass. The City of Aspen DOES NOT allow people to spend the night on city streets in their RVs. The closest RV park (with hook ups) is the Aspen-Basalt Campground in Basalt. If you are looking for additional information on RV parks please call the Aspen Chamber Resort Association at 970-925-1940.
The Aspen-Basalt Campground is conveniently located midway between Glenwood Springs and Aspen, 2 miles northwest of Basalt on Highway 82, just south of milepost marker 20. RV sites are level, shaded and most are pull-thru. 43 RV sites have 50 amp service, room for slide outs and are at least 45 feet long making it big rig friendly. RV sites are open year round. Pets welcome. For more information call 800-567-2773 or 970-927-3405.
Address: 20640 Hwy 82, PO Box 350, Basalt Colorado 81621
Gateway RV Park is owned by the Town of Carbondale, and is situation above the Roaring Fork River, just west of the Highway 82 & 133 intersection on the northern entrance to Carbondale. Gateway RV Park is open May - September, for more information call 970-379-8151. If you would like to call prior to May 1st, please contact Jessi at 970-510-1278. If you cancel and rebook on your own, you will still be charged a cancellation fee for the original booking. There is a 2-week maximum stay for all RV sites. In order to re-book, you must vacate the RV Park for at least 1 week before you may stay again.
Address: 640 County Rd 106 (aka Satank Rd) Carbondale, CO 81623
The Crystal River KOA is open year round. Home of the historic BRB Cabins, which feature 13 Rustic Log Cabins nestled along the Crystal River. For additional information please call 970-963-2341.
Address: 7202 Highway 133 Carbondale, CO 81623
Glenwood Canyon Resort, formally known as Rock Gardens Campground, offers a variety of lodging options. Options include Resort Cabins, Camper Cabins, and full hook up RV sites with water, electric, sewer, cable TV, and wireless Internet. Can handle big rigs or smaller rigs with a variety of sites along the Colorado River. For more information cal 800-958-6737.
Ami's Acres Campground is family owned and operated since 1972. They are family friendly and provide basic amenities. They have a variety of sites for RV, small RV, tent, group and alternative camping options. The campground is surrounded by mountains on all sides and are just a few miles from downtown Glenwood Springs. Located at the base of Storm King Mountain and close to some of the best outdoor attractions Colorado has to offer. If you have any questions please call 970-945-5340.
The Aspen Recreation Center, A.K.A. The ARC, has a shower facility open from 6 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm Saturday and 11 am to 3 pm Sunday. A daily admission fee of $25.50 for adult and $23.50 for youth & seniors. For more information, call (970) 544-4100.
Address: 130 South Galena St. Aspen, CO 81611
The Red Brick Recreation Center has a shower facility that is open in winters Monday - Thursday 9 am - 8 pm, Saturdays 10 am - 8 pm. Summer hours are Monday - Thursday 9 am - 5 pm and Friday's 9 am - 4 pm Fridays. For more information call 970-920-5140.
Address: 110 E. Hallam St. Aspen CO, 81611
Another great way to get out in the great outdoors is to check out the 10th Mountain Huts, a unique experience for the adventurous visitor.