Difficult Campground
4.58301 reviews665 Difficult Campground Rd, Aspen, CO 81611
Quick Facts
Price
$33 - $120/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
47 campsites
Season
Open for reservation...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$33 - $120/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
47 campsites
Season
Open for reservation...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsDifficult Campground
$33.00 - $120.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard non-electric sites are $33 per night during peak season. Group sites are available at $120 per night. Reservation fees include an additional...
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Standard Site Fee$33.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$120.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$153.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider970-927-0107clm@clm-services.com
What Campers Say
4.58
Top-Rated
Based on 301 reviews
Most mentioned
privacycleanlocationhiking
Some mention
smallreservation
"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."
Fees & Passes at Difficult Campground
$33 - $120/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: Maximum stay is 5 nights during a visit and 5 nights total per month.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled before the arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations...
Prices verified November 24, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official White River National Forest - Difficult Campground website.
Best Time to Camp at Difficult Campground
Summer days at Difficult Campground unfold with pleasant warmth that gives way to crisp, star-filled nights perfect for campfire stories. The mountain climate keeps its wild card close, occasionally surprising visitors with afternoon thundershowers that roll through the valley, leaving everything fresh and glistening. Spring and fall adventurers should come prepared for nature's full spectrum – including possible snowflakes that dust the landscape like powdered sugar, transforming the campground into a fleeting wonderland.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 13 to September 27.. 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.
- Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may apply during hot, dry conditions. No current advisories.
About Difficult Campground
Nestled in the heart of Colorado's wilderness just 5 miles southeast of Aspen, Difficult Campground beckons adventurers to experience the raw beauty of the Roaring Fork River valley. This riverside sanctuary offers 47 thoughtfully positioned campsites, from intimate standard sites to spacious group accommodations, all immersed in a tapestry of diverse mountain forests. Here, the rushing waters of the Roaring Fork provide a constant natural soundtrack as you disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with the wild.
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.
Historical SignificanceThe echoes of Colorado's silver boom still resonate through these mountains, where prospectors once searched for fortune in the very hills surrounding your campsite. Today's Aspen may be known for world-class skiing and cultural sophistication, but the rugged spirit of the Old West lives on in these forests. This land has witnessed the transformation from mining frontier to outdoor recreation paradise, making every trail and riverbank a page in Colorado's adventurous story.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Difficult Campground unfold with pleasant warmth that gives way to crisp, star-filled nights perfect for campfire stories. The mountain climate keeps its wild card close, occasionally surprising visitors with afternoon thundershowers that roll through the valley, leaving everything fresh and glistening. Spring and fall adventurers should come prepared for nature's full spectrum – including possible snowflakes that dust the landscape like powdered sugar, transforming the campground into a fleeting wonderland.
ElevationPerched high in the majestic Colorado Rockies, Difficult Campground offers that quintessential high-altitude camping experience where the air is crisp, the stars seem closer, and every breath reminds you that you're truly in mountain country. While the thin air might leave lowlanders catching their breath, the spectacular views and alpine atmosphere make every moment worth the adjustment.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living gallery where trembling aspens paint golden brushstrokes each fall, while stately pines and firs stand sentinel year-round. The campground's diverse forest canopy – a mosaic of cottonwoods, spruce, and scrub oak – creates intimate pockets of shade and discovery. The Roaring Fork River serves as both the campground's centerpiece and playground, its crystal-clear waters inviting anglers and offering countless spots for quiet contemplation. Keep your camera ready: majestic elk often emerge at dawn, while deer browse through camp at dusk, and if fortune smiles, you might glimpse a moose wading through the shallows. Overhead, a symphony of mountain birds fills the forest with song from sunrise to sunset.
Geological RegionDifficult Campground claims its place on the dramatic western slope of the Colorado Rockies, where ancient geological forces carved a landscape of stunning contrasts. This section of the Rocky Mountains showcases nature's architectural prowess through towering peaks, deep river valleys, and forests that change character with every hundred feet of elevation. The diverse ecosystem – from riverside cottonwoods to high-altitude spruce and fir – tells the story of millions of years of mountain building, while the ever-present Roaring Fork River continues its patient work of sculpting the valley floor.
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Campsite details
Sites 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.
Sites 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 CampsitesSites near the river offer picturesque settings but may be smaller. Sites 35 and 38 are highlighted for good layout and privacy.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Reserved sites are held until noon the day following the arrival date.
Check-out
Noon.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized in loops, with a mix of standard and group sites. Dense foliage provides privacy, but some sites are small and uneven.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations from May 13 to September 27 (peak season). Closed for reservations from September 28 to May 12.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov. This includes online, app, or contact center options.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, but availability is not guaranteed. Reserved sites are held until noon the day following the scheduled arrival date.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before the arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations—starting from midnight the day before arrival—will also forfeit the first night’s recreation use fee. Once the reservation start date has begun, no modifications are allowed.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
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
Hiking trails are accessible near the campground, including the Difficult Creek Trail, which is noted for its scenic views and moderate difficulty. Campers appreciated the convenience of having these trails start right from the campground.Fishing
The Roaring Fork River is renowned for its fly fishing opportunities, with populations of rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout. The area's natural beauty enhances the fishing experience.Wildlife viewing
The campground is home to diverse wildlife, including moose, elk, foxes, and a variety of bird species. Campers frequently spot animals within and around the campground, making it a great location for nature lovers.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings. Restrictions may apply during dry periods.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters, including moose and bear sightings, and the swift-flowing Roaring Fork River. Mosquitoes are prevalent during mid-summer.
Active alertsFire restrictions may apply during hot, dry conditions. No current advisories.
Weather at Difficult Campground
20
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 75%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in Aspen, which is 5 miles away and offers medical facilities, police, and other resources.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 13 to September 27.
Trash and recyclingBear-proof trash receptacles are provided throughout the campground. Users appreciated the clean and well-maintained trash facilities.
Proximity to water featuresThe Roaring Fork River borders the campground, providing opportunities for fishing and scenic enjoyment.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include small and uneven campsites, noisy generators, and occasional double bookings or reservation mismanagement.
HostCampground hosts, including Sheila and Jace, are frequently mentioned as friendly and helpful. Hosts sell firewood and assist with reservations.
Campground Map
665 Difficult Campground Rd, Aspen, CO 81611
Driving directionsTake Highway 82 for 5 miles southeast of Aspen, Colorado. Look for USFS Difficult Campground sign on the right, past Mile Marker 45.
Road access is generally paved and in good condition, but vehicles over 35 feet in length are prohibited over Independence Pass. Campground radius turns are tight for large RVs, and brush encroaches on roadways and spurs.Nearby places
Aspen (5 miles, approximately 10-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Grocery and supply stores are located in Aspen, approximately 5 miles from the campground.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
301 reviews
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 301 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 301 reviewsShow more
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 301 reviewsShow more
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 301 reviewsShow more
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 301 reviewsShow more
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 301 reviewsShow more
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 301 reviewsShow more
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 24, 2025
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