Redstone Area

Hello, Colorado outdoor enthusiasts! If you're seeking a camping experience that perfectly blends modern convenience with breathtaking natural beauty, look no further than Redstone Campground. Nestled within the spectacular White River National Forest, this campground offers an ideal setting for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the heart of Colorado's mountains. It’s located just a short distance from the charming and historic community of Redstone, often described as a "cute, pretty little town" and a "small community" with a "beautiful setting, against the mountain, clear sky, clear clear running river, full of history." This isn't just a place to set up camp; it's a gateway to exploration, relaxation, and a genuine Colorado mountain experience.

Redstone Campground stands out as one of the most modern facilities in the White River National Forest, specifically designed to cater to a wide range of campers, including those with large RVs. Imagine having access to flush toilets, hot and cold running water, and even showers – amenities that are a true luxury in many forest campgrounds. Beyond the practical comforts, the campground is strategically located to offer wonderful views of the dramatic red rock outcroppings and cliffs that give Redstone its name. Despite its popularity, the sites are "widely spaced" with "plenty of privacy," thanks to an understory of tall grass and a scattered forest.

For locals, the Redstone Area offers more than just a place to stay; it's a destination rich in history and endless outdoor activities. The Crystal River, renowned for its fly fishing, flows nearby, while the majestic Mount Sopris looms in the distance, inviting hikers to explore its trails. The quaint town of Redstone itself, with its historic coke ovens and the impressive Redstone Castle, provides a fascinating glimpse into Colorado's mining past and offers unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. It’s a place where you can easily spend a weekend, or even longer, truly connecting with Colorado's natural and historical heritage.

In the following sections, we'll delve deeper into what makes Redstone Campground such a fantastic option for local campers, covering its prime location and accessibility, the extensive services it offers, its unique features and highlights, and how to get in touch. Get ready to discover your next favorite mountain escape in Colorado!

Redstone Campground is ideally situated at an elevation of 7,800 feet in the White River National Forest, near Carbondale, CO 81623, USA. This location places it amidst the stunning landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, characterized by aspen groves, red rock cliffs, and the clear, running waters of the Crystal River. The nearby town of Redstone, a true "hidden gem," adds to the allure, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical charm.

Accessing Redstone Campground is relatively straightforward for most vehicles, making it a highly accessible mountain retreat. From I-70 west of Denver, you would take exit 116 (Highway 82 East Glenwood Springs/Aspen). Follow Highway 82 East for about 12 miles, then turn right onto Highway 133 South at Carbondale. Drive approximately 15 miles, then turn left at the north entrance to the town of Redstone, and the campground will be on your left. The roads are generally well-maintained, even during some winter conditions.

Despite its modern amenities, the campground maintains a sense of seclusion. Sites are "widely spaced and offer wonderful views of red rock outcroppings and cliffs, though an understory of tall grass and a scattered forest provides plenty of privacy." While the campground feels immersed in nature, it's conveniently close to the town of Redstone, allowing easy access to its unique attractions. It's important to note that "cell service is also not available" at the campground, which for many, is a welcome opportunity to truly disconnect and embrace the tranquility of the mountains. This balance of easy access, combined with a feeling of being deep in the wilderness, makes Redstone Campground particularly appealing to Colorado locals seeking both comfort and adventure.

Redstone Campground is distinguished by its comprehensive range of services, designed to provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience, making it one of the most "modern facilities" in the White River National Forest:

• Spacious Campsites: The campground features 27 single sites and 5 double sites, accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs (up to 40-foot maximum RV length). Sites are described as "spacious" and "excellent secluded sites."

• Modern Restroom Facilities: It boasts one bathroom with flush toilets, hot and cold running water, and showers – a rare and highly appreciated amenity in forest campgrounds. Additionally, there are three composting/vault toilet facilities.

• Potable Water: Cold running water is available at sites 1 through 19 and from hydrants for sites 21-38, ensuring easy access to drinking water.

• Electrical Hook-ups: Sites 1 through 19 offer electrical hook-ups for an extra fee, providing convenience for RV campers.

• Site Amenities: Each camping unit comes equipped with a table, fire ring, grill, and lantern hooks, facilitating comfortable outdoor living.

• Recreational Facilities: The campground includes a playground, an open play area, a basketball court, horseshoe pits, and a picnic shelter, offering various options for family fun and group activities.

• Camp Hosts: Dedicated camp hosts are located on-site (e.g., in sites 20 and 39) to assist campers, maintain facilities, and sell firewood.

• Trash Collection: Trash collection services are available, contributing to the overall cleanliness and orderliness of the campground.

• Reservations: Campsites are reservable through Recreation.gov, and advanced reservations are highly recommended due to heavy usage, especially during peak season.

