How much does camping cost at Difficult Campground?

Camping fees at Difficult Campground range from $33-$120/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Difficult Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Difficult Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Difficult Campground before I book?

Yes! Difficult Campground has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Difficult Campground?

Difficult Campground is open May 13 to September 26. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Difficult Campground?

Difficult Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Difficult Campground?

Fire policies at Difficult Campground: Fires are restricted to the metal fire rings or pedestal grill, no other open burning is allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Difficult Campground have?

Difficult Campground has 47 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Difficult Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Difficult Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Difficult Campground?

Difficult Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Difficult Campground?

Popular activities at Difficult Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Difficult Campground

4.58

584 reviews

665 Difficult Campground Rd, Aspen, CO 81611

Fishing

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,271 ft

Price

$33 - $120/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

47 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on White River National Forest - Difficult Campground Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,271 ft

Price

$33 - $120/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

47 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on White River National Forest - Difficult Campground Official Website

Get Directions

Difficult Campground

$33.00 - $120.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $120.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $33.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

Group Site Fee$120.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-927-0107Help.WhiteRiver.Aspen@AmericanLL.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

665 Difficult Campground Rd, Aspen, CO 81611

Difficult Campground

665 Difficult Campground Rd, Aspen, CO 81611

Nearby places

Aspen (5 miles, approximately 10-minute drive).

Weather at Difficult Campground

Current alerts(14)

All food, beverage and trash must be always attended by an adult, this requires someone within 100 feet of the attractants. Otherwise, all attractants shall be stored in a locked vehicle/camper or food lockers.
All garbage shall be removed from the site and deposited in the appropriate receptacle by check out time.
Check in time is 2:00pm and Check out time is 11:00am It is imperative that you are clear from the site at 11:00am on your check out day so the host can come prepare the site for the next event. Please don't be the group that makes the incoming group have to wait.
Check with the Ranger District or American Land and Leisure prior to our event to investigate fire restrictions. In the event of fire restrictions, you may only be able to use propane cooking facilities.

Best Time to Camp at Difficult Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest, sun-filled days for hiking, fishing, and riverside camping — expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and crisp nights around 35–50°F at 8,271 ft. Wildflower meadows and green aspen understory are at their peak, and the Roaring Fork is at pleasant flows for fishing (watch for afternoon thundershowers). Sites are busiest, so book early; the campground is open and fully serviced from mid‑May through late September. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season May–Sep; summer praised for lush greenery, pleasant temps and fishable river flows.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 13 to September 26. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from May 13 to September 27 (peak season). Closed for reservations from September 28 to May 12.

About Difficult Campground

Difficult Campground sits at 8,271 feet in White River National Forest, minutes from Aspen along the Roaring Fork River. This mid-sized alpine campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and attentive hosts who maintain exceptionally clean facilities. Campers fish the river, hike nearby trails, and watch for moose in the meadows during the summer operating season.

Difficult Campground offers a mix of camping accommodations, including standard and group sites. It is suited for tent camping, small RVs, and trailers. However, the tight turns and limited space at some sites make it less ideal for larger RVs.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest, sun-filled days for hiking, fishing, and riverside camping — expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and crisp nights around 35–50°F at 8,271 ft. Wildflower meadows and green aspen understory are at their peak, and the Roaring Fork is at pleasant flows for fishing (watch for afternoon thundershowers). Sites are busiest, so book early; the campground is open and fully serviced from mid‑May through late September. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8271 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe forest here layers cottonwoods and scrub oak at river level with spruce and fir climbing the slopes above. Aspens fill the gaps, turning gold in fall. The Roaring Fork River flows clear and cold through the valley floor, loud enough to hear from most sites. Elk and deer move through camp at dawn and dusk. Moose occasionally wade the shallows. The elevation means crisp nights even in summer, and the thick canopy provides genuine shade during the day. Views open up along the river, but most sites sit deep in the trees.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 5 nights during a visit and 5 nights total per month.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One RV with a tow vehicle or one vehicle per tent site is permitted. Most sites can accommodate one additional vehicle, charged at an extra nightly fee.

