Silver Queen Campground campground
Carbondale, Colorado

Silver Queen Campground

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
6 campsites
Open in maps

6

Total Campsites

Campground

5

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About Silver Queen Campground

Overview Located just outside Aspen, Colorado, Silver Queen Campground is hemmed in by aspen groves, a short walk from Maroon Creek, with views of 14,018 foot Pyramid Peak. 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 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.

  • 6 total campsites listed.
  • 5 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • Most common site type: standard nonelectric (5).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Silver Queen Campground photo 2
Silver Queen Campground photo 3

Our Take

What makes Silver Queen Campground special

Silver Queen Campground is one of those places that makes you understand why people fall in love with the Colorado mountains. Nestled just outside Aspen and hemmed in by shimmering aspen groves, this intimate six-site campground sits a short walk from Maroon Creek, where the sound of running water serves as a constant backdrop to your stay. The setting is pure Colorado postcard. In summer, wildflowers carpet the meadows and the aspens form a bright green canopy overhead. Come September, the entire hillside erupts in gold, making this one of the most spectacular fall camping spots in the state. The famous Maroon Bells, arguably the most photographed peaks in North America, are just up the road, and the town of Carbondale offers a more laid-back alternative to bustling Aspen for supplies and dining. With only six sites, Silver Queen fills fast and reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak leaf-peeping season from mid-September through early October. Summer weekdays offer the best chance at availability. The campground typically opens in late May and closes by early October, depending on snowfall. Elevation keeps temperatures pleasant through July and August, though nights can dip into the low forties. If you are looking for a small, quiet camp within arm's reach of world-class mountain scenery, Silver Queen delivers beautifully.

Campsite Inventory

6 sites to choose from

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

5total sites

5

Reservable

0

Accessible

MANAGEMENT

1total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

1:00 PM, 2:00 PM

Check-out time

12:00 PM, 2:00 PM

Driveway entry

Back-In, Pull-Through

Driveway surface

Gravel

Max guests

6, 8

Max vehicle length (ft)

25, 30

Minimum guests

Yes

Pets allowed

Yes

Shade

Full, Yes

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

(970)963-2266

Email

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 1.5 miles. Silver Queen Campground is on the left hand side. Silver Queen Campground is approximately 6.5 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 1.5 miles. Silver Queen Campground is on the left hand side. Silver Queen Campground is approximately 6.5 miles from Highway 82 at the roundabout.

FAQ

Common questions

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

How do reservations work for Silver Queen Campground?

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

What campsite types are available at Silver Queen Campground?

Silver Queen Campground currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (5), MANAGEMENT (1).

Where is Silver Queen Campground located?

Silver Queen Campground is in Colorado near Carbondale. Coordinates: 39.1331, -106.9000.

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