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Difficult Campground
FSU.S. Forest Service — Aspen · Colorado · White River National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | White River National Forest |
| Location | Aspen · Colorado · White River National Forest · 39.14167, -106.77083 · Map |
| Sites | 47 public sites counted from the federal listing — 46 standard nonelectric; 1 group standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 47 sites Water hookups at 0 of 47 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 47 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 47 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 60 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 45 sites · 30 ft: 43 sites · 35 ft: 36 sites · 40 ft: 23 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 11:00 AM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 48 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 970-927-0107 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-08-08.
From the official listing
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 Difficult Group site has one site available for reservation: There is no electric hook ups but potable water is available at a spigots inside the main campground.
Group Site: facilities include: hardened parking for campers/RV's and passenger vehicles. The site has 1 group size fire ring, 1 pedestal grill, 1 food locker, and 5 picnic tables.
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.
Directions, from the listing
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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
4 mi straight-line · ColoradoFSU.S. Forest ServiceSilver Bell Campground
6 mi straight-line · Carbondale ColoradoFSU.S. Forest ServiceSilver Bar Campground
6 mi straight-line · Carbondale ColoradoFSU.S. Forest ServiceSilver Queen Campground
7 mi straight-line · Carbondale ColoradoFSU.S. Forest ServiceEast Maroon Portal Picnic Site
7 mi straight-line · Carbondale Colorado
Trip Card — Difficult Campground
Aspen · Colorado · White River National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Aspen · Colorado · White River National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 60 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 47 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231880 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.