Silver Bar Campground campground
Carbondale, Colorado

Silver Bar Campground

Mostly first-come
4 campsites
Open in maps

4

Total Campsites

Campground

Reservable Sites

Mostly first-come

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About Silver Bar Campground

Overview Silver Bar Campground is located approximately five miles southwest of Aspen, Colorado, on the banks of Maroon Creek. The campground is adjacent to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. This small, primitive, campground features four tent-only, walk-in sites with centralized vault toilets only a few yards away from each campsite. A single accessible campsite is located near the toilets and water source. The campground sits at an elevation of 8,460 feet, allowing guests to experience warm summer days and cool evenings with probable afternoon thunderstorms. Properly licensed anglers may fish in Maroon Creek, which runs along the eastern edge of the campground. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. Snow is possible even at the peak of summer. Recreation For hikers and backpackers, the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area epitomizes the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Starting from the Deadly Bells Trailhead at Maroon Lake, the West Maroon Trail gains elevation through aspen groves and evergreens, traverses boulder fields, crosses streams, and leads hikers through high-elevation (10,000+ feet) mountain passes. Climbing through alpine terrain, backpackers will find high mountain lakes and a smattering of wildflowers in mid-summer. Check specific regulations for camping in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area. For day hikers and horseback riders, nearby Maroon Creek Trail offers a less crowded alternative to viewing the Maroon Bells, Pyramid Peak and the entire Maroon valley. The gentle, flat terrain offers scenic stops that are great for picnicking. Facilities For hikers and backpackers, the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area epitomizes the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Starting from the Deadly Bells Trailhead at Maroon Lake, the West Maroon Trail gains elevation through aspen groves and evergreens, traverses boulder fields, crosses streams, and leads hikers through high-elevation (10,000+ feet) mountain passes. Climbing through alpine terrain, backpackers will find high mountain lakes and a smattering of wildflowers in mid-summer. Check specific regulations for camping in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area. For day hikers and horseback riders, nearby Maroon Creek Trail offers a less crowded alternative to viewing the Maroon Bells, Pyramid Peak and the entire Maroon valley. The gentle, flat terrain offers scenic stops that are great for picnicking. Natural Features The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is surrounded by the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. This wilderness is one of the five original Colorado wilderness areas designated by the 1964 Wilderness Act. Its scenic value exudes from its aspen groves, meadows of wildflowers, and dark forests of spruce and fir that rise up from the valleys to alpine landscapes. Here, bighorn sheep, pika, and ptarmigan find habitat above timberline. Towering over glacial valleys at over 14,000 feet in elevation, the Maroon Bells are the most recognizable peaks in the Elk Mountains. The Maroon Bells are unique in the Rockies in that they are made up of metamorphic sedimentary mudstone that gives the peaks their maroon color and unstable nature for climbing. Nearby Attractions The nearby mountain resort town of Aspen is a popular destination for visitors to the area. From downhill skiing and world-class fly fishing, to dining and resorts, there is a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunities in this mountain town. contact_info For facility specific information, please call (970) 945-2521.

  • 4 total campsites listed.
  • Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
  • Most common site type: unknown (4).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Silver Bar Campground photo 2

Our Take

What makes Silver Bar Campground special

Silver Bar Campground rests on the banks of Maroon Creek, just five miles southwest of Aspen in the heart of Colorado's White River National Forest. This is a campground with an address that reads like a postcard: towering aspens, rushing mountain water, and the iconic Elk Mountains forming a dramatic wall of rock and snow above the valley floor. With four sites, Silver Bar keeps things small and personal. The campground serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, one of the most photographed landscapes in the American West. The road to Maroon Lake and the famous Maroon Bells viewpoint begins nearby, and trailheads for hikes ranging from easy wildflower strolls to strenuous fourteener ascents are within a short drive. Aspen itself offers world-class dining, galleries, and a vibrant cultural scene for days when you want a break from the trail. The prime camping season runs from late June through September, with July and August bringing wildflower displays that blanket the high meadows in color. Sites can be competitive during peak summer weekends, so plan ahead and arrive early. Elevation sits around 8,000 feet, so nights stay cool even in midsummer. Expect fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, but bring your own water. Silver Bar Campground offers the rare combination of genuine mountain wilderness and easy proximity to one of Colorado's most celebrated mountain towns. It is hard to imagine a more scenic place to pitch a tent.

Campsite Inventory

4 sites to choose from

Unknown

4total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Accessibility

Yes

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

2:00 PM

Check-out time

2:00 PM

Double Driveway

Yes

Driveway entry

Back-In

Driveway surface

Gravel

Max guests

8

Max vehicle length (ft)

25

Minimum guests

Yes

Shade

Yes

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mostly first-come

Phone

(970)963-2266

Email

SM.FS.R2WhiteRiver@usda.gov

Getting There

Located approximately 5 miles southwest of Aspen, Colorado, on Maroon Creek Road. From Highway 82, take the Maroon Creek Road exit at the roundabout on the west edge of town. Follow Maroon Creek Road to the Welcome Station. Silver Bar Campground is on the left.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to Silver Bar Campground.

How do reservations work for Silver Bar Campground?

Reservation availability for Silver Bar Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at Silver Bar Campground?

Silver Bar Campground currently lists Unknown (4).

Where is Silver Bar Campground located?

Silver Bar Campground is in Colorado near Carbondale. Coordinates: 39.1458, -106.8917.

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