How much does camping cost at Silver Bell Campground?

Camping fees at Silver Bell Campground are $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Silver Bell Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Silver Bell Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Silver Bell Campground?

Silver Bell Campground is open May 22 to September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Silver Bell Campground?

Silver Bell Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Silver Bell Campground have?

Silver Bell Campground has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Silver Bell Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Silver Bell Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Silver Bell Campground?

Silver Bell Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Silver Bell Campground?

Popular activities at Silver Bell Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Silver Bell Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Silver Bell Campground?

Fire policies at Silver Bell Campground: Don't Move Firewood : Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.54

101 reviews

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

Top 8% in COSummer

BReport Card

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Hiking Camping Colorado Tent 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

Book on Aspen Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

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

Book on Aspen Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Silver Bell Campground

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $15.00; WALK TO: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone /...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

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This campground gets 2 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

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Provider

970-963-2266SM.FS.R2WhiteRiver@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

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

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.

Weather at Silver Bell Campground

Current alerts(14)

$10 car pass is required in addition to camping fee and will be collected as you enter the area. The car pass gives you unrestricted access to your campsite and the Maroon Bells.
All food, beverages, trash, and scented items must be properly stored when not attended. Bear-proof food lockers are provided at each site and bear-proof trash receptacles are provided at the campground.
Camping overnight in wilderness areas requires registration (proper food storage in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness requires an approved bear cannister).
Camping permitted in developed campgrounds and/or designated campsites only.

Best Time to Camp at Silver Bell Campground

Best season: summer. Summer gives you full access to Silver Bell's high‑alpine trails, fishing spots, and the classic Maroon Bells views with the most reliable weather—daytime highs typically 55–75°F and nights 30–45°F at 8,460 ft. Wildflower meadows, open alpine lakes and meltwater creeks are at their peak, and hiking and wildlife viewing are easiest with long daylight hours. Expect afternoon thunderstorms (bring rain and warm layers) and noticeable crowds—there are only 14 sites, so reservations fill fast during M Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 8% in CO

Best season; full access to high‑alpine trails with reliable 55–75°F weather and peak services.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to 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

Silver Bell Campground sits at 8,460 feet in White River National Forest, minutes from the Maroon Bells and Aspen's trailheads. Operated by the Aspen Ranger District, this small alpine campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and bear-proof lockers. Campers fish the nearby creek, hike high-alpine trails, and watch wildlife against a backdrop of Colorado's iconic peaks.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer gives you full access to Silver Bell's high‑alpine trails, fishing spots, and the classic Maroon Bells views with the most reliable weather—daytime highs typically 55–75°F and nights 30–45°F at 8,460 ft. Wildflower meadows, open alpine lakes and meltwater creeks are at their peak, and hiking and wildlife viewing are easiest with long daylight hours. Expect afternoon thunderstorms (bring rain and warm layers) and noticeable crowds—there are only 14 sites, so reservations fill fast during M Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8460 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMaroon Creek flows past the campground, audible from several sites. Dense spruce and fir forest shades the area, with aspen groves turning gold in fall. The Maroon Bells rise just minutes away, their iron-rich mudstone giving them a distinctive reddish-purple color visible in striped sedimentary layers. These peaks top 14,000 feet and reflect in nearby alpine lakes carved during the last ice age. Wildflower meadows bloom in July and August with lupine, arnica, and paintbrush. The geology tells an ancient story: prehistoric seas deposited the mudstone, then tectonic forces thrust it skyward and metamorphosed it into the dramatic formations visible today. Lower slopes support thick forest regrowth, creating the layered ecosystem that defines this wilderness area.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging facilities beyond campsites are available. Users are advised to plan accordingly.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specified.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

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.

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.

Best CampsitesSite 6 sits by the creek with relative seclusion and good scenery. Site 11 is also recommended for creek proximity and quiet surroundings. Site 5 is small and lacks privacy. Some sites accommodate two or three tents, but others are tight and better suited for RVs than large tents.

Need help booking Silver Bell Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Drinking water and electrical hook-ups are not available.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Silver Bell Campground

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.

Hiking5.0/5Top 5% in Colorado

Hiking is a primary attraction with West Maroon and Maroon Creek trails giving access to iconic alpine terrain.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Fishing3.0/5

Maroon Creek flows past campground and fishing in nearby streams is mentioned, but fish species/permits not detailed.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available.

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

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood : Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

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

Cell CoverageCell phone service details are not provided, but user reviews suggest that reception is weak or absent in the area.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

101 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 101 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 101 reviews.

Site #5Loved
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 #13Loved
Site #13 is highlighted for its location in an aspen grove.

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 101 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 101 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 101 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 101 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 101 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 101 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews focus on pet-related experiences.

Based on 101 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Silver Bell Campground

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $15.00; WALK TO: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone /...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 2 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-963-2266SM.FS.R2WhiteRiver@usda.gov

Go if

You want high-elevation access to Aspen's trails and the Maroon Bells without paying resort prices.

Skip if

You need drinking water on-site, spacious campsites, or solitude during summer weekends.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.8

(80)

Silver Bar Campground

806 W. Hallam

Silver Bar Campground sits along Maroon Creek in White River National Forest, 12 miles from Aspen and minutes from the Maroon Bells trailhead. Operated by the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District, this high-elevation primitive campground offers a handful of tent sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and bear-proof lockers. Campers hike into the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness and fish Maroon Creek during summer months, with the creek providing constant background noise through camp.

Silver Bell Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Weather at Silver Bell Campground

Current alerts(14)

Best Time to Camp at Silver Bell Campground

Planning Tips

About Silver Bell Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Silver Bell Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

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Current alerts(14)

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