Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness - Crater Lake Campground

2 Reviews

Closed For the Season

This campground is closed for the season from November 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024.

About

USDA Forest Service

White River National Forest

Overnight stays at Crater Lake require advanced overnight permit reservations, which must be purchased at recreation.gov.

Camping at Crater Lake is only permitted in designated sites, and overnight guests are required to bring bear canisters for food storage.

WAG bags are highly recommended for human waste removal/management, but not required. If not using WAG bags, please understand and follow proper human waste disposal techniques.

Fee Info

$10 permit required to camp here. Must check availability and apply for the permit.

https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675333

Reservation Info

NOTE: Overnight permit system will be implemented starting in 2023 BEAR CANISTERS ARE REQUIRED AT THIS CAMPGROUND

Dogs are prohibited in the Conundrum Hot Springs Zone. Dogs must be on leash everywhere else in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.

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Tara D.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 6, 2018

Most beautiful spot I have ever seen

Snowmass lake is on the 4 pass loop trek near Aspen. You have to hike in either covering 3 passes going clockwise from maroon bells or 1 pass going counterclockwise. The most gorgeous place I have ever been. Highly reccomend.

Month of VisitAugust

Cory D.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 13, 2018

This place is amazing!

Its about a 2 mile hike in, but its a great, easy hike and the campsite makes it totally worth it. The views of Maroon bells at crater lake are unbelievable. There is wildlife everywhere. We saw many mountain goats, mule deer, and other critters. Its a primitive/backcountry site, so no amenities. There are 11 total marked sites and theyre pretty far apart. site 1 is very close to crater lake and the first you run into when approaching from maroon lake. site 11 is past the lake and near the base of maroon bells. we used this as basecamp for summiting 14ers maroon peak and pyramid peak. Bear canister required but can be rented cheap at ute mountaineering in aspen.

Site1

Month of VisitAugust

(11) View All

Location

Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness - Crater Lake Campground is located in Colorado

Directions

If you plan to start your trip at the Maroon Scenic Area, you will need to reserve a parking or shuttle bus reservation. You will receive a link in your confirmation email to reserve parking or bus transportion. There are a limited number of parking spaces availabe so you may need to reserve a bus ticket.