The fungus is found in Europe and North America, where its fruit bodies (mushrooms) grow on the ground in a mycorrhizal association with spruce and firs in coniferous forests.

[5] The fruit bodies of Cortinarius camphoratus have a cap that is initially convex before flattening out, sometimes developing a broad umbo; the diameter ranges from 4 to 10 cm (1.6 to 3.9 in).

The cap, which is covered with minute fibers matted on the surface, is buff with tints of lilac, although golden tones typically develop in age.

Roughly the same color as the cap, it is solid (i.e., not hollow), and covered with silky white matted fibrils up to the level of the annular zone.

[6] The spores are pale brown, elliptical to slightly almond-shaped with minute, well-separated warts on the surface, and measure 8.5–11 by 5.5–6.5 μm.