The U.S. Forest Service is ready for some happy campers.<\/p>\n
The Aspen-Sopris Ranger District will phase in the openings of developed campgrounds during the first half of June, agency officials said Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Dispersed camping in the backcountry has been allowed but the established campgrounds have remained closed for longer than usual because the Forest Service was working with its concessionaire on protocols related to the coronavirus threat.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are ready to camp,\u201d said Shelly Grail, recreation manager for the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District. \u201cThey are 100 percent ready to get out.\u201d<\/p>\n
The highly coveted developed campsites near the Ruedi public boat ramp open Friday. Chapman Campground in the Upper Fryingpan Valley, one of the most popular destinations, will open June 12.<\/p>\n
Difficult, Weller and Lincoln Gulch campgrounds east of Aspen also will open June 12. Difficult Campground is one of the most popular in the area due to its proximity to Aspen and size.<\/p>\n
Other Aspen-area campgrounds will have a phased opening. The campgrounds in the Maroon Creek Valley \u2014 which includes Silver Bell, Silver Bar and Silver Queen \u2014 will open Monday. Also on Monday, Maroon Creek Road will open to vehicles that obtained a permit. Reservations for permits are available at the website for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (aspenchamber.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n Lincoln Creek Road off Independence Pass will open Monday, so the dispersed camping sites along the road and the developed Portal Campground at Grizzly Reservoir will open that day as well, Grail said.<\/p>\n In the Crystal River Valley, Redstone Campground opens Friday while Bogan Flats Campground on the Marble Road will open June 12. The Avalanche Creek Campground is already open.<\/p>\n Two smaller campgrounds will not open this year \u2014 Lost Man near the summit of Independence Pass and Elk Wallow in the North Fork of the Fryingpan Valley.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are keeping a few campgrounds that have lower occupancy closed to ensure quality services and site maintenance at the campgrounds with higher occupancy,\u201d the White River Supervisor\u2019s Office said.<\/p>\n