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Columbine Landing Recreation Site

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

The sound of the Blue River carries through camp at Columbine Landing, a free dispersed site in White River National Forest where the terrain shifts between rocky bluffs and open sage-covered flats along the water's edge. Sites sit close to the river, in some cases within ten feet, and the Gore Range rises to the west. This is not a manicured campground. It is gravel, dirt, and rock, with fire rings scattered throughout and vault toilets that reviewers consistently describe as clean and accessible.

Crowding is a real consideration here. The site holds roughly ten to twelve vehicles, and multiple reviewers note that it fills most evenings, including weekday nights in shoulder season. Tarryn T. puts it plainly: "It's basically larger than a pulloff." Sites have little separation, so neighboring conversations carry. That said, Darwin S. notes that "you can hear the sound of the creek and little else" once camp settles, and the area stays dark enough for decent stargazing, especially without a fire going.

Tent campers should expect a challenge finding flat, soft ground. The rocky surface makes site selection worth the extra time. RVs and vans tend to fare better. The entrance road is bumpy but passable for most vehicles in dry conditions. Cell service is inconsistent: AT&T users report coverage, while Verizon appears to have none in the immediate area. No running water is available, so campers should arrive with enough for the full stay. Firewood is not sold on-site, and the surrounding terrain is rocky and open, so plan to bring your own.

Fall visits in late September bring peak foliage along the river corridor, and daytime temperatures stay warm while nights drop noticeably. Wind picks up through the valley after dark, and dust can be a factor in dry conditions. The site appears to be gated in winter, despite some listings suggesting year-round access, so winter visits are not reliable. For campers staging trips along the Blue River corridor, Blue River Dispersed Camping is immediately adjacent, and Blue River Campground sits a couple of miles south with additional options. Those planning a broader itinerary can browse campgrounds around Silverthorne for a fuller picture of what is available in the area.

Arriving before late afternoon on weekends or during peak summer months gives the best chance of securing a riverside spot.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsColumbine Landing Recreation Site is located in Colorado near Silverthorne

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Directions

From I-70 take Exit 205, Silverthorne/Dillon, and travel north on HWY 9 for approximately 10 miles. The area will be on your right just before the highway crosses the Blue River.

Coordinates

39.75939943 N
106.13537867 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/26/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 7/26/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/26/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 7/26/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Columbine Landing Recreation Site needs a permit.

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General Info

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Reviews11 Camper Reviews - Columbine Landing Recreation Site

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5 Stars

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3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

64%
9%
18%
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9%

4.0

out of 5

11 Reviews

Campers regularly cited spacious riverside sites with scenic views and clean facilities as major draws. Some visitors noted highway noise and limited privacy between sites, though most found the peaceful creek setting compensated for these concerns.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2025

Perfect for mountain therapy

Spacious area, not over crowded. Can park right by the creek and it was phenomenal! Shady but not to the point you can enjoy the morning sun. Gravel lot and drive. Huge perk is the bathroom, no running water but super clean

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Columbine Landing Recreation Site by Pamela M., August 31, 2025
  • Review photo of Columbine Landing Recreation Site by Pamela M., August 31, 2025
  • Review photo of Columbine Landing Recreation Site by Pamela M., August 31, 2025
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2025

Small and populated

It’s basically larger than a pulloff. A good quick crash spot. room for about 12 campers, always full. no privacy. Dispersed.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Columbine Landing Recreation Site by Tarryn T., July 7, 2025
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2023

Hidden Gem 25 Minutes from Silverthorne

We stumbled upon this amazing camping spot via the app. You can set up camp on the bluff next to the Blue River, and let me tell you, the views were absolutely majestic! Trails every which way. It is a great place to set up a basecamp. Vault toilets are clean and easily accessible. Terrain is rocky so tent sites aren't ideal but can be found if you look carefully. Our spot was great for the most part and we definitely had the best view of the valley and peaks. Night sky was beautiful. Fall colors were at peak while we there (Sept 25-29, 2023). Fire rings were everywhere but bring in wood unless you're planning on hiking and finding some. This site is rock and dirt and with sage bushes everywhere. The biggest drawback was the dust and wind at night. It was cold but manageable. Days were very warm.

