Molas Lake Park & Campground, near Silverton, Colorado, is a stunning spot that offers breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere for campers. With 62 sites, it’s a great place to set up camp, whether you’re in a tent or an RV, and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.

The campground is known for its picturesque lake, perfect for non-motorized boating and fishing. Visitors rave about the “incredible views” and the clean, well-spaced sites that provide a sense of privacy. As one camper put it, “The backdrop and lake are off the chart beautiful.” 

Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, with showers available for a small fee. While some campers mentioned that the shower facilities could use some improvement, the overall cleanliness and friendly staff make up for it. Plus, you’re just a short drive from the charming mining town of Silverton, where you can explore local shops and dining options.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the area boasts fantastic hiking trails, including access to the Colorado Trail. Just be prepared for unpredictable weather, especially in early summer, as it can change quickly. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Molas Lake Park & Campground is a fantastic choice for those looking to immerse themselves in Colorado’s stunning wilderness.

Molas Lake & Campground was granted to the Town of Silverton in 1925 from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.  The 137-acre campground sits along the Million Dollar Highway (US 550) in the central San Juan Mountains; the most spectacular peaks in the Colorado Rockies.  The Campground is adjacent to the largest wilderness area in the state of Colorado, the Weminuche Wilderness.
 
Molas Lake Campground provides visitors with unforgettable scenery, a stocked 25-acre lake, National Forest access via the Colorado Trail, and dark, starry skies free from light-pollution.

Molas Lake Park & Campground

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Silverton, CO is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Silverton. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Silverton, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Silverton

The Best Camping Near Silverton, Colorado

Very clean campground with excellent scenery all around. There is easy access to major hiking trails right within the campground. The campground fills up fast as it is one of Colorado's top camp grounds because of its beauty. You will be able to see tall mountains, a crisp lake and green meadows all from your campsite. The campsites are located in the woods so there is some privacy. The nearest town is Silverton, and everything is marked up on price there, so bring a good amount of supplies before you arrive. Showers cost extra money. The road to get to the area can be a little rough, but most cars can make it if they drive slow. Make sure you look online as to the opening and closing season dates, because it usually opens later due to the higher elevation in which it is located. Definitely worth the trek if you have the time. 

Very scenic and remote

I've spent quite a bit of time at various sites around this campground during annual vacations and using it as a base for geological field work nearby. The site is always well maintained, with clean leveled tent pads, friendly staff, excellent views, abandoned activities nearby and on site, and clean facilities. 

This campground is at high elevation (~10,000'), so use caution if you aren't used to elevations or have come in from sea level, and the weather changes rapidly and violently most places in the San Juans during the summer and winter, but the views of several 14,000' peaks in the nearby Weminuche can't be beat. Sites are available for everything from walk up sites to RV sized, and reservations can be made online. Use caution car camping in some of the lakeside drive up sites though--I've had one issue ending up in a lake side site during monsoon season that took some creativity to keep my tent from flooding. 

This campground serves as a wonderful basecamp for exploring the nearby wilderness if you aren't into the backcountry experience, are traveling with kids, or just want to stay somewhere with showers and toilets for a few nights. There is a small store onsite that not only carries the usual camp amenities, but sells fishing gear and rents SUPs and kayaks. Additionally, the Colorado Trail passes through the campground and connects with a trail system that brings you to a beautiful waterfall, and can allow access to the Durango-Silverton train tracks and the Animas River, but the hike can be strenuous due to significant elevation change. Driving access to Silverton, Durango (and Ouray if you're up for a bit more car time), rock climbing, longer hiking, and some peak bagging is simple from here due to the location immediately off US 550, but ultimately the views alone are worth a stay.

One of the best car camping sites in the Southwest

we loved it so much, we came back on our way home! multiple bathrooms throughout the park to accommodate campers, showers ($5 for 4 minutes- not the greatest but hey its hot water) plus fire rings and bear safe trash bins. the lake is stocked with trout and the Colorado trail is easily accessible. staff is very friendly and the area is pet friendly as well. kayak, sup, and paddle boat rentals are also available. they have bear warnings up, but we never had any issues. 


excellent camping 

This was a great place to camp! Did some great hiking and saw some wildlife. The spots are not too close to each other and bathrooms are close. Didn't fish but I saw some big ones being caught, including by an osprey!

Great views and nice trails!

Great campsite, I was riding my motorcycle through the mountains for a few days and stayed one night here. The views were spectacular, the campsite was quiet and peaceful. The fire pit was great and the stargazing was some of the best I’ve seen.  The night I stayed a few deer came through which just reminded me that we were in wildlife territory. Only thing that caught me up was the campsite is over 10,000 feet, weather can change quickly and it got cold during the night. Bring the appropriate gear and you will have no problems. I will stay here again when I go back through the area. 

Molas Lake Campground 

This place was so much fun to stay at. With a campground right next to the lake we were able to take our kayaks out and fish frequently, as well as enjoy beautiful views all day long. The staff was very nice and helpful. It’s a great place to stay if you want to explore Silverton or even Durango. The only thing was the bathroom was kind of far,  it we made it work. We will definitely be back! 

