Camp Observer1 of 2 photos
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
Silver Queen Campground has five campsites available for advanced reservation which are able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Sites are equipped with picnic tables, vault toilets, food storage lockers (bear boxes), campfire rings and drinking water. Electrical hook-ups are not available. Horses are not allowed in the campground.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (970) 945-2521.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.Camp site features
Across 5 camp sites:
- Pets allowed: 1 of 5 sites
- Longest rig: 30 ft
- Largest party: 8 people
Directions
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.
Stay Limit
Check in from 11 AM, check out by 11 AM.
Reviews
Ratings (65)
5 stars
53
4 stars
7
3 stars
3
2 stars
1
1 stars
1
Kaitlyn L
Loop:Silv
Site:004
Reviewed 10 days ago
This was the most beautiful, serene, and peaceful campground I have ever set up a tent in! We loved our time here. The Maroon Bells area was absolutely beautiful. Being a camper comes with the perk of having unlimited access to the area, meaning you can come and go as you please, or even watch the stars late at night! The vault toilets were super clean. Maroon Creek runs right behind the campground it the woods, so you can hear the water rushing all day long. So incredible!
Daniel R
Loop:Silv
Site:002
Reviewed 24 days ago
This is a beautiful campground with Maroon Creek running behind it. All but the inner campgrounds have short access to the river spot, and during our time we experienced numerous deer walking among the campground. Maroon Lake is a short drive as well.
Tyler P
Loop:Silv
Site:001
Reviewed a month ago
I was supposed to arrive around 10pm, so I called ahead to ensure my spot would be reserved. Upon arrival, at night and with no service, my campsite was marked “Open” and someone else had already taken the spot for the evening. I was only able to find a spot thanks to the kindness of another camper that saw me driving around and asked what I was looking for. Be sure to call ahead and confirm that your spot is 1) reserved and 2) marked accordingly, if you are getting in late.
Mark H
Loop:Silv
Site:004
Reviewed 2 months ago
Primitive camping with easy access to both the magnificent Maroon Bells and the city of Aspen. Quiet with very few spots so no noise from the few neighbors you have. The camp hosts keep the place, including the vault toilets, clean. Always a treat to score one of these hard to get campsites.
Patricia K
Loop:Silv
Site:002
Reviewed a year ago
Beautiful quiet campground close to Maroon Bells. Site 02 is very private and has access to the river. The sound of the river was great to sleep to. Bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve ever seen!
Karen B
Loop:Silv
Site:002
Reviewed a year ago
Very scenic and quiet campground! The vault toilets were the cleanest I’ve ever experienced!
ella r
Loop:Silv
Site:001
Reviewed a year ago
I stayed at campsite #1 with a 19' camper. I had a difficult time leveling side to side, so ended up being living with it. Overall, I loved the campground.
Katie R
Loop:Silver Queen
Site:003
Reviewed a year ago
Such a lovely spot! The bathrooms were impeccable, the place was well maintained, and the location excellent. Site three is close to the river and I really enjoyed having the white noise at night.
Meriel C
Loop:Silv
Site:004
Reviewed a year ago
Had a lovely stay at Site 4, which is the closest to the very clean vault toilets and close to Maroon Creek Road. Tent pad is generally smaller than other campgrounds, but was able to squeeze a small 2 person backpacking tent and a 3 person camp tent.
Robert R
Loop:Silv
Site:002
Reviewed a year ago
I felt like I'd won the lottery when I snagged this campsite six months ago. One of the best campsites ever. Only six sites with four next to Maroon Creek. Loved having full access to Maroon Creek Rd so we could visit Maroon Bells as often and whenever we wanted. We're not fans of vault toilets but these were the cleanest we've ever seen with no odor or flies.
SUSAN G
Loop:Silv
Site:004
Reviewed a year ago
Gorgeous surroundings, spacious site, very clean restroom. Top notch camping.
Ambereen E
Loop:Silv
Site:002
Reviewed a year ago
The campsite is secluded, the sound of Maroon Creek drowning any noise from the road. The campsites are surrounded by Aspens and lush greenery and with views of Pyramid peak through the trees. The Vault toilets were clean. It does appear as if people book campsites but then don't show up. The campsites were mostly empty even though they had reserved signs. It was nice to have the place so peaceful, but it is disappointing for people who would have liked to come to camp but could not because of reservations made with no shows.
Christa A
Loop:Silver Queen
Site:003
Reviewed a year ago
Beautiful, quiet campground nestled in the aspens! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in site #3, which had Maroon Creek just down the trail from our tent. It was so nice be able to walk down to the creek and to fall asleep to the sound of rushing water each night! The bathrooms were right across from the entrance to our site, and always clean. Bear boxes had ample space for our food as well. We fit a 16x10 tent diagonally on the tent pad. That would probably be the max size!
