Silver Bar Campground
4.8732 reviews806 W. Hallam
Quick Facts
8,460 ftPrice
$15/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
4 campsites
Season
The campground opera...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
8,460 ftPrice
$15/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
4 campsites
Season
The campground opera...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
Silver Bar Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for a tent-only, nonelectric site during peak season is $15. An additional $10 car pass is required for entry.
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$15.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(970)963-2266
What Campers Say
4.87
Top-Rated
Based on 32 reviews
9 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanwell-maintained
"Silver Bar Campground receives consistently high ratings for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and proximity to Maroon Bells. The average user sentiment is 4.76, with many visitors praising the peaceful, rustic setting and convenient access to hiking trails."
Fees & Passes at Silver Bar Campground
$15/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 5 consecutive nights.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee appl...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Aspen-Sopris Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at Silver Bar Campground
Perched at 8,460 feet, Silver Bar experiences the dramatic mood swings of mountain weather that make every day an adventure. Summer mornings often dawn crystal clear and perfect for hiking, with temperatures climbing to comfortable highs that invite exploration. By afternoon, theatrical thunderclouds frequently roll across the peaks, delivering brief but spectacular light shows that remind visitors of nature's power. Evening brings a refreshing coolness that makes campfire gatherings all the more inviting. Even in July and August, wise campers pack warm layers—snow has been known to dust the landscape on summer mornings, creating magical if unexpected scenes that transform the wilderness into a wonderland.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 28 - September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: The campground operates from May 28 to September 30. Outside of this period, reservations are unavailable.
- Current Alerts: A bear visiting the campground has previously led to guest cancellations. Campers are advised to call ahead for updates.
About Silver Bar Campground
Tucked away in the shadow of Colorado's most photographed peaks, Silver Bar Campground offers an intimate escape into the wilderness with just four secluded tent sites. This hidden gem invites adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Rockies. Each walk-in site comes thoughtfully equipped with everything you need for a memorable stay: sturdy picnic tables for mountain-side meals, bear-proof lockers to safely store your provisions, and stone fire rings where stories come alive under starlit skies. The gentle murmur of Maroon Creek provides nature's soundtrack, while vault toilets ensure basic comfort without compromising the pristine environment.
Silver Bar Campground is exclusively for tent camping with four walk-in sites. It does not accommodate RVs, trailers, or group camping. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, bear-proof food locker, and fire pit.
Historical SignificanceSilver Bar Campground sits within one of America's conservation crown jewels—the Maroon Bells Scenic Area was among the first five Colorado wilderness areas protected under the groundbreaking 1964 Wilderness Act. This designation recognized what Indigenous peoples and early settlers had long known: these lands possess an irreplaceable combination of ecological diversity, scenic grandeur, and spiritual significance. Today's visitors follow in the footsteps of generations who have sought solace, adventure, and connection in these ancient mountains, becoming part of an ongoing story of wilderness preservation and appreciation.
Weather and SeasonsPerched at 8,460 feet, Silver Bar experiences the dramatic mood swings of mountain weather that make every day an adventure. Summer mornings often dawn crystal clear and perfect for hiking, with temperatures climbing to comfortable highs that invite exploration. By afternoon, theatrical thunderclouds frequently roll across the peaks, delivering brief but spectacular light shows that remind visitors of nature's power. Evening brings a refreshing coolness that makes campfire gatherings all the more inviting. Even in July and August, wise campers pack warm layers—snow has been known to dust the landscape on summer mornings, creating magical if unexpected scenes that transform the wilderness into a wonderland.
ElevationLife at 8,460 feet offers both rewards and challenges that define the true mountain experience. The thin air carries a crystalline quality that makes colors more vivid and stars more brilliant, while the elevation naturally slows your pace, encouraging a more mindful connection with the surroundings. First-time high-altitude visitors should plan to take it easy on arrival day, drinking plenty of water and allowing their bodies to adjust to the decreased oxygen. The payoff for this adaptation is access to a world above the clouds, where alpine meadows burst with wildflowers and the air tastes impossibly pure.
Natural Features and ScenerySilver Bar Campground serves as your personal gateway to one of North America's most stunning wilderness areas. The surrounding Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness unfolds like a living postcard, where golden aspen groves shimmer in autumn breezes and ancient spruce-fir forests harbor secrets in their shadowy depths. Maroon Creek dances along the campground's eastern boundary, its crystalline waters originating from high-altitude snowfields and providing both a soothing ambiance and critical habitat for native trout. Wildflower enthusiasts will discover nature's palette splashed across meadows in summer, while wildlife watchers might spot majestic bighorn sheep navigating impossible cliffs, playful pikas chirping warnings from rocky outcrops, or the well-camouflaged ptarmigan that call these heights home.
