Silver Plume sits at approximately 9,000 feet elevation in Clear Creek County, where temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer months. The surrounding areas offer diverse camping options from developed campgrounds to primitive sites, with most open from late May through September. Winter camping isn't recommended due to heavy snowfall and limited access to facilities.
What to Do
Hike the Chicago Lakes Trail: This rewarding 9-mile trek starts near Echo Lake Campground and offers stunning alpine scenery. "There is a short walk to Echo Lake and there's a lodge nearby with excellent pie," notes one camper who visited regularly.
Fish at Dillon Reservoir: Just 20 minutes from Peak One Campground, this 3,300-acre lake provides excellent trout and kokanee salmon fishing. "The campsites are wide spread out, spacious, and huge. It's ideal for mountain biking and water leisures. We saw a lot of sailboats and paddle boards," shares a camper.
Drive Mt. Evans Road: The highest paved road in North America offers spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. "I stayed here in a tent for 3 days... The campground is right next to the gate to drive up to the top of Mount Evans," reports a camper about the convenient location.
What Campers Like
Clean, accessible facilities: Denver West-Central City KOA receives praise for maintenance. "The clubhouse is spotless... Also, be sure to watch the weather and at 8,500 ft above sea level no bugs!" reports a satisfied visitor.
Food options beyond campfire cooking: Many visitors appreciate nearby dining. "Pizza and wing delivery! They also offered an all you can eat pancake breakfast for $3 in the morning," shares a camper about the KOA's unexpected food options.
Bear-proof storage: Robbers Roost Campground provides essential wildlife protection. "The campsites are well spread out, providing plenty of privacy and space... Since it's a dispersed site, there are no amenities like water or toilets, so campers need to come prepared with everything they need and pack out all trash," notes a visitor who appreciated the bear boxes.
What You Should Know
Altitude effects are real: The high elevation can cause problems for unprepared visitors. "I came in from out of state and got pretty altitude effected so we had to cut the trip short, but it was lovely nonetheless," warns one Echo Lake visitor.
Reservation policies vary: Always confirm your arrival time. "Just because you pay doesn't mean you get to stay... We booked well in advance... We called on Thursday to say we would not make it until Friday, then to our surprise we rolled in Friday to a large class A in our reserved site," reports a frustrated camper.
Fire restrictions change seasonally: Verify current regulations before arrival. "Fires were allowed as of 6/24," noted one visitor, but this status can change quickly during dry periods.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playgrounds offer activity options: Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon provides play areas for kids. "Our nine year old really liked the playground area," mentions a family who found the amenity helpful during their stay.
Pack quarters for showers: Many campgrounds charge for hot water. "The bathrooms were very clean and recently remodeled, but require coins if you were going to shower," advises a family who stayed at Base Camp.
Look for dedicated family sites: Some areas are better suited for children. "Reverend ridge is a favorite of ours. Plenty of space between sites, electricity. Wooded and scenic," says one regular visitor to Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon.
Tips from RVers
Watch for narrow access roads: Large rigs require careful planning. "The drive up can be a bit breathtaking, but it can be done!" advises an RV camper about Golden Gate Canyon access.
Check site dimensions carefully: Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles. "RV sites are VERY close together and a little close to the main road. That is the only downside," notes a visitor about campgrounds near Echo Lake.
Bring leveling blocks: Prepare for uneven terrain. "The sites are not very level so be prepared to use your blocks. When we where there, there were bear in the campground," warns an RVer about Reverend's Ridge.
