Camping options near Ophir, Colorado span elevations from 7,800 to 10,300 feet across the San Juan Mountains. The area's high-altitude camping season typically runs May through September, with daytime temperatures averaging 70°F in summer months and overnight lows frequently dropping below freezing even in July. Access to many sites requires traveling mountain passes with steep grades and sharp turns.
What to do
Hiking the Colorado Trail: Little Molas Lake Campground connects directly to the Continental Divide Trail system. "There are great trails heading out of the campground in both directions. The usual picnic tables and fire pits could be found at all sites we looked at," notes camper Annie C.
Fishing at mountain lakes: Haviland Lake Campground provides shoreline fishing access. "The lake was great for kayaking and we saw a lot of people fishing. Great hiking trail that follows along a stream. Camp hosts were great and the bathrooms were very clean," reports camper H.Z.
Exploring historic mining areas: Near Uncompahgre National Forest Thistledown Campground, visitors can access Camp Bird Road to explore abandoned mining operations. "Adventure awaits up the County Road towards the Portland mine," suggests camper Ethan.
What campers like
High-altitude solitude: At Little Molas Lake Campground, visitors appreciate the remote setting. "Quiet site 12000 feet or so in the San Juan national forest. Stayed for 2 nights without a reservation seems to be a first come first serve style campground," reports Diego R.
Clean facilities: Dakota Terraces Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "We stayed here for 7 nights, and loved it. Restrooms were always clean. Close to Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Ouray, Telluride, Silverton," writes Bob M.
River access: Durango North-Riverside KOA offers campsites along water. "We payed for a premium sight that backs right up to the river. ABSOLUTELY beautiful," notes Matt O., who adds that while no longer a KOA, the campground "still honored our KOA discount."
What you should know
Weather challenges: Mountain storms can arrive suddenly at higher elevations. "We stayed at site #3 right along the creek with views of the cliffs. Creek was silty due to rain so was not a reliable water source," reports Karin S. about Thistledown Campground.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Ophir require advance planning. "We were a group of 3 campers. The spacing of the sites is ample and most of the sites have covered picnic tables," notes Kathi V. about Dakota Terraces Campground.
Bear precautions: Bears frequent the area, requiring proper food storage. "We hauled all of our stuff up and down every day because there is a lot of bear activity in the area. My husband got a peek at him our second night," warns Stephanie M. about Thistledown Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Campground activities: Ouray KOA Holiday offers dedicated family amenities. "This campground has so much to offer families! Stunning views, private spaces nestled amidst trees, clean facilities, a great restaurant and two playgrounds," recommends Nicole S.
Swimming options: Elk Ridge Campground provides water recreation for children. "A great park for kids. I loved the activities, hikes, swimming and absolutely stunning views," shares Jennifer D., though she notes "there is a giant cell tower right in the middle of the campground."
Protected picnic areas: Dakota Terraces Campground includes sheltered eating spaces. "Most sites have a covered picnic table which was very helpful during the frequent light rain showers. My kids enjoyed the rock climbing nearby," explains Kristin K.
Tips from RVers
Generator performance: High elevations affect equipment performance. At Little Molas Lake Campground, one RVer notes: "Elevation is about 10,300 and posed a problem for our generator that caused severe spark-plug fouling. But, re-jetting the carburetor from a #61 to #58 solved the problem."
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. At Dakota Terraces, camper Ursula reports: "Stayed for just one night at site 55. Needed all our levelers as the site is sloped downhill. Windy in the morning."
Hookup availability: Full service sites are limited in the area. At Durango North-Riverside, guests appreciate the amenities: "We stayed 5 nights and were very sad to leave. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Depending on your site, most have large mature trees around you," notes Todd G.
