Aspen Campground
USFS · Campground · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Campground
- Hours
- Jefferson Lake Recreation area typically operates between mid May and mid October weather permitting. During operating season, the gate to the recreation area is open 24 hours.
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Nearest dump station
- Taylor Lagoons Dump Station · 55.3 mi
- Coordinates
- 39.4257, -105.8423
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
Aspen Campground is four miles north of Jefferson off CR 35 and CR 37. It is an excellent place for campers looking to relax, hike, fish and enjoy the sounds of nature. The campground sits near Jefferson Creek, a few miles downriver of Jefferson Lake. The lake is one of the highest elevation lakes around, capping 10,685 feet elevation and bordered by steep 12,000 foot peaks. Fishing in both the creek and lake offer promising catches of trout. The campground is also very near access to the Colorado Trail. Natural Features: Aspen Campground, at 9,900 elevation, sits in a valley along Jefferson Creek at the base of Jefferson Hill. The single-loop campground is shaded by groves of aspen and mature spruce. Jefferson Lake, spanning about 182 acres, has deep, cold waters and freezes over in winter. Recreation: The campground offers nearby access to two trails. Hiking, biking and horseback riding are excellent on the Colorado Trail, a 471-mile trail that stretches across Colorado from Denver to Durango. You may also access the West Jefferson Loop Trail, a foot path that goes up to the Continental Divide and loop for 11 miles. Rainbow, brown, mackinaw and brook trout can be found swimming in the creek and lake. No-wake boating is allowed in the lake and a boat ramp is easily accessible. Facilities: Amenities include picnic tables, vault toilets, drinking water from a hand pump and a campfire ring. Parking aprons are gravel and can fit up to two vehicles with a maximum trailer length of 25 feet. There are 12 campsites at the campground. It is difficult to access Jefferson Lake Recreation Area during the winter months. The roads to this site are not maintained for snow throughout the winter.
From the USFS.Official page
Is Aspen Campground free?
No. Aspen Campground charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
How do I get to Aspen Campground?
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 39.42528, -105.84083 39¿¿25 31 N, 105¿¿50 27 W From Fairplay, take Highway 285 north to Jefferson, then turn left on County road 35. Travel approximately 2 miles and turn right on County Road 37. Travel approximately 2.5 miles to the Aspen Campground.
What are the rules at Aspen Campground?
Max RV length 25 ; reservations must be made at least four days in advance; two night minimum stay on weekends; three night minimum stay on holidays. There are no hook-ups at this campground. No refunds for bad weather.
Nearby
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
