Silver Bell Campground

4.62

76 reviews

Aspen Ranger Station, 806 W. Hallam, Aspen, CO 81611, USA

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Hiking Camping Colorado Mountain Camping Colorado

Quick Facts

8,460 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Season opens on May ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Aspen Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

8,460 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Season opens on May ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Aspen Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Silver Bell Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees are $15 per night for all site types (Standard Nonelectric, Tent Only Nonelectric, and Walk To). A $10 car pass fee is also required,...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-945-2521

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What Campers Say

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 76 reviews

54 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulclean

Some mention

small

"User reviews highlight the campground's proximity to the Maroon Bells and its scenic beauty as major positives. Common complaints include overcrowding during peak seasons, the lack of running water, and small campsite sizes. The cleanliness of vault toilets and the overall maintenance of the campground are frequently praised."

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Campground Map

Aspen Ranger Station, 806 W. Hallam, Aspen, CO 81611, USA

Silver Bell Campground

Aspen Ranger Station, 806 W. Hallam, Aspen, CO 81611, USA

Driving directionsComing 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. 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.

Paved roads lead to the campground. Accessibility is manageable by any automobile, but note that the road may be closed seasonally depending on weather conditions.

Nearby places

Aspen (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes drive), Glenwood Springs (40 miles, approximately 1-hour drive).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are available in Aspen, including City Market for groceries and firewood, fuel stations, and outdoor gear stores.

Best Time to Camp at Silver Bell Campground

Perched at 8,460 feet where the air is crisp and clear, Silver Bell transforms with the mountain moods. Summer days invite you to explore in comfortable warmth, but don't let the sunshine fool you – afternoon thunderstorms roll through like clockwork, painting dramatic skies and bringing that fresh, electric scent of mountain rain. As evening falls, you'll reach for that extra layer as temperatures dip into sweater weather. Even in July, Mother Nature might surprise you with a dusting of snow, reminding visitors that this is true high country. Come winter, deep snows close the access roads, leaving this paradise to hibernate under a pristine white blanket.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Open and popular May 28–Sep 30; warm days, cool nights, best time for hiking and views; crowds peak.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CO

Aspen groves 'shimmer gold' in autumn; early fall is prime though campground closes Sept 30.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Season opens May 28; most of spring the campground is closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is closed through the winter season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 28 - September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens on May 28 and closes September 30 during the reservable period. Outside of these dates, the campground is closed.

About Silver Bell Campground

Tucked away in the shadow of Colorado's most photographed peaks, Silver Bell Campground offers an intimate escape with just 14 sites nestled among towering aspens and evergreens. This rustic mountain retreat welcomes tent campers and small RVs to experience authentic Colorado wilderness camping, complete with crackling campfires under star-filled skies and the gentle murmur of nearby Maroon Creek. While you won't find electrical hookups or running water here, you'll discover something far more valuable: a genuine connection to the spectacular Maroon Bells wilderness, where each site comes equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and secure bear-proof food locker to keep both you and the local wildlife safe.

Silver Bell Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping, RVs, and walk-in sites. It is suitable for individuals and small groups, but it does not offer cabins or glamping options.

Historical SignificanceSilver Bell Campground serves as your gateway to one of America's original wilderness treasures. When President Lyndon Johnson signed the Wilderness Act in 1964, the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness stood among Colorado's first protected areas, preserving this stunning landscape for generations of adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers. Today, camping here connects you to over half a century of conservation history, where the same awe-inspiring vistas that moved early wilderness advocates continue to captivate modern visitors.

Weather and SeasonsPerched at 8,460 feet where the air is crisp and clear, Silver Bell transforms with the mountain moods. Summer days invite you to explore in comfortable warmth, but don't let the sunshine fool you – afternoon thunderstorms roll through like clockwork, painting dramatic skies and bringing that fresh, electric scent of mountain rain. As evening falls, you'll reach for that extra layer as temperatures dip into sweater weather. Even in July, Mother Nature might surprise you with a dusting of snow, reminding visitors that this is true high country. Come winter, deep snows close the access roads, leaving this paradise to hibernate under a pristine white blanket.

ElevationAt 8,460 feet above sea level, Silver Bell places you firmly in Colorado's spectacular subalpine zone, where the thin mountain air carries the scent of pine and the promise of adventure. This elevation brings its own rhythm to your camping experience – mornings dawn cool and crisp, perfect for that first cup of coffee by the fire, while afternoons often crescendo with dramatic thunderstorms that echo off the surrounding peaks. The high altitude means you'll sleep under some of the clearest night skies in Colorado, but also reminds you to pack layers for when summer temperatures can plummet after sunset or when surprise snowflakes dance through your campsite in August.

Natural Features and ScenerySilver Bell Campground immerses you in a living postcard of Colorado's high country beauty. Ancient subalpine forests of spruce and fir create a natural cathedral around your campsite, while groves of quaking aspens shimmer gold in autumn and whisper secrets in the summer breeze. The melodic sounds of Maroon Creek provide nature's soundtrack as it tumbles over rocks polished smooth by centuries of snowmelt. Just minutes away, the legendary Maroon Bells – those distinctive wine-colored peaks of metamorphic mudstone – soar above 14,000 feet, their layered cliffs and knife-edge ridges reflected perfectly in alpine lakes. Carved by glaciers over millennia, the surrounding valleys burst with wildflowers in July and August, painting meadows in purple lupine, golden arnica, and scarlet paintbrush.

