GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — It's starting to feel a lot like summer in the Centennial State.
White River National Forest has announced their campgrounds are officially opening for the 2019 summer season.
The U.S. Forest Service says lower elevation campgrounds are expected to open this weekend and Memorial Day weekend. Campgrounds near Aspen and the Flat Tops and other higher elevation campgrounds (above 8,000 feet) will likely be delayed in opening due to high snowpack or impacts from avalanches.
You can see the complete list of campground opening dates with the White River National Forest at FS.USDA.gov.
“Across the Forest, we had an impressive spring as far as precipitation goes,” said Kate Jerman, U.S. Forest Service Public Affairs Officer. “The snow and rain over the past few months have created variable conditions on the ground. Unfortunately, some of our high-elevation recreation sites have been impacted by avalanche debris and debris movement. We urge everyone to exercise caution, ‘know before you go’ and if you notice damage at a site please report it to the local Ranger Station or campground host.”
The U.S. Forest Service advises that prior to heading out on your trip, check with the local Ranger Station on the status of campgrounds, roads and trails.
Be Bear Aware: Tips from the U.S. Forest Service
The White River National Forest has a mandatory food storage order in place to decrease the likelihood of bear-human conflicts this summer.
- Keep food, cooking items, and other attractants such as scented toiletries like toothpaste or sunscreen in food lockers, sealed inside a hard-sided vehicle, or in IGBC approved bear-resistant container.
- Do not store food or toiletries that have odors inside tents.
- Do not leave trash around camp. Deposit it in dumpsters provided, or double bag it and put it in a hard-sided vehicle.
- Keep your fire ring clean: burn only paper and wood. Do not put food scraps, liquids, glass or metal in the ring.
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