92% (57 reviews)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next White River National Forest adventure.
Unspoiled scenery and year-round recreation abound in the nation’s most visited national forest.
Popular ways to camp
Community favorites near White River National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Public campgrounds in the park
Stay at a public campground in White River National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds near White River National Forest
The best camping near White River National Forest guide
Overview
About
It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that White River National Forest is the most visited national forest in the United States. Spread out over 2.3 million acres, this wild expanse is home to thousands of miles of trails and eight protected wilderness areas. Popular attractions within the park include the Hanging Lake National Natural Landmark, the oft-photographed Crystal Mill (an old wooden powerhouse dating to 1892), and the Maroon Bells Scenic Area. There are also a number of celebrated ski areas in the state, including the Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area and the Vail Ski Resort.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for history buffs: Lost Man Campground provides easy access to the ghost town of Independence, two-miles away.
- Best for weekend campers: Willows Campground has reservable sites, ideal for campers who can’t show up early to nab a first-come, first-served (FCFS) spot.
- Best for RV camping: Deep Lake Campground has 37 FCFS sites that can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet long.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Most campsites in White River National Forest are available on a FCFS basis. Arrive in the morning for the best selection.
- Some campgrounds have reservable campsites and all cabins can be pre-booked. Reservations open up at 8am Mountain Time, six months in advance. Cabins and popular sites fill up quickly, so try to book as early as you can.
- Choose harder-to-reach campgrounds for the best chances of scoring a campsite, particularly if you’re camping on a summer weekend.
- Free dispersed camping is available throughout the forest and is a good alternative for those having troubles securing a campsite.
When to go
White River National Forest attracts visitors throughout the year. Summer is the best time to camp here, when the weather is cool and dry, though you’ll have to deal with far more crowds in July and August than you will if you plan your trip for just after Labor Day Weekend. Winter sports are a big draw for many people, though it’s wise to avoid backcountry trips in the snow unless you really know what you’re doing.
Know before you go
- Cell phone service can be spotty in the forest. Make sure to bring a paper map or download offline maps before you set out.
- Check ahead with the forest service for up-to-date details on road closures, particularly if you’re visiting outside of the summer months, when snow can be an issue.
- Fire bans are common in the summer months due to elevated wildfire risks. Check ahead before building a campfire.
- Black bears can put a damper on your camping plans. To mitigate the risk of a visit, store all food, cosmetics, cookware, and garbage in a bear-proof container or in a secure, hard-sided vehicle.
Nearby attractions
Camping near Taylor Park Reservoir promises an idyllic setting with ample fishing and boating. Surrounded by Colorado's majestic peaks, it's a haven for nature lovers seeking lakeside tranquility and outdoor adventure.
92%
57 ratings · 21 reviews
August 2020
This campground was closed in fall 2018. To bad. It was an awesome campground. The forest service didn't make enough money on this campground so they took everything out and even blocked the road in. Now you have to walk to the lake.
K
Kathy M.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2020
My brother and I visited Bogan Flats in July and it was beautiful. Our spot was secluded, right near the river, and large enough for more than one tent. We loved the sound of the river right next to us at night, the access to water for drinking and cooking (don't forget to filter), and the amazing view. We used this site as our place to acclimate (we drove from Missouri) before doing Maroon Bells Loop. It wasn't far from Marble, where you can start the loop and worked perfectly for us.
Sarah S.
9 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2019
Camp Hale East Fork Group Site is incredible. Nestled next to a creek, you can hear the running water on one side of the camp, while its large enough to hold 100 people easily. Although the site says "20 vehicles" it can absolutely hold double that, and likely more. We called the Rangers Station and they said they do not charge for more vehicles, so I am not sure why the website says "20 vehicles" but take it from me, you can easily have 40 vehicles. Plenty of room to also spreadout, and although the price tag of $210 is hefty per night, it pays for itself if you have enough people. NOTE: THERE IS NO WATER PROVIDED, though you could boil water from the creek. Additionally, 3 vault toilets total (one on one end, and two on the West end).
Matthew W.