Geological RegionSilver Bell Campground offers front-row seats to one of Colorado's most dramatic geological theaters. Set within the greater Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, the campground rests in a landscape sculpted by ice, time, and tremendous geological forces. The iconic Maroon Bells themselves tell an ancient story written in stone – their distinctive reddish-purple hue comes from iron-rich mudstone laid down in prehistoric seas, then thrust skyward and metamorphosed into the striking formations we see today. These sedimentary layers, clearly visible in the peaks' dramatic striations, chronicle hundreds of millions of years of Earth's history. Surrounding glacial valleys, carved during the last ice age, cradle pristine alpine lakes and meadows, while dense forests of spruce, fir, and aspen have reclaimed the lower slopes, creating the diverse ecosystem that makes this wilderness area so special.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 7:00 AM, but first-come, first-served sites are often claimed by noon.

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay limit of 5 nights during a single visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsites are limited to 8 people and 2 tents fitting within the defined footprint of the campsite.

Groups

No designated group sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are set back from the road, some near the creek, with tent pads and parking spaces. Sites 2-4 and 8-14 are first-come, first-served.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov. Some sites (2-4, 8-14) are first-come, first-served and are not available for advanced reservation.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites 2-4 and 8-14 are first-come, first-served and not available for advanced reservation. The campground is often full by noon during peak Summer/Fall season.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival date for a refund, minus a $10 cancellation fee and applicable reservation fees. Late cancellations, beginning at midnight one day prior to check-in, will also forfeit the first night's camping fee.

AccessibilityThe campground does not specify any specialized accessibility features. Sites require some walking from parking areas, which may not be accommodating for those with mobility challenges.

Site SizeSites vary in size but are described as generally spacious, with some accommodating up to two or three tents. However, certain sites are noted to be small and more suited for RVs than large tents.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, with some sites offering seclusion while others are close to neighboring sites. Site #5 is described as small and less private, while site #6 by the creek is noted for its relative seclusion and scenic location.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid campsite 5 for large tents as the tent area is close to the fire pit. Campsite 13 is noted for its aspen grove setting.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a rich array of outdoor activities, capitalizing on its proximity to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and fishing. The location is ideal for exploring high-altitude trails and alpine lakes, with impressive mountain vistas.

HikingHiking is one of the primary attractions, with trails like the West Maroon Trail and Maroon Creek Trail providing access to stunning alpine terrain, wildflower meadows, and scenic vistas. Difficulty levels range from moderate to challenging, making the area suitable for both day hikers and backpackers.

FishingFishing opportunities exist in nearby streams and lakes, although specific details about fish types or permits needed are not provided.

Wildlife viewingVisitors frequently mention encountering local wildlife, including bighorn sheep and black bears. The area is rich in biodiversity, particularly in alpine and subalpine environments.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include encounters with wildlife such as bears. Proper food storage is mandatory to avoid attracting wildlife.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof storage lockers are provided at each site to ensure food safety and prevent wildlife encounters.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings only. Firewood must be sourced locally to prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced during nighttime hours, but specific times are not listed.

Emergency ServicesAspen Valley Hospital is the nearest emergency service and is located in Aspen, approximately 5 miles from the campground.

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof trash receptacles are provided at the campground. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesMaroon Creek runs through the campground, providing soothing sounds and proximity to stream water.

Camp HostRangers are described as friendly and helpful, frequently checking in and assisting campers.

Weather at Silver Bell Campground

Reviews

4.6

76 reviews

Top-Rated

Silver Bell Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's proximity to the Maroon Bells and its scenic beauty as major positives. Common complaints include overcrowding during peak seasons, the lack of running water, and small campsite sizes. The cleanliness of vault toilets and the overall maintenance of the campground are frequently praised.

Review Summaries

Based on 76 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the stunning natural surroundings, proximity to key attractions like the Maroon Bells, clean facilities, and bear-proof lockers at each site. Many mention the peaceful sounds of...

Based on 76 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of potable water and showers, occasional overcrowding, and the small size of certain campsites are common concerns. Some users also noted the absence of firewood on-site and the additional...

Based on 76 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own water and firewood, arrive early to secure first-come, first-served sites, and prepare for varying weather conditions. Many recommend avoiding peak season to...

Based on 76 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer and early fall are the most popular times for visiting, with warm days and cool nights. However, these seasons also see the highest visitor numbers, leading to occasional overcrowding....

Based on 76 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great Campground with a bit of thrill involved getting a site. If you don’t reserve months in advance you risk the rush at 5pm to reserve one of the walk-up spots." – Travis Bickle. "Clean, busy yet...

Based on 76 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #5 is described as small and more suitable for RVs, while site #6 near the creek is popular for its spaciousness and peaceful ambiance. Site #13 is highlighted for its location in an aspen grove.

Based on 76 reviews