There are several campgrounds along the road to Maroon Bells and the National Forest access. We stayed in the Silver Queen Campground. When Stephen was looking for a camping spot, we wanted river access, shade, and elevation. Some campgrounds cram people in like sardines and we certainly didn’t want that, either.
What we got, was perfection.
The circular drive includes 5 sites on the water and 2 or 3 sites in the middle. Sites 1 and 2 are a little closer together. They are perfect for a large family who needs 2 sites.
We got site 3. It was right on the water and we had plenty of room.
This is the small pool away from the flowing river. It is snowmelt, so we used it to keep things cold and it’s about 3 steps from the tent.
A few steps to the right of the tent is the FAST flowing river. We didn’t need the white noise app on my phone. This was loud!
I’m standing at the bank of the river. The small still cutoff water is to my left. The river is to my right. The river is coming down from the mountain right above me and it cuts to the right.
These sites do NOT have lantern hangers. Stephen made this out of some leftover scrap from work. He hammered a piece of rebar in the ground, then slid these poles over it. The red poles are 2 pieces, twisted together. That lantern is the same one he used with his father on their trip out west together after his senior year. There are a lot of memories with that lantern.
He bought this camp stove for $20 bucks at a garage sale. It was still in the original box, sealed, from the 1960’s.
Sites 1 and 2 are on the right.
Plenty of room.
Metal picnic table, large fire ring with a fold over grill. We brought the extra table.
Standing at the edge of our tent looking at the river.
I would say the first extended camping trip was a huge success. We braved the bears, renegade mouse, and brush with hypothermia (that would be me the night I took off my wool lined sleeping hat).
Kay
Tuesday 4th of February 2020
Thank you for this review. It's so hard to find any info on this or any of the campgrounds at maroon bells.