5 years on Hipcamp
November 2018
Few campsites, but each have plenty of room. There's a nearby river, which to can gross and take a quarter mile hike to the Grottos, a must see (ice caves). It's first come first serve and all Aspen sites are very popular. This one requires a jaunt down a bumpy direct road. We enjoyed the first campsite near the bathrooms, setting up our site next to the Roaring Fork river (folks did fish), and the kids enjoyed climbing the top of the big rock (beware the cliff edge). All sites are great.
Mark S.
9 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2018
A must when you go to Gore is climbing the Devils back mountain. And looking out of the rock with an “eye” at the very top.
Maggie S.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2018
This is a great campground- it's really large and has an awesome trail that goes around the lake! If you hike out of the trail by the outhouse/camp host in loop C you'll be taken to a beautiful black sand (sort of) beach that is very secluded!
Alex J.
15 reviews
August 2018
The first campground on a three-month long road trip, Prospector holds a special place in my heart. Sentimentality aside, this is a great place to camp when you're in the area. It offers epic views of Dillon Reservoir as well as a path down to the water's edge. There are vault toilets in each loop, and each site is equipped with picnic tables and a fire ring. If you absolutely loathe camping in an exposed area, I might recommend setting up shop elsewhere, because the beetle blight has done considerable damage to the tree cover. However, there are still some spots with more privacy than others, just go for a good drive around the four loops to find them. We preferred loop D for it's proximity to the water!
Emma C.
6 years on Hipcamp
November 2017
Yes many times very peaceful,beautiful landscape great place to work on wilderness survival education I will be there this summer
Cory C.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2017
You can stay overnight in the parking lot at Maroon Bells for free, just leave no trace.
Caitlin F.
42 reviews
Recommends
· November 2017
Amazing sunrise views of Peak One and well kept grounds with private pathways to the beach.
Caitlin F.
42 reviews
Recommends
· August 2017
Great spot to stay while biking the trail around Lake Dillon!
A
Alicia G.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2017
Water not available bring your own. Great walkable trails from the campsite.
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Jennifer G.
8 years on Hipcamp
April 2017
Located at the Half Moon (Tigiwon) Trailhead, this campsite is perfect for hiking Mount of the Holy Cross. The bathrooms are nice and the campsites have a lot of space and distance between them.
Ryan R.
9 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2017
Always packed.. Book far far in advance
Caroline C.
8 years on Hipcamp
February 2017
Heaton Bay made my first Colorado camping experience as good as it gets! Super simple and based on honor code. We had a very relaxing time this summer enjoying what the beautiful mountains had to offer.
Scott D.
8 years on Hipcamp
November 2016
If the campgrounds around the Maroon Bells are full, and they likely are, this is the next closest thing. Sites are larger and more spread out so you'll have a little more privacy.
Jason H.
9 years on Hipcamp
November 2016
Great campground for easy access to Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness trails. There's not a lot of sites and parking is tight but if you can snag a spot it's worth it. The sound of the stream at night is great white noise. Make sure to use the chicken wire provided to protect your car from porcupines.
Jason H.
9 years on Hipcamp
September 2015
Great spot to camp for a night or two. It fills up around the holidays so try to book early if you can. The drive from Denver and around the Fryingpan River is breathtaking. Lots of awesome hikes around the area, too!
Melissa S.
9 years on Hipcamp
August 2015
My wife and I stayed here in early-June, 2015. I'll have to admit, I was skeptical of staying in a campground with 47 sites; I thought it would be crowded and noisy, but was pleasantly surprised by how much privacy we really had. We stayed in Site #6, and while we definitely didn't feel isolated, we didn't feel crowded, either.
The location is perfect for quick trips into Aspen, but gets you far enough out of the city that it feels wilderness-ish. The campground is surrounded by huge aspen and pine trees, and is far enough away from the road that you don't hear much highway noise. Restrooms are clean and well-maintained.
Rain and snow kept us from doing any hiking, but the drive over Independence Pass is beautiful.
Kris L.
9 years on Hipcamp
August 2015
Unfortunately camping around these areas is closed for a bit due to bear activity. http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_28589323/camping-banned-at-maroon-bells-site-near-aspen?source=hot-topic-bar
Sarah M.
9 years on Hipcamp
June 2015
This site isn't heavily forested, and the trees that are there are young. That means noise can travel quite easily between neighboring sites and also the need for extra sunblock or shade in the form of an umbrella or awning may be necessary.
Marisa J.
10 years on Hipcamp
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- White River National Forest