Free Camping Collection
Established Camping
Maroon/Snowmass - Crater Lake Campground
Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness - Crater Lake Campground is located in the White River National Forest, CO. The area features rugged terrain with alpine lakes and dense forests. Temperatures range from 30°F to 70°F depending on the season, and nearby attractions include the Maroon Bells Scenic Area and various hiking trails.
Description
USDA Forest Service
White River National Forest
A short and very popular day hike over rocky trails, through aspen groves andaround rock formations to a high mountain lake. This trail is often used as a starting point for extended backpacking trips into the wilderness. This trail is extremely rocky and dry. Good hiking shoes and plenty of water are a must. Camping is permitted only in designated areas and campfires are prohibited. Dogs are not permittedaround the lake or at the campsites.
Fee Info
The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is a recreation fee area; there is a mandatory fee. Visitors wanting to visit the Bells during the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. will need to take the bus from Aspen Highlands (few exceptions apply**). You may park your vehicle at Aspen Highlands Village Parking Lot and travel via RFTA bus up the Maroon Valley. Vehicles visiting outside of the bus operating hours can access with a $10.00 recreation use fee* ** Exceptions to the motorized vehicle restriction * Vehicles with people with disabilities or with a valid Handicap placard or license plate * Vehicles with 11 people or more * Vehicles with infants that require a restraining child seat (not a booster seat) * Campers at Silver Bar, Silver Bell & Silver Queen Campgrounds * Holders with Special Use Permits issued by the Forest Service * Overnight Backpackers * Horse trailers
Reservation Info
Each party overnighting in the MaroonBells-Snowmass Wilderness is required to self-register at the Trailhead and to carry a copy of the registrationwith them during their visit. There is no fee charged and no limit to the number of permits issued.
Location
Maroon/Snowmass - Crater Lake Campground is located in Colorado
Directions
Located 6 1/2 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 Maroon Bells Welcome Station. Coming 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. You will pass Aspen High school and Aspen Highlands Ski Area on the way to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station, Independence Pass (Highway 82) is normally open from Memorial Day through mid-October, weather dependant. If you are planning an event during these times, please call the Colorado Department of Transportation Hotline for road updates at (877) 315-7623. 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 Welcome Station.
Coordinates
39.08777296 N
106.96589497 W
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonGood
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