Incredible views and beautiful lake 

Relax and enjoy

One of the pretties views in America, clear lake just south of Silverton , CO.  Does cost extra for showers. I would strongly recommend this campground.  

Gorgeous Spot

Primitive camping, some campsites were closer to the lake than others. Access to bathrooms and showers near the small general store at the entrance. Fire pits available, along with a picnic table. Continue north for a bit along 550, and you’ll be in Silverton. Can’t wait to go back! 

Glorious camping 

We’ve been wanting to check out this campground for a couple years but never seem to make reservations in time. Finally secured our first weekend in early June. It was the perfect getaway from our in-home quarantine and just an hour and a half away. This campground it’s so lovely and the hosts Jennifer and Brian are very nice and amenable and kept the bathrooms and common spaces very clean.  Due to Covid and fire restrictions we could not take hot showers or use the fire pit. But no big deal. We were right on the lake with plenty of space between our neighbors especially since they have to do 50% occupancy.  The Colorado Trail runs through the campground and whether you do a quick toddler hike to the waterfall or a much longer hike down to the river there is just so much to do here and to explore. We forgot our paddleboard but we will remember to bring it next time, and fish in the middle of the lake. They stocked it with hundreds of trout that you can also eat if you’d like. Our neighbors caught a few and gave us want to try.  We booked two more trips to this campground, we wanted to capitalize on the availability since it is very limited.   

Right on the lake surrounded by beauty  

This campground has a great location and if you are lucky enough to get a lakefront site, the view is wonderful! The pit toilets were very far from some camp sites, so be sure your flashlight batteries are working in case you need to take a hike to the pit toilet in the middle of the night. 

Bathrooms Far Away

This is the most beautiful park I’ve ever camped at. We got a premium lake site and while it doesn’t have electricity or water at the sites, the views more than make up for any of the amenities you may get at other parks. Do yourself a favor and see it for yourself.

The most beautiful views

We had site #41, possibly the best in the campground, reserved for 3 nights. Due to the constant and all night long road noise from Hwy 550 we left after only one night...and I do use ear plugs. 5 stars for scenery and 1 star for lack of peace and quiet. 

Beautiful but Noisy

We amazingly found a last minute spot here last June right on the lake. We had our little john boat and were able to leave it right on the shore below our site. We had so much fun fishing. Definitely plan for different weather!  We had sun, rain, and snow, but were ready for anything. 

Perfect spot on the lake

First time to Silverton and I was by myself. Connected right to a trail, bathrooms, shower, a bit pricey but worth.

Felt safe!

This has been on my bucket list for decades.  Having traveled Hwy 550 so many times over the years I would always be overwhelmed by the setting which is still OVERWHELMING.

This was the last of 3-2 night stays in search of the perfect paddling spot.  I booked it back in March 2021 for June of the same year.  It’s funny how your mind replays what you think you saw and then there’s the reality.  It should be stated up front this property is a commercial endeavor owned by the Town of Silverton which is situated a brief drive, straight down hill.  I had expected a much more refined experience than what I encountered because of viewing it from above in my car while driving by each time.  It was NOT at all what I had imagined.

It is a breath taking spot there is no denying that and they take advantage of that.  The camping is one step above dispersed.  While there are fire rings, but no fires, at each site and a picnic table little else was been done to the sites themselves.  It’s a sprawling compound but the vault toilets are few and a fair walk between.  The sites are on top of each other and the terrain around them is filled with fallen trees and exposed roots and rocks.  Trip hazards abound.  One woman’s land yacht was wedged beside the road so precariously she had to install bright day glow green pool noodles to each exposed corner in hopes no one would hit it.  My site had a beautiful view of the lake but no place to pitch a tent.  There was barely enough room to function.  It was situated directly next to the only road in and out and it had a constant steady stream of vehicles in and out all day and even until 10:00 at night.  Dirt was flying everywhere and no one observed the 5mph speed limit.  Several people left after one day for that very reason.  No TP in the toilets but they hand you a roll at check in???  

The lake is beautiful but small.  It looks bigger from the road.  There were thousands of tiny dragon flies everywhere it was amazing!  

Bottom line this is really for families with kids who want to play in the boats they have available for rent.  Showers are $5.00 for 4 minutes so there’s that.  I didn’t see any evidence of drinking water but there may be.  I bring my own so I didn’t have a need.
Someone came buy peddling propane and the garbage truck loomed by around 4PM.  The place was packed tight.  They have added some new spots as you enter the compound for RV’s but they have literally been bull dozed out of the hillside below 550 and are not at all inviting, red clay and zero vegetation but I imagine they have a great view.  

The couple who manage the place are very nice people and very accommodating.  Of course, this is commercial endeavor in every way so expect accordingly.

