A bear encounter has prompted a soft tent ban at Difficult Camp Ground and Difficult Group Site near Aspen, Colorado. According to an article by the Aspen Times, a bear (or bears) scratched and damaged a tent on the night of June 9. Two children were sleeping in the tent at the time and were unharmed, but the tent was left with puncture marks. The children reported the bear encounter to their parents the next morning. In response to the incident, U.S. National Forest Services have issued a ban on soft-sided tents, pop-ups, campers with soft walls or pop-top roofs, and rooftop tents.
The directive is in place as of June 10 and will be in effect until at least July or further notice. Under directive 2025-16 Aspen RD Hardsided Camping Difficult Campground, only hard-sided campers will be allowed at the affected sites. This includes fully enclosed RVs, trailers, and hard-shell vans.
Campers are also reminded to follow all bear safety protocols. All food and trash must be stored securely in locked vehicles or designated bear-proof storage containers. This also applies to storage compartments in trailers and RVs, which must remain locked at all times. Leaving food unattended or bear boxes open is strictly forbidden. “Our campground hosts will be actively helping enforce these measures to protect everyone’s safety,” park officials stated. Camp ground hosts may remove or secure any unattended food or trash left out, in line with the U.S. Forest Service’s current directives to reduce bear encounters.
To support safe camping, storage lockers are available on-site, and all campers are urged to use bear-resistant canisters or properly locked vehicles to store food and scented items.
In addition, all dogs must be kept on a leash at all times while in campgrounds. Failure to comply may result in loss of campsite privileges and potential fines.
Campers with existing reservations are encouraged to check their email for further updates. Officials stress that cooperation with the directive is essential to keep the campgrounds safe and enjoyable for all.
