Motorcycle Camping over Independence Pass

Independence Pass, on CO 82, has a good number of campgrounds, seven of which are what I consider motorcycle-accessible. That might entail a little bit of riding on gravel but nothing any street rider couldn't do easily. The seven, from west near Aspen to east at Twin Lakes, in sequence, are Difficult, Weller, Lost Man, Twin Peaks, Parry Park, Lakeview, and White Star.

Difficult Campground

Difficult Campground, on the Difficult River just outside of Aspen, is right off Colorado 82 as you head up Independence Pass. It has 47 campsites with water, toilets, fire rings, plenty of shade, and a lot of privacy.

All roads are paved, so getting in on a motorcycle is no problem. The fee is $26 per night. The campground host has firewood for sale.

Because it is close to the river you should expect mosquitos.

For reservations call 1-877-444-6777.

Weller Campground

Weller Campground Weller Campground does not have paved roads but it is right off Colorado 82 crossing Independence Pass and the good road is no problem for street bikes.

Weller has 11 campsites with water, toilets, fire rings, and is set in an aspen grove. The fee is $23 per night. The campground host has firewood for sale.

The campground is near the trailhead for the trail to Weller Lake, an easy .6-mile hike.

For reservations call 1-877-444-6777.

Lost Man Campground

Lost Man Campground Lost Man Campground, on Colorado 82 over Independence Pass, has 10 campsites with water, toilets, fire rings, and is set in a grove of evergreens. The fee is $22 per night. There is no campground host.

As with Weller Campground, Lost Man Campground does not have paved roads but it is right off the highway and no problem for street bikes.

The campground is right across the road from the trailhead to the Hunter-Frying Pan Wilderness.

For reservations call 1-877-444-6777.

Twin Peaks Campground

Twin Peaks Campground Twin Peaks Campground, at the east end of Independence Pass, has 35 campsites with water, toilets, fire rings, and tables. The road is unpaved but it's right off Colorado Highway 82 and is easily motorcycle-accessible. The fee is $23 per night, and an extra $6 for a third vehicle.

The town of Twin Lakes is nearby and easily accessible for a few amenities, but there is no grocery store. There are two restaurants.

For reservations call 1-877-444-6777.

Parry Park Campground

Parry Park Campground Parry Park Campground is alongside Colorado 82 on the east side of Independence Pass. It has 26 campsites with water, toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Some sites are shaded, but not all. The fee is $22 per night plus an additional $6 for a third vehicle.

The campground is divided by the river, with 10 sites on the far side, away from the highway. The roads are not paved. Sites on the near side of the river are easily accessible on street bikes, and if you don't mind a little dirt the others are not a problem to reach.

For reservations call 1-877-444-6777.

Lakeview Campground

Lakeview Campground Lakeview Campground is off the highway and up the hill from Twin Lakes Reservoir on the eastern end of the Independence Pass road. The campground has 59 units, on several loops.

All sites have water, toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Most of the sites are shaded, but some are not. Some of the loops are reservation-only. The fee is $23 per night plus an additional $6 for a third vehicle.

The road up to the campground is paved and a nice ride, good for a motorcycle. Within the campground the roads are gravel.

If you go past the campground on up to the ridge you will find terrific views as well as undeveloped — but well-used — campsites on National Forest land. These are great if you can find one that is not already taken. They have no amenities but they are free and the setting is gorgeous.

For reservations for Lakeview Campground, call 1-877-444-6777.

White Star Campground

White Star Campground White Star Campground is spread across a large area along the shore of Twin Lakes Reservoir, just off Colorado 82 at the east end of Independence Pass.

The campground has 66 units, on several loops. All sites have water, toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Some sites are shaded, but many are not. The campground is primarily a fisherman's campground and hosts a lot of campers and recreational vehicles.

The fee is $24 per night plus an additional $6 for a third vehicle.

The roads are good gravel and can easily accommodate a motorcycle.

For reservations call 1-877-444-6777.

More riding stories, comments, exchanges, etc.... all on the Motorcycle Colorado Blog