I packed up and left after only one night.  The incessant traffic noise from the 550 (think semi trucks struggling up or down the million dollar highway at 10,000 feet) and the steady stream of vehicles just a few feet from my bed was just too off putting.  Turns out Ride Across the Rockies was going on and the road all the way to Durango was crowded with skinny tire cyclists testing their mettle on Molas and Coal Bank passes.  It made for precarious driving on that two lane road that has nothing on either side.  So everything was booked for that weekend probably from Ouray to Durango was was a zoo when I got down the hill.  Glad I made it a week day trip the traffic going up the hill was thick looking for weekend relief from the incessant heat.

I’m glad I did stayed at least the one night.  There are other spots that are more attractive there just make sure you really check the map before booking a spot.  It’s a popular place for one good reason.  The views are OVERWHELMING but the accommodations, sadly, left a lot to be desired.  It’s really too bad because it’s a gem location and they rely on that in hopes you won’t notice the other.


Underwhelming.

We stayed here a couple nights in July 2019 after checking availability. It was beautiful and the camp host recommended a hike that went to a waterfall. Beautiful the whole way! Also, there were the most interesting little "things" in the shallow water at the lake. They had made little shells for their backs out of tiny pebbles. After looking it up, I think they were caddisfly larvae. So interesting... it was COLD at night (camping in tent) but I would definitely stay again. :)

Beautiful place, great hiking

Tent camped here at campsite 8 for five nights. Very nice tents sites but after traveling the country I felt it sucked because showers were $5 for a four minute shower and the toilets were basically glorified holes in the ground. Beautiful sights everywhere. Not far from Silverton and the OHV routes. 

Dated, but very nice 

Getting them to answer the phone or get a reservation for that matter was rather difficult, but it was all worth it! We used this as our base camp for the Alpine Loop (Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass). Took a day off to rent a kayak and do some fishing. The rainbow trout we pulled from the lake was absolutely delectable! 

  

There are no hookups, no dumpsite, and no generators allowed (at the scenic campground area). The do have potable water though. Also should mention that there is basically no cell reception. 

  

But if you’re game for some dry camping and want to check out the Silverton area, then this is the perfect campground!

Drop dead gorgeous!

Stayed 3 nights mid September. Amazing 365 degree views. Small lake with non-motorized boating and fishing. Level sites, pit toilets,   tables, fire rings, and camp store.   Kayaks for rent. Great hiking nearby, very close to the Colorado trail. 10 minutes to Silverton. Downside was little to no cell service/internet. 

Amazing views, quiet, close to Silverton

This camp ground really has it all. Lake, hiking, mountains, stars! Must make reservations. This camp ground has a little shop as well with some essentials and firewood ect. 

Great for camping near trail heads 

360 views of the mountains. Sites well spaced. Clean bathrooms. Gorgeous lake. 

Most scenic campground ever

Super friendly owners. Moved us to a better site even though we didn’t ask. The backdrop and lake are off the chart beautiful. 

Beautiful backdrop

Beautiful setting. A little close to the highway for some sites but worth it. 

MTN paradise 

A wonderful place to camp! Couldn’t have been more scenic. The lake was great for an afternoon of paddle boarding.

Incredible view 

Camped here with my sister for the week. It's very close to a beautiful lake, cute little mining town called Silverton, and some of the best hiking trails in Colorado. Camp spots are clean and don't seem to be right on top of each other. The young lady that runs the office is extremely sweet and helpful. However, there were some concerns and issues. 1.They are close to the main highway, so you hear a lot of traffic at night. Big rigs and horn honking. 2.The bathrooms don't have toilet paper and/ or a wash sink or sanitizer(only the day use one towards the front of the campground). There is always a line too. 3.No potable water at your campsite, only at the front entrance. 4.The older gentleman who works the office is rude and unaccommodating. They were having some overflow issues with the water during our stay and I had to take a luke warm shower with absolutely zero water pressure. They didn't offer any assistance or refund for my token($5 for 4 min).

Beautiful Lake, Not so Good Amentities

Great little campground with amazing views.  Several vault toilets on the property. Showers are $5 for 5 minutes

Beautiful views!

We’ve been here several times and have enjoyed ourselves each time.  A word of caution though, early summer weather can change quickly here.  Last year, we had to leave a day early when cold rain made it tough to get comfy.  We returned this year with a camper and we’re super thankful, because it hailed and snowed!  The restrictions on generators and decent site spacing make for a peaceful stay.  Highway noise can be a bit of a concern later in the summer.  Shower facilities aren’t great, but at least they’re available.

Fantastic Views

Camping site 

We loved this campground. Easy to find, well maintained. Clean bathrooms. Pot holes weren’t that bad. 20B was spacious but no trees for shade. 17A was closer to the lake, great spot, little too close to the pot smoking, drunken couple arguing half the night… then the monsoon like rain started. Not the campgrounds fault though 


Perfect place, wrong day

It was beautiful but SO buggy in June on the lake. Probably better later in year. 

Photos of Molas Lake Park & Campground

Real photos from real campers