Campers planning to stay at Difficult Campground near Aspen in the White River National Forest must now use hard-sided campers or trailers, as soft-sided shelters like tents, pop-up trailers, and truck-bed tents are no longer allowed.
The U.S. Forest Service imposed these restrictions due to rising bear activity in the area. The goal is to protect both visitors and wildlife by minimizing interactions between humans and bears.
“We’re already starting to see bear activity in the campground this year, and are taking this proactive step for public safety,” said Jennifer Schuller, Deputy District Ranger, in a public statement. “We are coordinating closely with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.”
Alongside the shelter restrictions, a food-storage order remains in effect across all developed campgrounds and many dispersed sites within the White River National Forest. The regulation is intended to prevent black bears and other animals from accessing human food, which can lead to aggressive behavior.
“The food storage order goes into specific detail, but the basic rules are to keep your food, garbage, coolers, and other bear attractants in a locked hard-sided vehicle, or use the bear-resistant food lockers provided at many developed sites,” Schuller explained.
Difficult Campground is equipped with bear-resistant food lockers at each campsite, and instructions on proper food storage are posted throughout the area. Campers are required to follow these rules around the clock. The Forest Service noted that black bears have been spotted at the campground during both day and night—typical behavior for bears accustomed to human food.
“Keeping bears from getting your food keeps you safe, keeps your neighboring campers and the campers who follow you safe, and helps keep the bears safe,” Schuller emphasized.
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