Blue River Campground, near Silverthorne, Colorado, is a solid spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without straying too far from civilization. This campground offers a mix of riverfront sites and open spaces, making it a nice choice for both tent campers and RVers.

You’ll find that many sites are right by the river, providing easy access for some relaxing water time. Campers have mentioned the friendly hosts and the clean facilities, which include fire rings and bear boxes at each site. Just a heads up, there’s no water fill or hookups, so come prepared with everything you need.

While the views are beautiful, especially with the nearby mountains, some campers noted that shade can be hard to come by. If you’re planning to visit during warmer months, be ready for some sun. The campground is first-come, first-served, so arriving early is a good idea if you want to snag a prime riverside spot.

For those looking to explore, the surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor activities, from hiking to wildlife watching. Just keep in mind that you might hear some road noise from the nearby highway, but the sound of the river helps balance it out. Whether you’re just passing through or planning a longer stay, Blue River Campground is a convenient and enjoyable place to set up camp.

## 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. 
## 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.

Blue River Campground (Co) — White River National Forest

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Silverthorne, CO is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Silverthorne is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Silverthorne, reviewed by campers like you.

Silverthorne

The Best Camping Near Silverthorne, Colorado

This small campground is located right on the Blue River between Silverthorne and Green Mountain Reservoir on Highway 9.  It is about 6 miles from Silverthorne and beautiful Dillon Reservoir. There are 24 camping sites, vault toilets, picnic tables and fire pits with grill grates. There are also bear proof lockers at each sight. Bathrooms are well-maintained. There is no firewood available for purchase at campground, so get some in-town. $20 per night and slightly more on holidays. Pay your fee in the envelope at the entrance (side of the info sign). There was a host on duty.

There were a good amount of riverside camp sites, some with shade some with less tree cover. I was able to score an awesome sight by the river even on a busy weekend. Great spot for fishing (no bait).

The one downside is that it is relatively close to the highway, so if you don’t get a river spot the noise could be an issue depending on what you’re hoping for! It didn’t bother us as the river sounds covered the highway noise.

Stay limit is 14 days.

From I-70 take Exit 205, Silverthorne/Dillon, and travel north on HWY 9 for approximately 6 miles. The campground is on the right side of the highway

Riverside Camping Close to Silverthorne

Small place, but great campground spots at the lower level by the river. No cell service. First come first served.

Great accessible campground

This area used to be a lot nicer when all the trees were still around before the pine bark beetle infestation. However, they planted new trees to take their place! The river is relaxing at night and keep you cool on those hot summer nights. 

Great week long trip! 

Great campground. Went on Memorial Day weekend and had no issue finding a spot right by the river. The bathrooms were clean and the fire pits had grates on them for cooking. Would definitely come again!

Adorable campground on the water!

We stayed at campsite #16, it was right in the river with our own little beach. This site featured 2 pines right next to the water that would have been perfect for a hammock. There was a bear safe box to keep your food items and grill. There was a fire pit with a grate that you could move up and down we cooked all of our food on the pit. Bathrooms just had a toilet and paper no sink or mirror but they were very clean. Beautiful views of the mountains. It was a little close to the main road but if you’re on a river site you can’t hear the cars at all! 

Beautiful River Campsites

Cool campground, not huge on the highway noise but overall the campground is in excellent condition, very clean bathrooms, bear proof storage. We arrived Thursday night with about 3 other people in the site so we got site 10 right off the river. Great spot for fly fishing. Campground accepts dogs as well. 

Blue River Campground 

First night in Colorado, and weren't sure where we wanted to be. There are campsites right on the water but since we arrived at about 4 p.m. those were taken. Could hear traffic but not terrible.

Nice

This campground is right off of highway 9 in Silverthorne. There are 24 sites, some right on the river. Each site has a bear box, fire ring, and picnic table. We had plenty of space and privacy from our neighbors. Sites are first come first serve only. We got here around 5pm on a Friday night and took the last open spot. The camp host was friendly and seemed to be out and about often. You can hear cars on the highway, but you can also hear the river so it wasn’t too bad. There isn’t much to do at the campground, but it’s a great place to pull off and stay. Cash only - $22/night 

Beautiful camping on the Blue River

Very kind camp host with really nice views of the balds. Not much shade though. Clean facilities, bear canisters at campsites. Clean and beautiful, not much more you can ask! The host said they are going to a full reservation model next year so no first come first serve after then. 

Beautiful views few shady spots

First come first serve campground! Being right next to the river was nice. There was an outhouse available . Only stayed one night but it was nice! 

Nice campsites! 

Not far out of town but nested in the mountains along the highways.  Nice elk tracks in the snow when I was there along the river.  

Awesome National Forest Campground

We camped during very hot weather. Our campsite, like many others had minimal to no shade.  The river is beautiful. Camp is clean, hosts very present

Camped during very hot weather.  No shade!

Nice basic USFS campground right off the road.

Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, and a bear box.

There are accessible non gendered vault toilets but I don't think any of the camp sites are accessible.  There is water available during the open season.

No shade or any division between sites, but they are spread apart nicely. 

  

Sites are reservable on recreation.gov, $22/night plus an $8 reservation fee.

Lovely campground for smaller trailers with a few select sites right on the river. No water or any other hook ups, no dump station, so arrive fully loaded with water.￼

Beautiful site, no water fill

About 1/3 of the sites are located directly on the river with direct access. Host was friendly and neighbors polite

Nice River

Van camper: nice spot for the night enRoute to other adventures.  River side sites and wide open sites, many are close and some 50 yards from highway.

Photos of Blue River Campground (Co) — White River National Forest

Real photos from real campers