Geological RegionNestled within the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Silver Bar Campground occupies a front-row seat to geological drama millions of years in the making. The iconic Maroon Bells—those twin pyramids of layered red sandstone and mudstone—tower above the campground, their distinctive coloration telling the story of ancient seas and tectonic upheaval. Glacial forces carved the surrounding valleys into their current U-shaped profiles, leaving behind moraines, cirques, and hanging valleys that create the area's dramatic topography. This landscape represents a textbook example of Rocky Mountain geology, where visitors can literally read Earth's history in the stratified cliff faces while exploring a terrain that transitions from montane forests through subalpine meadows to the harsh beauty of the alpine tundra above treeline.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes one accessible tent site located near the vault toilet and the water source. However, drinking water is not available on-site, and visitors must bring their own.
Sites SizeThe campsites are designed for tent camping with defined footprints accommodating up to 2 tents and 8 people per site.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary. Some users reported the sites offering good spacing and lush surroundings for privacy, while others described the experience as 'camping in a parking lot' with limited seclusion.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy, Site 4 is the most exposed and near the vault toilet but provides convenient access to amenities. Site 3 is recommended for creek proximity and soothing sounds.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in is allowed starting at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 5 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy of 8 people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features four tent-only, walk-in sites spaced moderately apart. Vault toilets, bear lockers, and campfire rings are centrally located.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground operates from May 28 to September 30. Outside of this period, reservations are unavailable.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, via the mobile app, or through the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability is indicated. All sites must be reserved in advance.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's use fee for late cancellations starting midnight 1 calendar day before check-in. Changes in dates are subject to a $10 change fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers access to a range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, thanks to its proximity to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area and Maroon Creek.
Hiking
Silver Bar Campground provides quick access to several hiking trails, including the Deadly Bells Trailhead at Maroon Lake and the Maroon Creek Trail. These trails range from gentle and flat terrain suitable for day hikers to challenging alpine routes that lead to high mountain lakes and wildflower meadows.Fishing
Properly licensed anglers can fish in Maroon Creek, which flows along the eastern edge of the campground. No specific details about the types of fish or fishing quality were provided.Wildlife viewing
The area surrounding the campground is home to diverse wildlife, including bighorn sheep, pika, and ptarmigan. The alpine landscapes and lush forest habitats provide excellent opportunities for observing these species.Winter Activities
Winter activities are likely limited due to seasonal closures, and no specific winter recreation opportunities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not an activity supported by this campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated rings only. Firewood must be local to prevent the spread of invasive species.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly stated in the materials.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife, including bears, poses a potential hazard. Proper food storage is mandatory. Weather-related hazards include sudden snowstorms and thunderstorms.
Active alertsA bear visiting the campground has previously led to guest cancellations. Campers are advised to call ahead for updates.
Weather at Silver Bar Campground
23
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 75%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are located in Aspen, Colorado. Aspen Valley Hospital provides medical care and is approximately 5 miles from the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 28 - September 30
Trash and recyclingA dumpster and a recycling bin are available for campers to dispose of waste. Reviewers appreciated the convenience and cleanliness of these facilities, with one stating, 'Bins emptied each day.'
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located adjacent to Maroon Creek, providing soothing sounds and a scenic backdrop.
Common complaintsComplaints noted include the lack of water availability on-site, issues with fly infestations in the restroom, and limited privacy due to proximity to other sites and the road.
HostHost information is not provided.
Campground Map
806 W. Hallam
Driving directionsLocated 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.
Access to the campground is via a paved road (Maroon Creek Road) directly from Highway 82 in Aspen, Colorado. Seasonal closures of Independence Pass (Highway 82) can occur from Memorial Day to mid-October, depending on weather conditions.Nearby places
Aspen (5 miles southwest, approximately 10 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
The closest supplies can be found in the town of Aspen, Colorado, 5 miles away. This includes grocery stores, fuel stations, and camping supplies.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.9
32 reviews
Silver Bar Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Silver Bar Campground receives consistently high ratings for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and proximity to Maroon Bells. The average user sentiment is 4.76, with many visitors praising the peaceful, rustic setting and convenient access to hiking trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive highlights include clean and well-maintained facilities, proximity to Maroon Creek and Maroon Bells, and the inclusion of bear-proof storage lockers at each site. Users loved the natural...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of water availability, limited privacy at some sites, and occasional issues with overcrowding during peak seasons. One user mentioned, 'Camping here is a very...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing your own water and using the bear-proof storage lockers provided. Arriving early or reserving well in advance is advised due to the limited number of sites. Users also...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season for camping here, with warm days and cool evenings. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and snow is possible even during summer months. Winter closures limit access...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'Perfect small campground within view of river and guard shack. Clean toilets, level site, picturesque.' (Date: 2022-06-07)
- 'Gorgeous small campground with 24/7 access to Maroon Bells. Right on...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Users frequently praise Site 3 for its proximity to a natural waterfall and Site 4 for its spaciousness. Site 4 has also been noted to be more exposed but conveniently located next to the vault...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The campground includes an accessible site near the vault toilet, but reviews do not provide detailed feedback on the accessibility features beyond this.
Based on 32 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. No specific reviews highlighted the campground's pet-friendly features or issues.
Based on 32 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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