The sound of the Blue River running alongside camp is one of the most consistent things reviewers mention about this White River National Forest site, and it matters practically: campers in riverside spots report that the river noise largely cancels out the highway traffic from adjacent Highway 9. That trade-off defines the experience here. Sites close to the water fill fast, often by mid-afternoon on summer weekends, so arriving Thursday or early Friday gives the best shot at one of the roughly 24 sites that sit right on the bank.
Each site comes with a picnic table, fire ring with an adjustable grate, and a bear-proof food storage box. Vault toilets are non-gendered and accessible, and multiple reviewers note the facilities are consistently well-maintained. There is no firewood for sale on-site. Pick some up in town before heading out. Water is available during the open season. Cell service reaches the campground, which is useful for those who need to stay connected.
Shade is limited. Several campers note that pine bark beetle damage removed much of the tree cover, and while replanting has begun, many sites sit in open sun. This is worth factoring in during hot summer months. Anglers will find the Blue River accessible directly from camp; reviews mention fly fishing specifically, and the campground notes no-bait fishing rules apply. The proximity to campgrounds near Silverthorne also makes this a practical base for day trips to Dillon Reservoir and Green Mountain Reservoir.
Reservations are available through Recreation.gov at $25 per night plus a reservation fee, though some reviews from earlier seasons reflect lower rates as pricing has changed. A 14-day stay limit applies. Nearby dispersed alternatives include Rock Creek Designated Dispersed Camping about a mile to the west, and North Rock Creek Dispersed Sites, White River NF roughly two miles southwest, for those who want more solitude or flexibility. As Katie H. puts it: "Clean facilities, bear canisters at campsites." This campground works best for anglers, car campers, and road-trippers who want a well-maintained, low-frills stop with direct river access along Highway 9.
Description
Overview
Blue River Campground is located 10 minutes north of Silverthorne on Highway 9 in White River National Forest. This cozy campground is located between Lake Dillon and Green Mountain Reservoirs along the banks of the Blue River. With breath taking scenery and the sound of the flowing river, this is a favorite spot for many.
Recreation
Encompassing a landscape of rivers, mountains, trails and forest roads, the White River National Forest is one of the top recreation forests in the nation. Anglers will find populations of rainbow and brown trout when casting their lines out into the water. River access through the campground is for paid campers only. Boating, kayaking, paddleboarding and endless miles of hiking trails are within a short drive in either direction from the campground.
Facilities
Blue River Campground has 24 standard sites suitable for tents and smaller trailers. Vault toilets are provided. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and bear box.
Natural Features
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million-acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting eight wilderness areas, four defined seasons and ten peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. The White River National Forest was established in 1891 as the White River Plateau Timber Reserve; the second such reserve to be named in the United States. In 1905, the newly formed Forest Service was given authority of the reserve. Long before this designation, the area was home to the Ute Indians who followed herds of elk and bison on their seasonal migrations. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Due to current drought conditions, we request that RV/Camper owners fill their tanks before arriving at the campgrounds to best preserve the water systems. RVs should not use campground water spigots for filling. Filling small jugs is acceptable. Thank you for helping us preserve the water resources for all the campers.
The White River National Forest enters Stage 2 fire restrictions June 26, 2026. This means no campfires or charcoal anywhere on the forest, including developed campgrounds and recreation sites. Gas-powered stoves are allowed. More details via this link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts/white-river-nf-enters-stage-2-fire-restrictions
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBlue River Campground (Co) is located in Colorado near Silverthorne
Directions
From Silverthorne, on Interstate 70 take exit 205 and go north 8 miles north on Colorado Highway 9. Turn right onto Forest Rd. 1877. From Kremmling, Colorado, turn off Highway 40 onto Colorado Highway 9 South and go 30 miles, turn left onto Forest Rd 1877 at Blue River Campground.
Coordinates
39.726021 N
106.131125 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/26/26
VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 7/26/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 7/26/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/26/26
- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 7/26/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 7/26/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 1 hr 20 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 30 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 2 min from Greeley, CO
- 2 hrs 6 min from Fort Collins, CO
