Silver Bell Campground

About

Silver Bell Campground is tucked into aspen groves and subalpine forest along Maroon Creek, just 5.5 miles from Aspen via Maroon Creek Road. At 8,460 feet, the campground provides a base for exploring the iconic Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, one of Colorado's original 1964 wilderness designations. The area showcases metamorphic sedimentary mudstone peaks, alpine wildflower meadows, and habitat for bighorn sheep, pika, and ptarmigan. The campground has 14 sites including tent-only and walk-in options. Standard sites accommodate RVs and trailers. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and access to bear boxes for food storage. Vault toilets are available but there is no potable water, so bring your own supply. Sites 1, 5-7 can be reserved via Recreation.gov; sites 2-4 and 8-14 are first-come, first-served only. During peak summer and fall, the campground typically fills before noon. Access depends on Independence Pass (Highway 82), which typically opens Memorial Day weekend and closes mid-October due to snow. A vehicle pass is required in addition to the camping fee. The West Maroon Trail from nearby Maroon Lake offers challenging backcountry access, while Maroon Creek Trail provides a gentler day-hiking option with views of the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak.

Directions

From Aspen: Take Highway 82 West 1 mile to the roundabout, then take Maroon Creek Road 4.7 miles to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. Continue past the Welcome Station 0.5 mile; Silver Bell Campground is on the left. Total distance approximately 5 miles from Highway 82.