These extensive services make Redstone Campground a truly premium choice for a comfortable and enjoyable camping trip in the Colorado mountains.

Redstone Campground stands out due to several compelling features and highlights that enhance the overall camping experience:

• Abundance of Modern Amenities: Unlike many forest campgrounds, Redstone offers a full bathroom with flush toilets, hot and cold running water, and showers. This level of comfort is a significant draw, especially for families and those with RVs.

• Scenic Mountain Setting: Perched on a ridge above the Crystal River at 7,800 feet, the campground provides "wonderful views of red rock outcroppings and cliffs." The surrounding White River National Forest offers a breathtaking backdrop of aspens and mixed conifer forests.

• Spacious and Private Sites: Despite its popularity, the campground features "spacious campsites" that are "widely spaced," ensuring "plenty of privacy." This design allows campers to enjoy a sense of solitude while still having access to amenities.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The nearby Crystal River, a tributary of the Roaring Fork River, is "renowned for its fly fishing." Anglers can expect to find rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout, making it a prime spot for fishing enthusiasts.

• Diverse Recreational Activities: Beyond fishing, the area offers extensive opportunities for outdoor pursuits. Hikers can challenge themselves with a trek up "Mt. Sopris," a 12,953-foot mountain dominating the landscape, or explore numerous other trails. Mountain biking, wildlife viewing (including bighorn sheep and elk), and picnicking are also popular.

• Family-Friendly Facilities: With a playground, open play area, basketball court, and horseshoe pits, the campground is well-equipped to entertain families and children, ensuring fun for all ages.

• Proximity to Historic Redstone: The "quaint mountain town of Redstone" is a "hidden gem" located just a short distance away. Visitors can explore its unique shops, galleries, restaurants, and historical sites like the Redstone Castle and the iconic coke ovens, offering a blend of history and culture alongside nature.

• Helpful Camp Hosts: The presence of dedicated camp hosts ensures the campground is well-maintained and visitors receive assistance, contributing to a pleasant and orderly environment.

These features collectively make Redstone Campground a top-tier destination for a memorable Colorado mountain camping adventure.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Redstone Campground and the surrounding Redstone Area, please use the following contact details:

• Address: Carbondale, CO 81623, USA (The campground is specifically located near the town of Redstone, which falls under the Carbondale general area for address purposes).

• Phone: (970) 945-2521 (This phone number is generally associated with the White River National Forest Supervisor's Office, which manages the campground).

• Mobile Phone: +1 970-945-2521

For specific campsite reservations and real-time availability, it is highly recommended to use the official online reservation system, Recreation.gov, or call their toll-free number at 1-877-444-6777. Due to the "heavy usage" and popularity of Redstone Campground, especially during peak seasons (late spring to early fall), making reservations well in advance is crucial. It is also advisable to check the White River National Forest website or call for current conditions, alerts (like fire restrictions or logging activity), and exact opening/closing dates, as the campground can be closed due to snow during winter months.

For Colorado locals, Redstone Campground offers an exceptionally suitable and rewarding camping experience, perfectly tailored to the desires of those living in our beautiful state. Its primary appeal lies in its unique blend of modern amenities within a pristine mountain setting. Unlike many rustic forest campgrounds, Redstone provides the comfort of flush toilets, hot showers, and even electrical hook-ups at some sites. This level of convenience makes it an ideal choice for families, first-time campers, or those with larger RVs, allowing for a more relaxing and enjoyable outdoor adventure without fully roughing it. This comfort is particularly attractive to locals looking for an accessible escape that doesn't demand extreme preparation.

Secondly, the campground's stunning location in the White River National Forest, with its "gorgeous" red rock outcroppings and the clear Crystal River, provides the quintessential Colorado mountain backdrop. The "spacious" and "secluded" campsites ensure a sense of privacy and immersion in nature, even when the campground is busy. For those who cherish Colorado's outdoor lifestyle, the abundant recreational opportunities are a major draw. Whether it's world-class fly fishing in the Crystal River, challenging hikes up Mt. Sopris, or simply enjoying the natural play areas with kids, there's an activity for every interest and energy level, all right at your doorstep.

Finally, the close proximity to the "cute, pretty little town" of Redstone adds an invaluable cultural and historical dimension to the camping trip. Locals can easily venture into town to explore its rich mining history, visit the historic coke ovens and Redstone Castle, or browse the unique shops and galleries. This combination of comfortable camping, breathtaking natural beauty, and historical exploration makes Redstone Campground more than just a place to stay; it's a destination that perfectly embodies the diverse offerings of Colorado. It’s a place where families can create lasting memories, adventurers can find their thrill, and everyone can simply relax and reconnect with the majestic spirit of our home state.

Redstone Area

Carbondale, CO 81623, USA