Sitting at roughly 10,000 feet along US-550 just outside Silverton, Molas Lake Park & Campground occupies an open alpine basin in the San Juan Mountains with sightlines toward multiple 14,000-foot peaks in the Weminuche Wilderness. The lake sits at the center of the property, and several campsites have direct water frontage. The elevation means the campground typically opens later in spring than lower-elevation sites, so checking current season dates before planning a trip is worth the extra step.
The campsite experience varies considerably depending on where you land. Lakeside drive-up sites deliver the most direct water access but can sit close to the internal road, which sees steady vehicle traffic throughout the day and into the evening. One reviewer noted that dirt from passing vehicles was a persistent issue near the road corridor. Sites tucked into the wooded sections of the campground provide more separation from neighbors. Reviewers consistently mention well-maintained tent pads and clean facilities, with camp hosts drawing repeated praise for keeping bathrooms and common areas in good shape. Cell service is essentially absent, which multiple campers flag as a heads-up rather than a complaint.
The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and restricted to non-motorized watercraft. An on-site camp store rents kayaks, SUPs, and paddle boats, and also carries fishing gear. As Tyler G. notes, the Colorado Trail "passes through the campground," giving walkers direct access to a waterfall hike and, for those willing to handle significant elevation change, a route down to the Animas River. Silverton is a short drive down the hill for resupply, though prices there run high, so arriving well-stocked saves money.
No hookups are available in the main scenic camping area, and generators are not permitted there. Showers cost $5 for four minutes. The campground accommodates RVs up to 50 feet, and newer sites near the entrance were carved from the hillside below 550, with less vegetation but open views. FR 680 Dispersed — San Juan NF near Molas Pass and Molas Pass Overlook — San Juan NF are nearby alternatives for campers who prefer dispersed options without the amenity fees. Reservations open well in advance and fill quickly, particularly on summer weekends, so booking months ahead is the most reliable way to secure a lakeside site.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMolas Lake Park & Campground is located in Colorado near Silverton
Directions
From Durango Head out of town north on highway 550. After approximately 42 miles, you'll reach Molas Pass. Continue for approximately one more mile and find the entrance to the park on the right, immediately off of highway 550. Driving time from Durango is approximately one hour. From Silverton Head out of town south on highway 550, towards Durango. After approximately 5 miles, you'll see the entrance to Molas Park on the left side of the road. If you reach the top of Molas Pass, you've gone too far. Driving time from Silverton is approximately 10 minutes. From Montrose Head out of town south on highway 550, towards Ouray. Continue through Ouray on highway 550. Continue over Red Mountain Pass to Silverton. Go past Silverton and continue and additional 5 miles, you'll see the entrance to Molas Park on the left side of the road. If you reach the top of Molas Pass, you've gone too far. Total distance from Montrose is about 65 miles with a driving time of about 1.5 hours.
Address
U.S. Highway 550
Silverton, CO 81433
Coordinates
37.74940611 N
107.68341728 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage
VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/30/26- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/4/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/30/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/4/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 45 min from Farmington, NM
- 2 hrs 28 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 4 hrs 25 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 5 hrs 24 min from Pueblo, CO
