Avalanche Campground

For those of us who cherish the raw, untamed beauty of Colorado’s high country, finding a campground that offers both serenity and direct access to thrilling outdoor adventures is paramount. Avalanche Campground, nestled near the charming historic district of Redstone, is precisely one such hidden gem. It offers a genuine escape into the White River National Forest, providing a rustic and peaceful setting for campers ready to embrace a true Colorado wilderness experience.

This article is designed to be your comprehensive guide to Avalanche Campground. We’ll explore its unique location, the important considerations for accessibility, the basic but essential services it provides, and the standout features that make it a compelling choice for locals seeking a quiet and immersive outdoor adventure. From challenging access roads to unparalleled hiking opportunities, discover why Avalanche Campground could be your next favorite Colorado escape.

Avalanche Campground is a rustic and tranquil camping area located adjacent to Avalanche Creek, near the Redstone Historic District in Colorado. Unlike highly developed campgrounds, Avalanche offers a more primitive and secluded experience, perfect for those seeking solitude and a deeper connection with nature. It’s known for its peaceful atmosphere, as one recent visitor noted, "We had the campground to ourselves when we came, so it was very quiet and relaxing here."

This campground provides a classic tent camping experience, though some sites can accommodate larger tents. It serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the surrounding White River National Forest and the renowned Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. However, prospective campers should be aware that the journey to Avalanche Campground is part of the adventure, requiring careful navigation on a challenging access road. Despite these access considerations, the reward is a beautiful, quiet setting with direct access to some of Colorado's most iconic wilderness.

Avalanche Campground is located on Avalanche Creek Rd, Redstone Historic District, CO 81623, USA. This places it approximately 13 miles south of Carbondale, along Highway 133, and is nestled within the expansive White River National Forest. The campground's proximity to the historic town of Redstone means that while you feel truly immersed in the wilderness, charming local amenities are not too far away.

Accessibility to Avalanche Campground is a crucial factor to consider. As multiple real customer reviews emphasize, the road in is "very Rocky, not recommend for cars or fancy vehicles," and "slightly rough." It’s noted that "the road is only wide enough for 1 car at a time in most places, great care should be used!" This strongly suggests that a high-clearance vehicle, such as an SUV or truck, is highly advisable, if not necessary, to comfortably reach the campground. Four-wheel drive capability would provide added peace of mind, especially during or after wet weather. One camper even reported being "stuck for 24 hrs due to heavy rainfall washing out the road," highlighting the need to "be prepared" for such eventualities and to check the forecast. Local insight indicated that "sometimes it takes 1 to 3 days to be fixed depending on who is available to fix" such washouts.

Despite these access challenges, for Coloradans who value a more secluded experience and are equipped for rougher roads, Avalanche Campground offers a rewarding destination. Its relative remoteness helps maintain its quiet ambiance, filtering out casual visitors and preserving the natural integrity of the area.

Avalanche Campground offers a primitive yet functional camping experience, providing essential amenities for a comfortable stay in the wilderness.

• Campsites: The campground features a limited number of first-come, first-served campsites, typically around 6 to 9 sites. These sites are "relatively spread apart" and designed to provide privacy. While "a few of the camp areas were unlevel," most "can accommodate a big tent" and some sites can also accommodate trailers and RVs, though vehicle length limits (up to 26 feet) apply for some sites.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: "There are fire rings and tables at each site" for cooking, eating, and enjoying campfires (always remember to check current fire restrictions).

• Restroom Facilities: Vault toilets are available at the campground. Reviewers noted that "the restrooms aren't too far from any of the sites," indicating convenient access. It is important to note that potable (drinking) water is typically not available, so campers must bring all their own water or be prepared to filter/treat water from natural sources.

• No Cell Service: Campers should be aware that "Cell service is also not available" at Avalanche Campground, offering a true opportunity to disconnect and embrace the outdoors without digital distractions.

• Food Storage: Due to potential bear activity in the White River National Forest, proper food storage is required and strictly enforced. Campers should utilize bear-resistant containers or hang food appropriately.

Avalanche Campground stands out for several key features that make it an attractive destination for adventurous campers seeking a genuine Colorado experience.

• Exceptional Seclusion and Quiet: A major draw is the profound tranquility. Campers have reported having "the campground to ourselves," making it "very quiet and relaxing here." This provides an ideal environment for unwinding and enjoying nature without crowds.

• Direct Access to Wilderness: The campground is "located adjacent to Avalanche Creek" and, significantly, "One of the major trailheads into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is located adjacent to the campground." This provides unparalleled access for serious hikers and backpackers to explore one of Colorado's most iconic and stunning wilderness areas.

• Proximity to Avalanche Lake Trail: There are "Good access points about a mile into Avalanche lake hike" from the campground. The hike to Avalanche Lake is a popular and rewarding trek, known for its scenic beauty.

• Fishing Opportunities: "Fishing is available in Avalanche Creek and in the Crystal River, which is 3 miles downstream." While Avalanche Creek can run "very fast right now so unable to fish" at certain times, the nearby Crystal River offers excellent trout fishing, including rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout.

• Wildlife Viewing: While large mammals may not always be highly visible from the campground itself (one review noted seeing "a couple birds, some squirrels and a chipmunk"), the surrounding White River National Forest is home to abundant wildlife, including deer, elk, and potential for bear sightings, requiring proper food storage precautions.

• Rugged Mountain Scenery: The drive in and the campground itself are surrounded by the dramatic beauty of the Rocky Mountains, offering picturesque views and a true sense of being deep in Colorado's wilderness.

• First-Come, First-Served: For those who prefer spontaneous trips, the first-come, first-served nature of the campsites can be a benefit, though it also means arriving early, especially on weekends, is advisable.

As Avalanche Campground is a US Forest Service site within the White River National Forest, specific contact for the campground host may vary by season. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including current conditions, fire restrictions, road status, and any alerts, it is best to contact the managing district.

Address: Avalanche Creek Rd, Redstone Historic District, CO 81623, USA (located within the White River National Forest, managed by the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District).

Phone: (970) 945-2521 (White River National Forest Supervisor's Office, Glenwood Springs, CO)

Mobile Phone: +1 970-945-2521 (White River National Forest Supervisor's Office, Glenwood Springs, CO)

It is highly recommended to call the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District directly, as they manage this area, or consult the official White River National Forest website on fs.usda.gov for specific details before embarking on your trip. Given the potential for road washouts due to heavy rain, always check current conditions, especially during spring runoff or monsoon seasons.

For us Coloradans, Avalanche Campground near Redstone embodies the spirit of adventurous, self-reliant camping that defines our outdoor culture. While it demands a bit more preparation and a capable vehicle to navigate its "very Rocky" and narrow access road, the rewards are immeasurable. This isn't a crowded tourist trap; it's a "very quiet and relaxing" sanctuary where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural grandeur of the White River National Forest.

The immediate access to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness offers unparalleled opportunities for serious hiking and exploration, a major draw for our local outdoor community. Anglers will appreciate the fishing potential in Avalanche Creek and the nearby Crystal River. The challenge of the access road often means you'll find greater solitude and a more pristine environment, allowing for those deeply personal connections with Colorado's wilderness.

Knowing that you're prepared for the potential of "heavy rainfall washing out the road" and having enough supplies on hand is just part of the Colorado outdoor ethos. This campground is perfect for those who seek to push beyond the typical and find true tranquility amidst breathtaking scenery. Avalanche Campground offers an authentic, rewarding, and undeniably Colorado camping experience for those willing to embrace its rugged charm.

Avalanche Campground

Avalanche Creek Rd, Redstone Historic District, CO 81623, USA