Lost Man Campground

4.72

48 reviews

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Colorado Forest Camping Colorado Spring Camping Colorado +6 more

Quick Facts

10,700 ft

Price

$22 - $25/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens White River National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

10,700 ft

Price

$22 - $25/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens White River National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Lost Man Campground

$22.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees are reported as $22 per day according to authoritative sources, while user reviews frequently cite $25 per night.

Standard Site Fee$22.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.72

Top-Rated

Based on 48 reviews

39 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadesites

"Lost Man Campground receives positive reviews for its scenic location, proximity to trails, and peaceful environment. Visitors appreciate the creekside sites and the abundance of hiking opportunities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Lost Man Campground

39.1210, -106.6242

Driving directionsFrom Aspen, CO, take State Route 82 east 12.7 miles to the campground sign. Turn right into the campground.

Independence Pass is narrow, steep, and winding, with restrictions prohibiting vehicles over 35 feet in length or vehicle/trailer combinations exceeding 35 feet between specific mile markers (MP 47.2 to MP 84.2). Roads are paved leading to the campground but are challenging due to the terrain.

Nearby places

Aspen (approximately 12.7 miles east).

Best Time to Camp at Lost Man Campground

At nearly 11,000 feet, Lost Man Campground reminds visitors that the mountains play by their own rules when it comes to weather. Even in the heart of summer, temperatures can plummet once the sun dips behind the peaks, turning balmy afternoons into nights that demand warm sleeping bags and perhaps an extra layer or two. Seasoned campers know to pack for all seasons regardless of the calendar date—the combination of high elevation and exposed alpine environment creates conditions where frost can kiss your tent on any given morning, while afternoons might find you basking in brilliant sunshine. This dramatic temperature swing is part of the campground's alpine allure, offering crisp, star-filled nights that make the extra blanket worthwhile.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June 9–Sept 17; summer recommended though nights can be cold even in mid-summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open into mid-September but season is short and nights get cold; limited fall window.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Campground is closed until June 9; spring visitation is not supported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside the June 9–Sept 17 season; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 9 to September 17 (as it aligns with open season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from June 9 to September 17.

About Lost Man Campground

Perched high in Colorado's alpine wilderness at 10,700 feet, Lost Man Campground offers adventurous souls a genuine backcountry experience without venturing too far from civilization. This intimate, first-come-first-served hideaway features just 10 primitive campsites tucked beneath towering lodgepole pines and ancient Engelmann spruces, with several sites offering the gentle soundtrack of Lost Man Creek flowing nearby. Steps from your tent, the Lost Man Trailhead beckons across the road, serving as your gateway to the pristine Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness. Whether you're drawn by the extensive trail network, the nearby ghost town of Independence, or simply the promise of starlit nights in thin mountain air, this campground delivers an authentic Rocky Mountain experience for those willing to embrace its rustic charm.

Lost Man Campground features a mix of tent and standard campsites, all operating on a first-come, first-serve basis. It is a primitive campground with no RV pull-throughs or electrical hookups.

Historical SignificanceJust two miles east along the winding mountain road lies a haunting reminder of Colorado's gold rush dreams—the Independence ghost town. This once-thriving mining settlement, now a collection of weathered wooden structures clinging to the mountainside, tells the story of fortune-seekers who braved these harsh elevations in search of precious metals. The proximity to this historic site transforms Lost Man Campground into more than just a place to pitch a tent; it becomes a basecamp for exploring the remnants of Colorado's mining heritage, where visitors can walk among the ruins and imagine the determination of those who called these unforgiving heights home over a century ago.

Weather and SeasonsAt nearly 11,000 feet, Lost Man Campground reminds visitors that the mountains play by their own rules when it comes to weather. Even in the heart of summer, temperatures can plummet once the sun dips behind the peaks, turning balmy afternoons into nights that demand warm sleeping bags and perhaps an extra layer or two. Seasoned campers know to pack for all seasons regardless of the calendar date—the combination of high elevation and exposed alpine environment creates conditions where frost can kiss your tent on any given morning, while afternoons might find you basking in brilliant sunshine. This dramatic temperature swing is part of the campground's alpine allure, offering crisp, star-filled nights that make the extra blanket worthwhile.

