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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.
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.
Difficult Campground has 47 standard sites, including a group site.
It is important to note that vehicles over 35 feet in length are prohibited over Independence Pass but can access the campground via Aspen.
The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. Electrical hook-ups are not available. Firewood is available for sale at the site.
Campground radius turns are tight for large RVs, and brush encroaches on roadways and spurs.
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.
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.
Take Highway 82 for 5 miles southeast of Aspen, Colorado. Look for USFS Difficult Campground sign on the right, past Mile Marker 45.
Stayed just after Labor Day 2022:
Campground was so clean, beautifully maintained. Spots are a great size, feels very private and safe! Didn’t even see the other campers near by! The provided bear boxes are large in size and conveniently located. A short walk from any site to get to the river, we could hear it flowing all night- was sooo peaceful and the views were immaculate!!
This campground is full most of the time for a reason, just 4 miles east of Aspen, with easy access to trails, fishing spots and right at the start of Independence Pass. The campsite was clean, as were the restrooms. There is drinking water available too. The camp hosts obviously take great pride in keeping this CG in the best condition they can.
This campground was spoken to be an amazing location to camp. First of the site number #32 was super tiny and could barely fit a tent, not to mention 3 tents, canopy, and 3 cars.
The host was not hospitable at all. If you all blame the government site for improperly describing your location, then get it fixed!
My wife had to go and find another spot for us, which caused her unnecessary stress. Don’t mess with my family.
Decent camp ground with lots of space. It can be "difficult" to get around depending on your setup, especially with trailer. If you are sharing a spot with another person it may be hard to get two cars in/level depending on which one you pick
Fire pit is setup great to have a make shift oven for pizza
