Silver Queen Campground

Site #1 is down a bit of a slope from the road, and the site itself is not very level. Despite the recreation.gov description, the site is not well suited to a 30‑ft RV. It’s a bit of a challenge for a large front‑wheel‑drive RV or van to get in and out of the site even in dry conditions, so if it’s rainy and muddy, good luck. The site works reasonably well for a high‑clearance van, a truck camper, or for tent camping. It also has access to the stream that runs behind the campground, but reaching it requires climbing down a few feet via a fairly steep, rocky slope.

The campground overall has a run‑down feel, with a few large potholes in the road, which seems as if it hasn’t been resurfaced at any point in the 21st century. Also note that the campground is a bit more than 3 miles from the Maroon Bells hiking area, and the only way to walk from the campground to Maroon Bells is via the road. There isn’t a trail, and the shuttle bus doesn’t stop near the campground. Be prepared to drive to the parking area—which was always crowded when we were there in early August (even at 6:00 AM)—or walk down the road, which has no shoulder and is busy with cars and bicycles.

Finally, note that your camping fee does not cover entrance into the Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Entry is an additional $10 if you pay in cash or $12 if you pay by credit card, so a 20% fee for using a credit card, which seems a bit steep.

This was our second time camping in Aspen, and both times we were disappointed with the entire experience, so we won’t be giving it a third chance. We’ll leave it to the Instagram‑posing crowd.

Amazing location, just a couple hundred yards from the Maroon Creek East Portal trailhead, or a quick drive down to the Maroon Lake parking, with access before or after the public is allowed access. The campsite itself was just a few steps from Maroon Creek, and was nicely shaded with a gorgeous view of the mountains rising just beyond the creek. No cellular reception, but that's kind of the point, isn't it? Will definitely stay here again!

This was the most beautiful, serene, and peaceful campground I have ever set up a tent in! We loved our time here. The Maroon Bells area was absolutely beautiful. Being a camper comes with the perk of having unlimited access to the area, meaning you can come and go as you please, or even watch the stars late at night! The vault toilets were super clean. Maroon Creek runs right behind the campground it the woods, so you can hear the water rushing all day long. So incredible!

This is a beautiful campground with Maroon Creek running behind it. All but the inner campgrounds have short access to the river spot, and during our time we experienced numerous deer walking among the campground. Maroon Lake is a short drive as well.

I was supposed to arrive around 10pm, so I called ahead to ensure my spot would be reserved. Upon arrival, at night and with no service, my campsite was marked “Open” and someone else had already taken the spot for the evening. I was only able to find a spot thanks to the kindness of another camper that saw me driving around and asked what I was looking for. Be sure to call ahead and confirm that your spot is 1) reserved and 2) marked accordingly, if you are getting in late.

Primitive camping with easy access to both the magnificent Maroon Bells and the city of Aspen. Quiet with very few spots so no noise from the few neighbors you have. The camp hosts keep the place, including the vault toilets, clean. Always a treat to score one of these hard to get campsites.

Beautiful as always

Beautiful quiet campground close to Maroon Bells. Site 02 is very private and has access to the river. The sound of the river was great to sleep to. Bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve ever seen!

Very scenic and quiet campground! The vault toilets were the cleanest I’ve ever experienced!

Such a lovely spot! The bathrooms were impeccable, the place was well maintained, and the location excellent. Site three is close to the river and I really enjoyed having the white noise at night.