In my opinion, site #3 looked to be the best site as it was furthest from the road and had the creek in the background. It felt private despite having the restrooms across from the site. Site #6 has a pretty view of the Maroon Bells. Site #2 looks to be the next most private as it is away from the road too. That being said, with minimal traffic on the road I don’t think you could go wrong in any site at this campground! There are lots of trees between each site to make it feel more private.
Overall loved Silver Queen and would recommend it to anyone wanting to travel to the Maroon Bells. It’s worth it to camp here just to have unrestricted access to Maroon Lake and beyond.
Lesley G
Loop:Silv
Site:004
Reviewed a year ago
No water at the campground this summer so be prepared, but there were multiple posts and warnings about this so it was no surprise! Very clean, quiet campground that comes with easy Maroon Bells access- I tent camped here one night before backpacking the Four Pass Loop and it was so nice being just a few minutes drive to the trailhead parking. There’s a little road noise but it’s pretty quiet once the buses stop for the night and even when you’re not at a site right on the creek you can fall asleep to the sounds of running water. There were numerous deer passing through and one fox. Highly recommend! Pay attention to reservation release times and plan far ahead in order to get one of these coveted campsites.
Georgi P
Loop:Silv
Site:001
Reviewed 2 years ago
Love the camp site. Right by a creek as well and you get in/out privaledges in the bells. Feels very safe, nice and quiet and would come back again.
Sarah C
Loop:Silv
Site:002
Reviewed 2 years ago
Cute, small campground with nice facilities. Unlimited access to Maroon Bells which was incredible. Highly coveted spots! Was a bit buggy but the river flowing through the campground was very nice.
Jeannine K
Loop:Silv
Site:002
Reviewed 2 years ago
Maroon Bells is a beautiful area. Silver Queen is a small loop without a host or running water. Unfortunately a loud group of hikers started a party in an empty campsite next to us around midnight one evening.
Helene T
Loop:Silv
Site:001
Reviewed 2 years ago
Great site and location made even better by the unrestricted access to the Maroon Bells.
Thomas B
Loop:Silver Queen
Site:003
Reviewed 2 years ago
Mixed bag. The camp spot (#3) was beautiful in an aspen grove, creek right at the campsite and cliff face view. A mile deer came by amd grazed near us. It was private, and the any time access to Maroon Bells was great. No need to shuttle in. We could be there before all the buses.
The downsides are, the bathroom, though clean was directly across from the picnic table/fire ring. Avoid #4. That site is right next to the toilets.
Also the creek, though pleasing to see, was to cold to spend much time in, and so loud it was hard to sleep in a tent. The fact that it was in a canyon also meant that the sun didn't hit until 9:00 am, so it was in the low 40's all morning in late July.
Weigh the pros and cons before you decide.
Anne H
Loop:Silv
Site:005
Reviewed 2 years ago
Lovely campsite in an ideal location for exploring Maroon Bells wilderness.
James R
Loop:Silv
Site:005
Reviewed 2 years ago
We camped in site # 5 end of July and loved it. Maroon Bells didn’t disappoint. Campground was small and relatively private sites. Pit toilets were very well maintained. Site 5 has some healthy slope in the forward - aft direction so bring some blocks for the tongue jack if you have a trailer. Side to side was just little slope. We were there mid week and it was mostly empty. Only negative is the water fill spicket in the campground was broken and has been for years. Make any changes to your reservations in advance because no way to call the gate because they don’t have service.
Jason T
Loop:Silver Queen
Site:003
Reviewed 3 years ago
We were there the one week the flies are out was the only issue with our stay....oh and the water spout was closed and we were tole for several years at that point. Worth the wait of 10 plus years to talk my wife into going here (except the flies, they were vicious and numerous 10 on me while sitting at a minimum and very bity)
Blake W
Loop:Silver Queen
Site:003
Reviewed 3 years ago
It was Beautiful!!! Spectacular!!!! Only gave it a 3 because no water was available in campground (pump not working) - we had to go up to the restrooms at the Maroon Bells parking to get water. The bugs didn't help (all the rains).
Tess B
Loop:Silv
Site:002
Reviewed 3 years ago
Very nice location. Site could have been cleaner. I picked up lots of trash bits. Pit toilets were pristine however. Tent site was perfect for our 3P Big Agnes tent with lots of room to spare. Creek was lovely. The sound put me to sleep every night. Slept very well. Other campers were very quiet. Very enjoyable.
Corrine H
Loop:Silv
Site:004
Reviewed 3 years ago
This is one of our favorite camping locations in Colorado. Camping at Maroon Bells allow you 24 hour access to view and photograph the sunrise and sunset on the Bells, and affords you the opportunity to get an early start to your hiking adventure. The campground is extremely quiet, you can fall asleep listening to the creek. The vault toilets are very clean.
