Open Year-round
No
Reservations possible?
Yes
RV Hookups
No
Potable water
Yes
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Tucked in along Maroon Creek Road in Colorado's Maroon Bells Scenic Area and very close to Aspen are three campgrounds, Silver Bar, Silver Bell, and Silver Queen, that provide fantastic access to this scenic area. The Maroon Bells reflected in Maroon Lake is sometimes said to be the most photographed scene in Colorado, particularly in the fall. The best way to get a front-row seat for this spectacle is to camp at one of the little campgrounds along Maroon Creek Road. These campgrounds are mostly suitable for tenters, truck campers, or tiny trailers. Camping here means being able to drive into the Maroon Bells area any time of day rather than having to take the shuttle bus between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. All three campgrounds are a 10-minute drive from one of the most iconic sunrise views in the country and virtually unlimited hiking in the Maroon Bells Wilderness.

With a five-day stay limit and only 24 sites among them, these campsites can be difficult to get, but they are reservable. Ten of the sites are walk-in tent sites, many of them along Maroon Creek. They are primitive campgrounds with only vault toilets and hand-pump drinking water, but less than 10 miles away are the myriad restaurants and services of the Aspen area. Whether you stay at Silver Bar, Silver Bell, or Silver Queen, the access to Aspen and the Maroon Bells make these Maroon Creek Road campground options the best of both worlds.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Parking Pass

5-day Car Pass

Open from

May 24 to October 07

Pros

Closest camping to the Maroon Bells. Beautiful views. Anytime access to the Scenic Area by car.

Cons

Tiny and primitive. 5-day stay limit. High demand.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Managed by

Forest Service

Reservation phone number

1 (877) 444-6777

Features

Vault toilet
Potable water

Total number of sites

14

Recommended Campsites Without Photos

Silver Bell 11

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Sawatch Range + Elk Mountains, Colorado
Sawatch Range + Elk Mountains, Colorado

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