Silver Queen Campground

In 2021, Maroon Bells had entry by reservation (COVID) and shuttle only (high traffic, tourist location). A camping stay allows access with your own vehicle during peak hours with either a $10.00 fee or a National Park Pass. This campsite made it great to view this iconic area during both sunrise and sunset. One could also easily bike or hike from the campsite.  

This is a small campground with some spots along a creek. Site four was next to the bathroom. Sites were far enough apart. Bearbox at each site.

So close to the maroon bells, worth the close access. Chilly at night, plan for freezing temps in late September

This is a very small campground. Of the six available sites, one is reserved for walk-ins. Our site was along Maroon Creek, and nestled in a thick aspen grove. With our camping pass, we were able to park in the Maroon Bells parking lot so we were able to catch both a sunrise and a sunset. (Don't miss the sunrise!) There were a lot of biting bugs—both at the campsite and on the trails—so come prepared, Crater Lake is a short but rewarding hike out of the Maroon Bells parking lot, but I also recommend driving over to hike to both American Lake and Cathedral Lake. Both have significant elevation gain, so if you are going in the summer, head up early, or late.

This campground is right on the main road up to the Maroon Bells, so buses do pass by. But the camping is so close to Maroon Lake and the hike to Crater Lake. The landscape is gorgeous, especially if you can catch the fall colors. You might want to book your reservations well in advance during peak season. These sites book up quick, but being close to Aspen, Snowmass, and the Maroon Bells, it’s worth the advanced planning.

Hard to find something wrong with this campground. It's small and sites are walk up, so get there early! Though sites are relatively close together, it still felt as though we had privacy nestled into the trees. Very close to the maroon bells so spending the day there is a must! Tons of hiking and amazing sites to be seen. Our campsite had a Firepit and a bear locker. There are toilets as well. Would definitely recommend this site to all. A little stream near by we walked down to and enjoyed to noises of nature.

This campground is super close to the Maroon Bells - Maroon Lake is just up the road. It has all the essential facilities - fire ring, picnic tables, toilets, water. It is set in an aspen grove and a creek runs right by it. There aren't many sites at this campground, so I recommend reserving a site especially during peak season. I've stayed at this campsite twice - it's a great spot. The Maroon Bells are super busy during September when all of the aspen trees are turning. The mountains turn gold. During peak season visitors are not allowed to drive up to Maroon Lake, there are buses you must take instead. If you're staying at this campground you're allowed to bypass the bus and drive up there in your own car. From Maroon Lake there is a trailhead. We did the hike to Crater Lake, a moderate hike to a lake at the base of a huge mountain. The Maroon Bells area is extraordinary. This campground is also very close to downtown Aspen - the location is perfect. There are 2 cons to this campground however, first is that it's right next to the road and secondly it is very touristy. If you're trying to get off the beaten path, then this is not it.