
14
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
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Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
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Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Silver Bell Campground
Overview Located just outside Aspen, Colorado, Silver Bell Campground is hemmed in by aspen groves and subalpine forests on the banks of Maroon Creek. The campground sits at an elevation of 8,460 feet, allowing guests to experience warm summer days and cool evenings with probable afternoon thunderstorms. 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 resort town of Aspen is a popular destination for visitors to the area. From downhill skiing and world-class fly fishing, to dining and shopping, there is a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunities in this mountain town. contact_info For facility specific information, please call (970) 945-2521.
- 14 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (14).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes Silver Bell Campground special
Silver Bell Campground is one of those Colorado gems that benefits from a world-class address without the world-class crowds. Perched along Maroon Creek just outside Aspen, the campground is hemmed in by shimmering aspen groves and dense subalpine forests of spruce and fir that climb steeply toward the surrounding peaks. The setting is, in a word, stunning. Fourteen sites are nestled into the forest along the creek, where the sound of rushing water serves as a constant companion. The proximity to the Maroon Bells, arguably the most photographed peaks in Colorado, makes this campground an ideal base for hikers, photographers, and anyone drawn to high-country beauty. The road to Maroon Lake trailhead is just minutes away, and trails fan out from there into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Summer and early fall are the seasons to be here. July and August bring wildflower meadows and long, warm days at elevation, while late September transforms the surrounding aspen stands into corridors of pure gold. The campground typically opens in late May or early June and closes by late September, depending on snow. Given the Aspen location, this campground is popular and sites go fast. Reserving well in advance is essential, especially for weekend stays between July and mid-September. Nights are cool even in midsummer at this elevation, so bring warm layers and firewood.
Campsite Inventory
14 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
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)
20, 22, 25, 30
Minimum guests
Yes
Shade
Full, Yes
Site length (ft)
22
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
970-963-2266
SM.FS.R2WhiteRiver@usda.gov
Getting There
Coming to Aspen via Independence Pass: Take Highway 82 West from downtown Aspen, 1 mile to the roundabout (rotary). From the roundabout, take Maroon Creek Road 4.7 miles to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. Continue past the Welcome Station half a mile. Silver Bell Campground is on the left hand side. Silver Bell Campground is approximately 5 miles from Highway 82 at the roundabout. Coming to Aspen via Glenwood Springs: Take Highway 82 for 40 miles to the roundabout (rotary). From the roundabout, take Maroon Creek Road 4.7 miles to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. Continue past the Welcome Station half a mile. Silver Bell Campground is on the left hand side. Silver Bell Campground is approximately 5 miles from Highway 82 at the roundabout.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Silver Bell Campground.
How do reservations work for Silver Bell Campground?
Reservation availability for Silver Bell Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Silver Bell Campground?
Silver Bell Campground currently lists Unknown (14).
Where is Silver Bell Campground located?
Silver Bell Campground is in Colorado near Carbondale. Coordinates: 39.1417, -106.8917.
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