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.

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.

Recreation Sites

  • Standard Nonelectric
  • Group Standard Nonelectric
  • Management
  • Overnight

Activities

  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Camping

Amenities

  • Food Storage Locker
  • Host
  • Trash Collection
  • Vault Toilets
  • Water Spigot
  • Grills/Fire Ring
  • Picnic Table
  • Food Locker
  • Fire Pit

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.

Getting Here

Latitude
39° 8' 30.0001" N
Longitude
106° 46' 14.9999" W

665 Difficult Campground Rd. Aspen CO 816511

Take Highway 82 for 5 miles southeast of Aspen, Colorado. Look for USFS
Difficult Campground sign on the right, past Mile Marker 45.

Need to Know

  • Please Note: One RV with tow per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee and collected at the campground. 

  • Vehicles over 35 feet in length are prohibited over Independence Pass but can access the campground via Aspen

  • All food, beverages, trash and scented items must be properly stored when not attended. Bear-proof food lockers are provided at each site and bear-proof trash receptacles are provided at the campground.

  • Prevent the spread of invasive species by inspecting and cleaning packs, equipment, and tires before using lake or trails

  • Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests.

    Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

  • Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. 

  • Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

  • Any accepted senior passes must be entered for the discount at the time of booking for single sites only. 

  • Click here for more information about White River National Forest.

    • Contact Information

    665 Difficult Campground Rd
    Aspen , CO 81611

    For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.

    Additional Information