SiteSites are not marked
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Columbine Landing Recreation Site by Angela M., September 29, 2023
  • Overview of Columbine Landing Recreation. Courtesy of Angela & Adam, owners of Black Moon Media, LLC, for informational purposes only.
    Play button icon
Reviewed Sep. 14, 2023

Great quick riverside plop

Several easy campsites near the river, very rocky but great for car camping and a few RV spots. Pretty windy through the valley but very pretty with the gore range to the west. Many rockpits for fires and places to pull aside and set up a quick camp for free.

I decided to ditch my bed on a monday night and setup camp by the river, and I was very pleased with the ease of access. 15 min from Silverthorne and felt out of the way.

Half of the ~10 spots were open by 5:30 when I got there but they seemed to almost all fill on a mid-september monday.

Sitesite with long pull in and wooden bench
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Columbine Landing Recreation Site by Dylan J., September 14, 2023
  • Review photo of Columbine Landing Recreation Site by Dylan J., September 14, 2023
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2023

Still secluded

You can still hear the highway but it makes up for the location and how you can get to a few spots in less than 30 mins. Liked the distance away from campers.

Site1
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Columbine Landing Recreation Site by Name , August 10, 2023
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2022

Great Spot 15 minutes from town

Great location. Kinda busy some nights. A lot of in and out vans/campers. Stay 1 night or two and on their way.

15 mins from town and everything you need.

Excellent sunsets and easy access to river.

SiteFirst right when entering
Month of VisitOctober
  • Play button icon
Reviewed Mar. 15, 2022

Gated closed for winter

USFS lists site as year round but it is gated and there is no entry, no parking, and not maintained in winter. USFS description is not correct.

Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Oct. 24, 2021

Quiet spot with easy access

Great spot for car camping on a road trip like I was. Not far off the main interstate and little to no noise from the smaller highway that passes nearby.

Had cell service with AT&T, no service with Verizon at all within at least a mile.

You can hear the sound of the creek and little else. The area is dark and quiet and couldn’t ask for much more.

I arrived late so couldn’t see much other than a few vans and RVs. The entrance is bumpy and rocky but should be passable by nearly anything assuming there’s not deep snow.

SiteNot Sure
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Columbine Landing Recreation Site by Darwin S., October 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Columbine Landing Recreation Site by Darwin S., October 24, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Columbine Landing Recreation Site located and how do I get there?

Columbine Landing Recreation Site is located along the Blue River, approximately 15 minutes from Silverthorne, Colorado. The site is easily accessible from Interstate 70, with minimal driving required on smaller highways. It sits in a scenic valley with views of the Gore Range to the west. The recreation site is positioned close enough to town for convenience while offering a peaceful natural setting along the river. The access road is gravel but suitable for most vehicles.

What amenities and facilities are available at Columbine Landing Recreation Site?

Columbine Landing Recreation Site offers basic amenities for a comfortable dispersed camping experience. The site features clean vault toilets (no running water), established fire pits/rock rings for campfires, and spacious camping areas that can accommodate various setups including some RVs up to 27 feet. The campground sits beside the Blue River, providing water access and pleasant ambient sounds. There's no potable water, trash service, or electrical hookups. Cell service is spotty - AT&T coverage has been reported but Verizon service is generally unavailable. The terrain is rocky but manageable for car camping.

What dispersed camping options are available near Columbine Landing?

Columbine Landing itself is a dispersed camping area with multiple spots along the Blue River. The site offers approximately 12 camping spaces in an open area with limited privacy between sites. Beyond Columbine Landing, there are numerous trails in the surrounding area that may lead to additional dispersed camping opportunities. The Gore Range vicinity provides various dispersed options on public lands. For those seeking more isolation, exploring forest service roads in the area might yield more secluded camping spots, though Columbine Landing's convenient location makes it one of the more accessible dispersed options in the region.

Is camping free at Columbine Landing Recreation Site?

Yes, camping at Columbine Landing Recreation Site is free. It operates as a dispersed camping area with no reservation system or fee collection. This makes it a popular option for travelers looking for budget-friendly accommodations. Keep in mind that the free status also means the site can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, as it has limited capacity for approximately 12 camping spots.