DIFFICULT CAMPGROUND campground

DIFFICULT CAMPGROUND

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
48 campsites
Open in maps

48

Total Campsites

Campground

47

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About DIFFICULT CAMPGROUND

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 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. 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.

  • 48 total campsites listed.
  • 47 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • Most common site type: standard nonelectric (46).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
DIFFICULT CAMPGROUND photo 2
DIFFICULT CAMPGROUND photo 3

Our Take

What makes DIFFICULT CAMPGROUND special

Tucked along the banks of the Roaring Fork River just five miles southeast of Aspen, Difficult Campground lives up to its cheeky name only in terms of how hard it is to leave. With 48 well-spaced sites nestled beneath a canopy of mature aspen and spruce, this is one of those rare mountain camps where the soundtrack is nothing but rushing water and rustling leaves. The Roaring Fork provides excellent catch-and-release fishing for rainbow and brown trout right from your campsite, and the river corridor serves as a natural highway for deer, elk, and the occasional moose sighting at dawn. By day, you can hike into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, bike the Rio Grande Trail into town, or simply sprawl in a camp chair and watch the sunlight filter through the aspens. By evening, Aspen's dining and cultural scene is a short drive away, making Difficult one of the most versatile base camps in the Colorado Rockies. The elevation of roughly 8,000 feet keeps summer nights cool and crisp, a welcome reward after warm afternoons spent exploring the upper valley. Whether you are a seasoned backcountry traveler or a family discovering the mountains for the first time, this campground offers an authentic Colorado experience that punches well above its weight.

Campsite Inventory

48 sites to choose from

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

46total sites

46

Reservable

0

Accessible

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC

1total sites

1

Reservable

0

Accessible

MANAGEMENT

1total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

2:00 PM

Check-out time

12:00 PM

Driveway entry

Back-In, Pull-Through

Driveway surface

Gravel

Fire Pit

Yes

Food Locker

Yes

GRILLS

Yes

Max guests

10, 30

Max vehicle length (ft)

20, 24, 27, 28

Minimum guests

Yes

Pets allowed

Yes

Picnic Table

Yes

Shade

Yes

Site length (ft)

28, 30, 35, 36

Site width (ft)

10, 11, 12, 13

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

970-927-0107

Email

Help.WhiteRiver.Aspen@AmericanLL.com

Getting There

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

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to DIFFICULT CAMPGROUND.

How do reservations work for DIFFICULT CAMPGROUND?

Reservation availability for DIFFICULT CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at DIFFICULT CAMPGROUND?

DIFFICULT CAMPGROUND currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (46), GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC (1), MANAGEMENT (1).

Where is DIFFICULT CAMPGROUND located?

See this page for location details and directions.

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