Aspen Glade Campground

For Coloradans seeking an authentic and peaceful camping experience amidst the stunning landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, Aspen Glade Campground offers a highly appealing destination. Situated on CO-17 near Antonito, in the heart of the Rio Grande National Forest, this U.S. Forest Service campground is celebrated for its beautiful location along the Conejos River. It’s a place where the towering Ponderosa pines provide ample shade, and the gentle sounds of the river create a truly tranquil atmosphere, making it a favorite for those who appreciate a rustic yet well-maintained outdoor retreat.

Aspen Glade Campground embodies the essence of Colorado's natural beauty, providing a perfect setting for a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you’re an avid fly-fisher eager to cast a line in Gold Medal waters, a hiker ready to explore nearby trails, or simply looking for a quiet spot to relax and reconnect with nature, this campground offers an ideal backdrop. Its commitment to cleanliness, the presence of friendly and helpful camp hosts, and the generously spaced sites all contribute to a positive and memorable camping experience. For locals, Aspen Glade represents an accessible and rewarding opportunity to immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness of southern Colorado, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Aspen Glade Campground is conveniently located on CO-17, approximately 15 miles west of Antonito, CO 81120, USA. Antonito is a small town in Conejos County, situated in the vast and beautiful San Luis Valley of southern Colorado. This location places the campground within the Rio Grande National Forest, offering direct access to a wealth of outdoor opportunities.

Reaching Aspen Glade is straightforward. From Antonito, simply head west on Highway 17 for about 15 miles. The campground sign will direct you to a short turn-off. This well-maintained highway ensures easy access for most vehicles, including RVs and trailers, up to 45 feet in length in some sites. While some areas of Colorado's high country can be challenging to reach, Aspen Glade's proximity to a state highway makes it a relatively accessible destination for Coloradans from various parts of the state, including the Front Range or other southern communities. Its elevation, around 8,500 feet, provides a refreshing escape from lower altitudes during warmer months, while its setting on the Conejos River ensures a picturesque and serene environment.

Aspen Glade Campground provides a range of essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and pleasant camping experience, focusing on fundamental amenities that complement its natural setting.

• Campsites (No Hookups): The campground features 32 spacious campsites, including both back-in and some pull-through sites. It's important to note that these are standard non-electric sites, meaning there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available at individual sites. This caters to a more traditional camping style, suitable for tents and self-contained RVs.
• Potable Drinking Water: Water hydrants are available throughout the campground, providing access to potable drinking water. This is a crucial amenity for all campers, ensuring a fresh water supply for cooking and hydration.
• Clean Vault Toilets: The campground offers clean and well-maintained vault toilets. Campers frequently praise the cleanliness of these facilities, which are regularly serviced by the camp hosts.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate, perfect for preparing meals over an open fire or enjoying a traditional campfire.
• Camp Hosts On-Site: Aspen Glade benefits from dedicated and friendly camp hosts who are often described as excellent, helpful, and possessing a good sense of humor. They play a vital role in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable stay for visitors, from offering assistance to maintaining the campground.
• Firewood for Purchase: Firewood is typically available for purchase from the camp host, providing a convenient source for campfires.
• Trash Service: Garbage service is provided, with bear-proof trash containers available, encouraging proper waste disposal and maintaining the cleanliness of the campground. Campers are reminded to secure food properly as this is bear country.
• Direct River Access: Loops, particularly Loop C, are adjacent to the fast-moving Conejos River, offering direct access for fishing and enjoying the river sounds.
• Reservations Available: While some sites might be first-come, first-served, many sites at Aspen Glade are reservable through Recreation.gov, allowing campers to plan their trips in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Aspen Glade Campground is highly regarded for several key features that create a memorable and authentic Colorado outdoor experience for locals.

• Stunning Location on the Conejos River: The campground’s setting directly on the banks of the Conejos River is a major draw. The river provides a constant, soothing sound and offers excellent opportunities for fishing and riverside relaxation.
• Gold Medal Fly Fishing: Just a quarter-mile upstream from the campground is a designated "Gold Medal" section of the Conejos River, renowned for its top-tier fly-fishing opportunities. Anglers can target rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and cutbow trout, making it a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts, regardless of water conditions.
• Abundant Ponderosa Pines and Shade: Unlike some more open campgrounds, Aspen Glade is heavily wooded, particularly in Loops A and B, with a prevalence of Ponderosa pines. Loop C features tall, mature spruce, aspen, and fir trees. This provides ample shade, a pleasant pine scent, and a true forest immersion.
• Spacious and Level Sites: Campers consistently praise the generous size and level nature of the campsites. Sites are well-spaced, offering a good degree of privacy, which enhances the peaceful and quiet atmosphere.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite being popular, the campground maintains a serene and quiet ambiance, allowing visitors to truly unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings without excessive noise or crowds.
• Excellent Camp Hosts: The presence of attentive and friendly camp hosts is frequently highlighted in reviews. Their professionalism and helpfulness contribute significantly to a positive camping experience.
• Proximity to Scenic Drives: Forest Road 250, nearby, offers an unforgettable scenic drive with sweeping views of the Conejos Canyon and River, providing additional opportunities for exploration and photography.
• Access to Hiking Trails: The campground is a convenient base for accessing various hiking trails in the Rio Grande National Forest, including the nearby Sheep Creek Trail, catering to different levels of hikers.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The forested environment and river proximity make it an excellent spot for observing local wildlife, including various bird species, deer, and potentially even elk or bear (with appropriate precautions).

For current conditions, reservations, or more detailed information about Aspen Glade Campground, it is best to contact the managing authority or utilize the national reservation system.

Address: CO-17, Antonito, CO 81120, USA (approximately 15 miles west of Antonito on Highway 17)

Phone: (719) 376-2535 (This number likely connects to the Conejos Peak Ranger District, part of the Rio Grande National Forest, which manages the campground).

Mobile Phone: +1 719-376-2535

Reservations for many sites can be made via Recreation.gov by searching for "Aspen Glade (Rio Grande National Forest, CO)".

For Coloradans, Aspen Glade Campground is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for experiencing the authentic beauty and tranquility of the state's southern mountains. Its location on CO-17 near Antonito makes it a relatively accessible retreat, allowing locals to quickly immerse themselves in the serene environment of the Rio Grande National Forest without extensive travel, whether coming from the San Luis Valley, the Front Range, or other parts of Colorado.

The campground’s commitment to providing spacious, level, and well-maintained sites, along with essential amenities like potable water and clean vault toilets, ensures a comfortable and convenient camping experience. For those who appreciate a more rustic approach to camping—embracing the lack of electric hookups in favor of genuine natural immersion—Aspen Glade hits all the right notes. The presence of friendly and helpful camp hosts further enhances the stay, making visitors feel welcome and supported.

Perhaps the most compelling reason for locals to visit Aspen Glade is its prime setting along the Conejos River, offering world-class fly fishing opportunities in a designated Gold Medal area. Even if the fish aren't biting, as some reviewers have noted, the sheer beauty of the Ponderosa pine forest and the constant, soothing sound of the river make the experience worthwhile. This deep connection to nature, combined with excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives, aligns perfectly with the outdoor-centric lifestyle many Coloradans cherish.

Aspen Glade Campground truly offers a peaceful and quiet escape from the demands of everyday life. It’s a place where families can reconnect, anglers can pursue their passion, and anyone can simply relax amidst the breathtaking scenery of the San Juan Mountains. It embodies the very essence of Colorado's natural allure, making it an invaluable local treasure for creating lasting memories in the heart of our beautiful state.

Aspen Glade Campground

CO-17, Antonito, CO 81120, USA