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Aspen Campground
Aspen Campground is four miles north of Jefferson off County Road 35 and County Road 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. Visit historic Fairplay, Colorado, a ghost town that was once a frontier boom town. The South Park City Museum contains 34 authentic buildings with 60,000 artifacts.
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.
At a Glance
| Reservations: | Reservations for this site can be made by visiting Recreation.gov or calling 1-877-444-6777. Reservations must be made 4 days ahead of arrival and can be made up to 6 months in advance. Two-night minimum stay on weekends; three-night minimum stay on holidays. |
|---|---|
| Fees: | $24.00 fee per site for overnight camping. Two vehicles or one RV per site is included in the camping fee. $11.00 for a third vehicle. $11.00 fee for day use if not camping overnight. Fees are payable by cash, check, or money order. Self-service fee tube is available. First-come, first-served sites must be occupied the same night. |
| Open Season: | Mid May (depending on conditions) - Mid October |
| Restrictions: |
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| Closest Towns: | Jefferson, CO |
| Water: | Water pump; no water hook ups |
| Restroom: | Vault Toilet |
| Operated By: | Concessionaire |
| Information Center: | South Park Ranger District, 719-836-2031. |
General Information
Accessibility:Directions:
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.
Parking:
Parking is available at each campsite, which can accommodate up to two vehicles.
General Notes:
Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating
This is a high elevation facility, please use caution when traveling from lower elevations
No RV hookups are available
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visitdontmovefirewood.org.
Activities
Campground Camping
Aspen campground has 12 campsites. $11 day use fee.
General Info:
DirectionsFrom Fairplay take Highway 285 North to Jefferson, 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.
| Fees: | $24 camping fee |
|---|---|
| Reservation required?: | Y |
Location