Difficult Campground

Great time at Difficult Campground

We are not from Colorado so the check in is different from Texas. In Texas we check in with the ranger but I guess in CO there is a camp host and no check in is needed. She was quite unhelpful as we were trying to get the lay of the camp ground. The signs for water are not clearly labeled as potable water. Bring cash or a check for firewood and do not expect much guidance from the camp host. We discovered the trail head to Difficult Trail- there are not trail maps available and we did not have cell service. The area is beautiful and the trail was great and easy access to independence pass with more trails. We had a great time, just needed to figure things out since it’s different from Texas and the website through recreation.gov does not provide these details either. Oh! Bring sanitizer, wipes or soap for the bathroom- there are no sinks, just a port-a-potty structure.

We would recommend and would come back, Judy hoping these tips will help someone else!

Don't expect to find showers, groceries or anything affordable in town! So come prepared to hunker down. You will want a site with shade, as summer months are hot.
Spotted Moose, along with signs of bear activity. Great jumping spot for the Maroon Bells shuttle. Highway 82 is a beautiful drive.
Nice community walking path along the highway that you can pickup near the entrance to the campground. If you walk toward town on the path, there is a beautiful boardwalk great for spotting wildlife.

HEAVY BEAR MOVEMENT.
Our first night we stayed in #47, great spot a little narrow, might be a little challenging backing in a camper but we have a rooftop tent so it was a nice size for our set up. lots of tree coverage so slightly obstructed view, surrounded by berry bushes.
A bear actually wandered right into our camp while we were sitting around playing cards. AMAZING!
Our second night we stayed in #29, much wider space, more open with great views, still had decent coverage from the afternoon sun.

Whole campsite was very well maintained, the paved roads were nice, the bathrooms were clean and somehow smelled nice which is weird for a vault toilet. It’s not far from town, quick little drive, or there is a gravel path along the road to walk or bike.
Camp hosts are very warm and welcoming, always making rounds on their golf carts and checking on things.

Personally have zero desire to visit Aspen again, but if we do, we will definitely be staying at this campground again!

Heavy vegetation offers lots of privacy for this site #46. Surprisingly I didn't have any issues with mosquitos. Campsite is tight with only one tent spot. Awesome access to all of the hikes and gems up Independence Pass and only minutes from Aspen. The Roaring Fork isn't the easiest to access from the campsite.

Many nice private camp spots, great hosts and close to Aspen!

We particularly noticed how
Clean and kept up the rest rooms were. The camp host was very professional and seemed on top of things.

Only recommendation would be that it would be nice to know a little more about the campsites: eg:; which ones are best for tents versus campers, since they are all
Different.

Great campground close to Aspen. Saw lots of wildlife and very private sites. Very attentive host.

We were able to watch a moose and her two babies feed near the access road to the campground. It was one of the highlights of our trip to Colorado.

Beautiful campsites, clean vault toilets, quiet