Outbound Collective logo

Aspen, Colorado

Looking for the best camping in Aspen? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Aspen. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Camping Spots in and near Aspen

  • Snowmass, Colorado

    Capitol Lake via Capitol Ditch

    5.0
    12.28 mi / 2575 ft gain
    The route to Capitol Lake is fairly straightforward, but not without its minor hardships. The route begins at the end of Capitol Creek Road, 9 miles from the small "town" of Snowmass (NOT Snowmass Village - that's the high-class ski resort). The last few miles of this road provide the first min...
    Read more
  • Independence, Ohio

    Hike Lost Man Pass via Independence Lake

    5.0
    4.5 mi / 1200 ft gain
    Park at the pull out just west of independence pass. From there, begin on the Linkin's Lake Trail. The trail is generally easy to follow (although it can be muddy as it is a wet area) and climbs 900 feet in the 1.8 miles to independence lake. From Independence lake it is about 0.5 miles and 400 f...
    Read more
  • Carbondale, Colorado

    Backpack the Lead King Basin Trail

    4.5 mi / 2000 ft gain
    We began our hike at the beginning of the afternoon after about two-three hours driving up the 14 mile road. The first mile of the trail was mild, turning into an uphill adventure. Lots of switchbacks, winding paths, and some tree coverage. By mile 2, we were on a steep grade the rest of the way....
    Read more
  • Crested Butte, Colorado

    Hike Rustler's Gulch

    5.0
    9 mi / 1748 ft gain
    From Crested Butte, continue 6 miles past the town of Gothic to Rustler's Gulch Road. Turn right on the road, cross the East River to get to a small parking area near the river. If you don't have 4WD, park here and hike another 1/2 mile to the trailhead. It's a pretty steep hike. If you do have 4...
    Read more
  • Crested Butte, Colorado

    Conundrum Hot Springs via Copper Creek

    22.5 mi / 4000 ft gain
    Please Note: Conundrum Springs camping requires an overnight permit. You must get a permit in order to camp at the springs.  If you're looking for an incredibly challenging hike, Copper Creek to Triangle Pass to Conundrum Springs is the hike for you! When you plug in "Conundrum Springs" into you...
    Read more
  • Basalt, Colorado

    Camp at Thomas Lake and Summit Mt. Sopris

    5.0
    13 mi / 4400 ft gain
    With the Elk Mountain range behind it, It appears to be standing by itself, and has the resemblance of a grand volcano.From Hwy 133 out of Carbondale, turn down Prince Creek Road and drive 6 miles to the trailhead. The trail is a nice mixture of meadows and woods, with excellent views of the vall...
    Read more
  • Carbondale, Colorado

    Camp at Paradise Divide

    At a literally breathtaking 11,250 feet, Paradise Divide offers seclusion and scenery that can't be beat. Just fifteen miles outside of the world renowned ski resort Crested Butte, this area boasts wildflowers, wildlife, stunning peaks, and opportunities to watch amazing sunrises and sunsets pain...
    Read more
  • Leadville, Colorado

    Hike Mount Massive

    4.8
    Starting from the Mt Massive Trailhead off of Halfmoon Creek Road (a half mile past the more popular Mt Elbert Trailhead), follow the excellent and easy trail into the woods. This trail is wide and abnormally flat for a 14er trail for the first three miles. During these first 3 miles the only rea...
    Read more
  • Carbondale, Colorado

    Camp at Prince Creek

    3.0
    From Colorado State Highway 82, turn south onto Highway 133 (toward Carbondale). Continue south past the Carbondale Main Street roundabout. After two miles, turn East onto Prince Creek Road. Follow this four miles to where the pavement ends. After passing through a cattle gate, BLM land lines the...
    Read more
  • Buena Vista, Colorado

    Mt. Elbert via Black Cloud Trail

    4.5
    10.69 mi / 4967 ft gain
    Directions:  Heading south from Leadville from U.S. 24: West on CO 82 for 10.5 miles to a hidden right turn that leads to a trail head. If you make it to the Mt. Elbert Lodge, you have gone just a bit too far. The parking lot (aka: dirt access) should be relatively empty as everyone tends to hik...
    Read more
  • Crested Butte, Colorado

    Camp at Oh Be Joyful Campground

    5.0
    Oh Be Joyful Campground sits on the banks of the Slate River and consists of 15 camp sites dispersed over a decent amount of ground, split into two sides of the river. The river, when it's low is more of a stream and is only passable when it's low. It's a small thrill to drive through it to get t...
    Read more
  • Crested Butte, Colorado

    Explore the waterfalls of Oh Be Joyful Creek

    If you're not already camping there, park at Oh Be Joyful Campground, about 5 miles up County Road 734 from downtown Crested Butte. There's parking on either side of the river crossing, but you're going to have to get your feet wet anyway, so might as well park in the first parking lot and walk a...
    Read more
  • Turquoise Lake, Colorado

    Escape to Turquoise Lake

    5.0
    Turquoise Lake is an 'off the beaten path' gem only 3 hours from the Denver Metro Area. The area surrounding the lake is home to some spacious and tree-shaded campgrounds. If you plan ahead and book early, you'll have your pick of the best spots within close proximity to the lake. The campground ...
    Read more
  • Minturn, Colorado

    Backpack the High Alpine Seven Sisters Lake Chain

    12 mi / 1000 ft gain
    This lake chain is in a spectacular, undeveloped bowl of jagged and rugged mountain goodness located in the Holy Cross Wilderness Area. This hidden gem is easily accessible and, to my amazement, it is relatively unheard of even among many locals. More wonderful perks included in this backpacking ...
    Read more
  • 2203-2407 County Road 12, Colorado

    Camp at Kebler Pass

    4.5
    Camping on Kebler Pass begins at around GPS: 38.89575, -107.214655. The pass is only available during the warmer summer months but is quite the treat. We went in August to catch an eclipse and the rolling free hills made it a great place to view from. You pass a reservoir on your way in where man...
    Read more
  • Buena Vista, Colorado

    Camp at Mt. Elbert Forebay Reservoir

    5.0
    At the base of Mt. Elbert there are three campgrounds. One is a National Forest campground - you have to pay for a spot and it is closed from October-May. The other two are first-come, first-serve free campground areas. As you drive past the south trailhead, right before the reservoir, there is a...
    Read more