Alicia R
Loop:Silv
Site:004
Reviewed 3 years ago
Gorgeous as ever. Bathrooms were great. Deer wandering through the campground were also great! Had a wasp issue with our bear box and the rangers immediately took care of it.
bre h
Loop:Silv
Site:004
Reviewed 3 years ago
Loved camping here!
All the park staff was great, and kind, and knowledgeable.
The site was clean and well-managed. The view and the hikes were beautiful. All the facilities were clean and well-stocked.
The only downside was the lack of running water, but we came right at the beginning of the season.
Make sure you bring cash for entry!
Steven T
Loop:Silv
Site:004
Reviewed 4 years ago
Excellent location for being able to photograph the Maroon Bells.
Tracy B
Loop:Silv
Site:004
Reviewed 4 years ago
Great little campsite! Quiet and close to hiking and biking.
Katherine G
Loop:Silv
Site:002
Reviewed 4 years ago
Silver Queen is a lovely small campsite and it was meticulously cared for. It’s covered with aspen trees and by the side of a river and only a short drive to the Maroon Bells parking lot. The pit toilets were the cleanest I have ever seen and were cleaned daily. My only complaint was the side of the area set aside for tents. Our 4 sleeper tent just fitted on it. If you had a larger tent I wouldn’t fit. Our second tent had to be pitched on the grass which wasn’t meant to be allowed but the rangers never complained.
Patrick S
Loop:Silv
Site:002
Reviewed 5 years ago
Beautiful! Very friendly park rangers at the entrance gate.
Peter & Rita S
Loop:Silv
Site:001
Reviewed 5 years ago
We camped in a 30 ft trailer in Site #1. Reason for the low review is that this site is exceptionally difficult to get a trailer into. A giant rock on the left side of the entrance prevents you from making a good backing turn. Road is very narrow, so you actually have to put the front of the tow vehicle off the road into the trees. The site is somewhat unloved, and we had to correct for a 3 degree sideways lean. But the access to Maroon Bells wilderness is very convenient.
Cecelia R
Loop:Silver Queen
Site:003
Reviewed 5 years ago
Awesome, secluded campsite close to the Maroon Bells and the cleanest pit toilet ever! You are right next to the rushing creek. We spent two nights in site #3 with no one in the nearby sites, surprisingly. We saw a fox running around. We were glad to have close access with our two pups to hiking. Definitely recommend. I can just imagine it's beautiful in the fall!
Kelly L
Loop:Silv
Site:002
Reviewed 5 years ago
Excellent campground. If you can get in here, take it! River runs right next to the camp sites. Site number 1 has a slight smell from the cleanest pit toilets I’ve ever seen. Number 2 would be my pick
Cory F
Loop:Silv
Site:001
Reviewed 5 years ago
Amazing campground! Great access to Maroon Bells Wilderness. Great hikes near by. A must for all campers.
Susan B
Loop:Silv
Site:005
Reviewed 5 years ago
Beautiful campground in one of the most pristine forests in Colorado. Silver Queen is small, private with lots of space for each campsite. Excellent jumping off location to climb Pyramid or the Maroon Bells.
Ronald C
Loop:Silv
Site:005
Reviewed 5 years ago
Great location with a 6 minute drive to the Maroon Lake Trailhead. All 5 reservable sites have their advantages. #1 is off on its own near the entrance. #s 2/3 offer waterfront access to Maroon Creek. #4 is next to the restroom. Pristine vault toilets by the way. #5 seemed spacious with more natural shade and partial view of the tops of the Bells. Less one star since the water was off in early June even though two Staff members said weather conditions were good and that their technician would turn it on. Never happened. Had to go to the trailhead to get water near the hard stand restrooms. The water dispenser is at the base of the water fountain. We’d return if we could get lucky enough for a reservation. Get yours 6 months out!
Michael B
Loop:Silv
Site:004
Reviewed 5 years ago
Great small campground near Maroon Bells. Clean restrooms and sites reasonably separated. One of my favorites.
Brent D
Loop:Silv
Site:004
Reviewed 5 years ago
It was great having a campsite inside the entry gate. There was always a parking space at Maroon Lake. The walks were well visited when the buses unloaded every 30 minutes but visitors dispersed quickly. The facilities are so well planned and designed.
Laura G
Loop:Silv
Site:001
Reviewed 5 years ago
This is among the most beautiful places to visit and camp in the world.
Daniel P
Loop:Silv
Site:001
Reviewed 5 years ago
Great campground and location. Bathrooms were clean for vault toilets.
beverly w
Loop:Silv
Site:005
Reviewed 5 years ago
very peaceful spot in a busy section of mountains and people packed aspen.
Popularity
Very busy · 82%
Busiest in July, when about 82% of sites are booked. Based on 9 years of reservations.
Location
Carbondale, CO 81623
Phone: (970)963-2266
Email: sm.fs.r2whiteriver@usda.gov
