Dense pine forests surround Silver Dollar's two camping loops, creating well-spaced sites that offer privacy among tall conifers. The campground sits at 10,000 feet elevation in San Isabel National Forest, a short hike from Turquoise Lake rather than directly on the water. This positioning provides some protection from the lake's notorious winds while maintaining easy access to fishing and swimming.
The campground's layout features large sites that accommodate RVs up to 30 feet, though the one-way loop road creates tight turns for bigger rigs. Multiple reviewers mention the road can be challenging for larger units. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with vault toilets maintained regularly by active camp hosts. Running water is available at spigots throughout the campground. Nicolas G. found "most sites had their own little bit of privacy, in some awesome tall pine trees."
The high elevation brings cool nights even in July, and campers report hearing frogs from a nearby bog. Mosquitoes can be heavy near water sources, particularly in early summer. Firewood is available for purchase from the camp host. Cell service exists but can be spotty in the dense forest. The campground operates from late May through early September, with reservations recommended as weekend spots fill quickly. For additional camping options in the region, consider sites outside Leadville for different elevation and terrain choices.
Description
Overview
Silver Dollar Campground is situated near the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake in the shade of a lodgepole pine and subalpine fir forest. This family-friendly campground is a popular summer destination for boating, hiking and fishing.
Recreation
Hikers enjoy the 1.2-mile Turquoise Lake Nature Trail. The gentle path meanders through the forest and down to the shoreline of Turquoise Lake, and connects with the 6.4-mile Turquoise Lake Trail that parallels the shoreline from the Sugar Loaf Dam to May Queen Campground. Hikers can pick up a trail guide at the trailhead located near the entrance to Molly Brown Campground to learn about the flora and fauna along the path. On the lake, boating, sailing, canoeing and fishing are favorite activities. Anglers fish for stocked cutthroat, rainbow, brown and lake trout. Matchless Boat Ramp is located nearby.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family sites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and trash collection are provided. Firewood is available for purchase from the Host. Parking spurs are gravel or dirt.
Natural Features
Campsites are nestled in the forest within walking distance of the scenic lakeshore at 10,000 feet in elevation. The Mount Massive Wilderness Area is nearby. The 30,540-acre expanse encompasses Mount Massive, Colorado's second highest peak at 14,421 feet. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields.
Nearby Attractions
Venture to Independence Pass for a scenic drive with breathtaking views of the Rockies and surrounding alpine tundra habitat. At 12,095 feet, it is one of the highest paved mountain passes in the country and marks where the Top of the Rockies National Scenic and Historic Byway crosses the Continental Divide.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
Fee Info
Extra Vehicle Fee $10.00
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSilver Dollar is located in Colorado
Directions
From Leadville, Colorado, drive west on County Road 4 and follow signs to the Turquoise Lake Recreation Area. Turn right on County Road 9C and follow to the campground entrance on the right.
Address
LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT
810 FRONT STREET
Leadville, CO 80461
Coordinates
39.2622222 N
106.3527778 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 34 usersLast on 4/27/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 47 usersLast on 4/27/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 4/27/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 34 usersLast on 4/27/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 47 usersLast on 4/27/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 4/27/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 55 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 5 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 31 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 40 min from Fort Collins, CO
