Silverthorne sits at 8,730 feet elevation where the Blue River meets the Lower Blue Valley, creating a central hub for accessing White River National Forest's dispersed camping areas. Summer temperatures often drop to 40°F at night regardless of daytime highs, requiring campers to pack accordingly. Many camping areas around Dillon Reservoir implement seasonal closures from late September through late May due to snowfall and wildlife management concerns.
What to do
Hiking at Rock Creek Trailhead: Follow the trail system starting from Rock Creek Designated Dispersed Camping to explore multiple alpine lakes. "Trailhead is easy to find at the end of the road and leads to a couple of sweet spots. We stopped by Boulder Lake and it was about 6.5 miles total of a hike," notes reviewer Jane W.
Paddleboarding at Dillon Reservoir: Many campgrounds provide water access points ideal for non-motorized watercraft. "Last minute decision to car camp here but worth it. Easy access to lake from camp spot, walked our paddle boards to beach 20 yards from camp site and had great Mountain View's," shares Meleia O. about her experience at White River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground.
Mountain biking from Peak One: Access local trail networks directly from camping areas. "Very close to the lake seem primo but our site still had some good space and not too close to others. Enjoyed skipping rocks and even some mountain biking for our 9 year old," writes Lindsay W. about Peak One Campground.
Stargazing at higher elevation sites: Camping areas away from town lights offer exceptional night sky viewing. "Close to town, easy drive in (little bumpy but not a big deal for SUV). Can't hear the road, basically no light pollution. Beautiful scenery, beautiful night sky views," reports Raven S. about Rock Creek.
What campers like
Creek-side camping spots: Many campers prefer sites with direct water access for the ambient sounds and cooler temperatures. "Very peaceful spot with no cell service and 10 feet to the river. They also have bathrooms there," says Reagan M. about Columbine Landing Recreation Site.
Secluded sites away from highways: Spots deeper in the forest minimize road noise. "We arrived on a Sunday around 5 and had no trouble finding a private spot. The GPS coordinates do not take you to campgrounds, so don't depend on that. Just drive until you find something that's calling to you," explains Brittany B. about Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping.
Clean facilities despite remote locations: Even primitive sites often maintain basic amenities. "The bathrooms are pit toilets but kept clean. No complaints here!" Emily M. notes about Gore Creek Campground.
Lake views with mountain backdrops: Sites around Dillon Reservoir provide scenic vistas. "Camped at spot 60 and thought it was lakefront. There's a berm between the spot and the lake, no view," warns pamela R. about Peak One Campground, highlighting the importance of selecting specific sites for optimal views.
What you should know
High elevation affects temperature fluctuations: Pack for cold nights regardless of season. "It was cold at night but snow capped Mountain View's and gurgling creek were beautiful. Later sites are better so worth heading up the road. No facilities so just be aware," advises Will S. about Rock Creek.
Pet-friendly rules vary by campground: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Silverthorne allow pets but require leashes. Columbine Landing and Rock Creek offer dispersed options with fewer restrictions for pets compared to established campgrounds.
Weekend congestion requires early arrival: Popular areas fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. "We pulled in around noon and barely snagged one of the last open sites. By 1 p.m., it felt like a game of musical chairs. Drivers looping, turning around, hoping someone packed up," recounts reviewer camfam about Rock Creek.
Highway noise affects some sites: Proximity to I-70 creates background noise at certain campgrounds. "Get the right campsite and you'll have great access to Heaton Bay. A nice place for being just off I-70. Only negative is you can hear I-70 through the night," notes Mitchell H. about White River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds with amenities: Sites with toilets and water access simplify family camping. "Peak One has all the amenities you need - water, (really) nice bathrooms with running water, and a fire pit with a picnic table. A simple campground that would be great for kids, Peak One is safe, comfortable, and a great family spot," recommends Kevin G.
Look for camping areas with short hiking trails: Kid-friendly paths keep children engaged without exhaustion. "Great views of lake dillon and each spot is tucked into trees so you don't see neighbors even if you can hear them. Short Hiking trail connected to the campground plus so many trail options close by," mentions Reagan M. about Prospector Campground.
Consider wildlife viewing opportunities: Many camping areas feature abundant bird and small mammal populations. "Perfect for stargazing! Close to town, easy drive in (little bumpy but not a big deal for SUV). So many types of birds—great spot for birdwatchers!!!" notes Raven S. about Rock Creek.
Select pet-friendly options with space: Dog friendly campgrounds near Silverthorne offer varying accommodations for pets, with some providing more room for animals to move around while staying leashed.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions limit some camping options: High-clearance vehicles access more remote sites. "Due to tough road, the camping site was incredibly quiet. No services but plenty of space, Mountain View's and locations near gurgling creek," writes Will S. about Rock Creek.
Water access varies substantially: Not all campgrounds provide hookups or water sources. "You get a spot and that's it. There is no water to fill your tank unless you're a lucky one who got loop C. There also isn't a dump anywhere and of course no power (not unusual)," cautions john H. about White River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground.
Consider electricity needs: Limited campgrounds offer hookups. "We wanted to check out the Dillon/Breckenridge area, but we didn't have a reservation. The views are incredible here and the camp host was super friendly. The sites are electric only. They have vault toilets available for use as well," explains Bounding Around about Lowry Campground.