ElevationAt 10,700 feet above sea level, Lost Man Campground sits in that rarified realm where the air grows thin and the views grow spectacular. This lofty perch places campers firmly in the subalpine zone, where every breath reminds you of the altitude and every sunrise paints the surrounding peaks in alpenglow. The elevation creates a natural air conditioning system that keeps summer temperatures refreshingly cool, while also serving up panoramic vistas that stretch across the Continental Divide. Here, you're camping among the clouds, where afternoon thunderstorms roll through with dramatic flair and the night sky seems close enough to touch.

Natural Features and SceneryNestled within a pristine pocket of subalpine forest, Lost Man Campground immerses visitors in a landscape where lodgepole pines stretch skyward like natural cathedral spires and ancient Engelmann spruces provide sheltering canopies. Lost Man Creek threads through the area, its crystal-clear waters creating a soothing ambiance and supporting the delicate mountain ecosystem. The surrounding wilderness unfolds in layers of green forest, gray granite peaks, and endless blue sky, offering the kind of unspoiled mountain scenery that defines the Colorado Rockies. From your campsite, watch as morning mist rises from the creek, afternoon sunlight filters through the evergreens, and evening alpenglow transforms distant peaks into glowing monuments.

Geological RegionCradled within the vast expanse of White River National Forest, Lost Man Campground occupies a spectacular slice of Colorado's high country where the Continental Divide shapes both landscape and weather. The campground sits at the doorstep of the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness, one of Colorado's premier backcountry areas, where granite peaks and glacial valleys create a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. This subalpine ecosystem, dominated by resilient lodgepole pines and stately Engelmann spruces, represents millions of years of geological forces at work—from ancient seas to volcanic activity to the glaciers that carved these valleys. Lost Man Creek, fed by snowmelt and mountain springs, has spent countless centuries sculpting its path through this rocky terrain, creating the gentle streamside setting that makes several campsites particularly coveted.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

5nights maximum stay per visit.

Groups

Group sites are not available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features a single loop layout with 10 campsites, some of which are adjacent to Lost Man Creek.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservation system exists as the campground operates on a first-come-first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Reviews emphasize the importance of arriving early to secure a site.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations cannot be made.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are available.

Site SizeSites are standard-sized, with some sites adjacent to Lost Man Creek.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site; some sites are secluded, while others are more open.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesUser reviews suggest arriving early to secure a good site, as the campground is popular and operates on a first-come-first-served basis.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Lost Man Campground provides opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and fishing. The campground is situated near the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness and Lost Man Lake, offering diverse outdoor activities.

HikingThe campground provides access to the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness via nearby trails, including a 3-mile trail to Lost Man Lake.

FishingFishing for rainbow trout is available at the nearby Lost Man Lake.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with visitors mentioning encounters with deer and other animals.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe elevation and cold temperatures are frequently mentioned as potential challenges. Additionally, the area is bear country, requiring the use of food storage lockers and adherence to safety protocols.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available at this site to ensure safe storage of food and other attractants.

Weather at Lost Man Campground

Reviews

4.7

48 reviews

Top-Rated

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

Lost Man Campground receives positive reviews for its scenic location, proximity to trails, and peaceful environment. Visitors appreciate the creekside sites and the abundance of hiking opportunities.

Review Summaries

Based on 48 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned include the campground's proximity to Lost Man Trailhead, the serene environment, well-shaded sites, and the beauty of the creek that runs nearby.

Based on 48 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of bear-proof food storage boxes for all sites, cold nighttime temperatures due to the high elevation, and occasional cleanliness issues with the vault toilets...

Based on 48 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a site. Bring warm clothing for chilly nights and insect repellent for creekside sites. Be prepared to self-register and pay upon arrival.

Based on 48 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends indicate that the campground is busiest during weekends and is prone to cold temperatures at night due to its high elevation. Visitors recommend summer months for the best experience.

Based on 48 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "On a whim on a Sunday afternoon, my girlfriend and I pulled in, thinking there wouldn’t be any sites available, but we got a great one! Even though the campground is right next to the highway,...

Based on 48 reviews