Groups

The group site is designed to accommodate larger parties, but detailed specifics such as the exact number of guests or vehicles allowed were not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov. This includes online, app, or contact center options.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size. Some users mentioned difficulties with larger setups, such as RVs or larger tents, highlighting the need to carefully assess site suitability before booking.

PrivacyThe campground offers a high level of privacy thanks to the dense tree cover and spacing between sites. Multiple reviewers noted that the sites feel secluded and private.

Total Campsites47 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the river offer picturesque settings but may be smaller. Sites 35 and 38 are highlighted for good layout and privacy.

Best CampsitesSite 004 offers privacy and sits close to a creek. Site 033 is one of the more spacious options with good shade. Check site dimensions before booking. Several reviewers with larger RVs or tent setups found their assigned spots too small or too uneven.

Need help booking Difficult Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Difficult Campground is located 5 miles southeast of Aspen, Colorado, along the Roaring Fork River. The campground, nestled amidst a diverse mix of aspen, cottonwood, pine, fir, scrub oak, and spruce trees, offers 47 standard sites, including a group site. It serves as a serene retreat with essential amenities for campers. The campground provides vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and campfire rings. Firewood is available for purchase on-site, ensuring convenience for campers. However, there are no electrical hookups, and the campground's tight turns and brush encroachment on roadways may make navigation challenging for large RVs. "The bathrooms were among the cleanest I've ever seen," noted one camper, while another remarked on the "plentiful water spigots spread across the campground."

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Difficult Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including fly fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Located along the Roaring Fork River, it provides an ideal setting for anglers and serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby trails. The serene natural environment also makes it suitable for relaxation and observing local wildlife.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground is equipped with vault toilets that reviewers frequently described as exceptionally clean and well-maintained. "The bathrooms were cleaned twice daily and smelled lemony fresh," shared one camper.

Food Storage RequiredEach campsite is equipped with a bear-proof food locker to store food and scented items securely.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFires are restricted to the metal fire rings or pedestal grill, no other open burning is allowed.

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof trash receptacles are provided throughout the campground. Users appreciated the clean and well-maintained trash facilities.

Cell CoverageBased on user reviews, Verizon cell phone coverage is unavailable unless a booster antenna is used. No other specific cell phone providers were mentioned.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

584 reviews

Top-Rated

Difficult Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, campers found Difficult Campground to be a serene and picturesque location with clean facilities, friendly hosts, and excellent access to nearby recreational opportunities. However, some users raised concerns about campsite layout, noise levels from generators, and occasional overbooking issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 584 reviews

What Campers Love

- Exceptionally clean vault toilets - High level of privacy between sites - Scenic location near the Roaring Fork River and hiking trails - Friendly and helpful campground hosts - Convenient...

Based on 584 reviews

Common Concerns

- Some sites are too small for larger RVs or tents - Occasional noise from generators and other campers - Overbooking and reservation issues reported by several users - Limited shade in certain areas...

Based on 584 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site 044: Users criticized the layout, stating the fire ring was too close to the tent area. - Site 033: Described as spacious and ideal for privacy. - Site 035: Highlighted for its proximity to...

Based on 584 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Carefully review site details before booking to ensure compatibility with your camping setup. - Arrive early to address any possible reservation issues. - Bring mosquito repellent, as some users...

Based on 584 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season for camping, with users praising the lush greenery and pleasant weather. Fall offers stunning views of golden aspen trees, while winter sees limited activity due to...

Based on 584 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This is the cleanest campground we've ever stayed at! The vault toilets were spotless." - Verified user "We loved the privacy and waking up to the sound of the river." - Verified user "The camp...

Based on 584 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want high-elevation access near Aspen with attentive hosts, river fishing, and strong privacy between sites.

Skip if

You need level, spacious sites or want to avoid generator noise and occasional reservation mix-ups.

Nearby Campgrounds

White River National Forest

Weller Campground sits at 9,400 feet in White River National Forest, 10 sites tucked into aspen groves a short drive from Aspen. The campground costs $23–$29 per night and offers vault toilets, potable water, bear lockers, and direct access to Weller Lake Trail. It's a small, rustic loop that fills quickly on summer weekends.