Hello! I'm thinking of camping at the White Star campground near Twin Lakes in Colorado the second weekend of September. There are no sites that can be reserved left, but there are about 20 first come, first served sites available. Does anyone have any beta on the chances I could get a campsite if I showed up on Friday afternoon (I could get there earlier too)? If it's a long shot, do you know of any alternatives that would be a sure bet? There will be a few people who haven't camped much before with me, so "official campsites" seem like the best option for this group. Thank you!
Camping around Independence Pass gets really crowded, and there are a limited number of close alternatives which makes it tough to improvise.
On two different trips this July, the camping on the Aspen side was full by Thursday evening. The free dispersed camping up Lincoln Creek road seems to fill up as quickly as the campgrounds. Hopefully September will be a lot less crowded.
My biggest gripe with the place is the "risk" of driving up without a reserved site. Otherwise it's great up there, have fun!
White Star is the only open campground on this side of Independence Pass after Labor Day weekend. Depending on the number of people in your group and the number of vehicles you may be forced to pay for additional camp sites. Arriving earlier is always your best bet for securing a camping spot.
The dispersed camping along the road by the Forebay (the reservoir above the lakes and past Lake View campground) is often where we camp.
Cleaner than the dispersed camping area around the Mt Elbert trailhead. Less noise from the highway traffic as well with great views of Twin Lakes, Mt. Hope, and La Plata peak.
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