How much does camping cost at Silver Queen Campground?

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

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

Silver Queen 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Silver Queen Campground before I book?

Yes! Silver Queen Campground has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Silver Queen Campground?

Silver Queen 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 Queen Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Silver Queen Campground?

Fire policies at Silver Queen 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.

How many campsites does Silver Queen Campground have?

Silver Queen Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Silver Queen Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Silver Queen 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 Queen Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Silver Queen Campground?

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

Silver Queen Campground

4.42

97 reviews

Aspen Ranger Station, Attn: Silver Queen Campground, 806 W. Hallam, Aspen, CO, 81611, USA

Top 5% in COSummer

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietGreat Hiking

Featured in:Hiking Camping Colorado Summer Camping Colorado Mountain Camping Colorado

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,460 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Aspen Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,460 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Aspen Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Silver Queen Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $15.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Aspen Ranger Station, Attn: Silver Queen Campground, 806 W. Hallam, Aspen, CO, 81611, USA

Silver Queen Campground

Aspen Ranger Station, Attn: Silver Queen Campground, 806 W. Hallam, Aspen, CO, 81611, USA

Nearby places

Aspen (6.5 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Glenwood Springs (40 miles, approximately 1 hour)

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 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.

Weather at Silver Queen 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 is required in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness in an approved bear cannister).
Camping permitted in developed campgrounds and/or designated campsites only.

Best Time to Camp at Silver Queen Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, the warmest daytime temperatures (typically mid-60s to low-70s°F / 18–24°C) and long daylight for exploring the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Wildflowers, active trout fishing in Maroon Creek, and full trail access make hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing peak activities, though afternoon thunderstorms are common and nights cool into the 30s–40s°F (0–5°C). Expect the busiest crowds of the year and very limited availability — there are only five reserv Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 5% in CO

Summer is peak season, reliable access and many positive summer reviews praising visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open from May 28th to September 30th annually. Reservations are available beginning June 24th.

About Silver Queen Campground

Silver Queen Campground sits at high elevation in White River National Forest, just outside Aspen with views of Pyramid Peak and Maroon Creek. Operated by the Aspen Ranger District, this small campground offers secluded sites with vault toilets, potable water, and bear-proof food lockers. Campers use it as a base for hiking into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, fishing Maroon Creek for trout, and spotting wildlife along alpine trails.

Silver Queen Campground provides a mix of camping options suitable for both tent and RV campers, with a focus on a small, quiet, and pristine camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, the warmest daytime temperatures (typically mid-60s to low-70s°F / 18–24°C) and long daylight for exploring the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Wildflowers, active trout fishing in Maroon Creek, and full trail access make hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing peak activities, though afternoon thunderstorms are common and nights cool into the 30s–40s°F (0–5°C). Expect the busiest crowds of the year and very limited availability — there are only five reserv Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8460 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits within the Elk Mountains, where metamorphic sedimentary mudstone creates the burgundy and purple peaks that glow at sunset. Maroon Creek runs through the area, and aspens provide natural shade and privacy between sites. Pyramid Peak rises above the treeline to the south. Wildflowers appear in summer meadows, and wildlife includes bighorn sheep, pikas, and white-tailed ptarmigan at higher elevations. The geology here creates mineral-rich soils that support distinct ecosystems across dramatic elevation changes carved by ancient glaciers.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 5 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsites are limited to 8 people and 2 tents.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, both online and through the app.

Site SizeSites vary in size but can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs.

PrivacyThe campsites offer a good level of privacy, with natural shade and separation provided by trees and vegetation. Reviews noted the secluded nature of the sites.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #1 is secluded but challenging for trailers. Site #2 and #3 are ideal for creek access and tent camping. Site #4 is desirable for its proximity to clean restrooms, and Site #5 offers shade and partial views of the Maroon Bells.

Best CampsitesSite #3 gets praise for creek proximity and privacy. Site #4 sits close to the vault toilets, which matters here since reviewers call them unusually clean. Site #2 offers views and creek access. Reserve well in advance regardless of site preference. The campground fills quickly.

Need help booking Silver Queen Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Silver Queen Campground provides a range of essential camping amenities surrounded by stunning natural features. The campground has five reservable sites and accommodates tents, trailers, and RVs. Each site includes picnic tables, vault toilets, food storage lockers (bear boxes), campfire rings, and access to drinking water, though no electrical hookups are available. Horses are prohibited at the campground.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Silver Queen Campground offers access to a wide array of outdoor recreational activities, many of which are centered around the breathtaking natural surroundings of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.

Hiking

The campground is a gateway to several incredible hiking trails. The West Maroon Trail, accessible from the Deadly Bells Trailhead at Maroon Lake, is a favorite for backpackers and gains elevation through aspen groves, evergreen forests, and boulder fields. The Maroon Creek Trail provides a less crowded but equally scenic option for day hikers and horseback riders, featuring gentle flat terrain and picnic-worthy scenic stops.

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are provided at each site and are spacious enough to accommodate coolers, food, cookware, and other items.

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.

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

4.4

97 reviews

Recommended

Silver Queen Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Silver Queen Campground is highly praised by users for its stunning location, exceptionally clean vault toilets, and proximity to the Maroon Bells. It is considered a quiet and serene destination with great access to hiking trails and natural beauty.

Review Summaries

Based on 97 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 97 reviews.

Site #2Loved
Site #2: Noted for its proximity to Maroon Creek and good privacy..
Site #3Loved
Site #3: Described as peaceful with river access and close to restrooms..
Site #4Loved
Site #4: Conveniently located next to the restrooms..
Site #1Issues noted
Site #1: Offers privacy but is difficult for large trailers to access due to narrow roads and obstacles..

What Campers Love

Positive reviews highlighted the cleanliness of the vault toilets, the seclusion and peacefulness of the campsites, and the proximity to the Maroon Bells and other recreational opportunities. Many...

Based on 97 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints were related to the lack of running water early in the season, occasional issues with campsite cleanliness, and the challenging access to certain sites for larger trailers....

Based on 97 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend reserving campsites well in advance due to high demand. They also suggest bringing bug spray for mosquitos and bees, and ensuring all food is stored securely to avoid wildlife...

Based on 97 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground is particularly popular in the summer, though visitors are cautioned about the potential for afternoon thunderstorms and chilly evenings, even in peak season. Winter...

Based on 97 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The vault toilets were the cleanest I've ever seen. They came by daily and bleach mopped them completely.' - User review from July 2020 2. 'Site #6 is the best with access to the river and views...

Based on 97 reviews