Best Campgrounds near Silverton, CO

The San Juan Mountains surrounding Silverton, Colorado feature diverse camping options ranging from established facilities to remote dispersed sites. Molas Lake Park & Campground, situated at approximately 10,000 feet elevation along Highway 550, offers 62 developed sites with mountain views and lakeside access. Free dispersed camping can be found at Kendall Camping Area and Little Molas Lake Campground, both within a short drive of town. The region includes both Forest Service and BLM lands with varying amenities, from primitive sites with vault toilets to full-service RV parks with hookups. Most campgrounds sit between 9,000-10,500 feet elevation, providing access to the Colorado Trail, mining history sites, and alpine lakes.

High elevation camping requires preparation for rapidly changing weather conditions, even in summer months. Many campers report sudden afternoon thunderstorms and cool overnight temperatures year-round. As one visitor to Molas Lake noted, "The weather changes rapidly and violently most places in the San Juans during summer and winter." Forest roads leading to dispersed sites often require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain. Cell service remains limited throughout the area, with spotty coverage reported at some sites. Most free dispersed camping areas enforce a 14-day stay limit. Campgrounds typically operate from late May through September or early October, with exact dates varying based on snowmelt and seasonal conditions.

Mountain views and water access rank as top priorities in visitor reviews. Creekside sites at Anvil Campground and Kendall Camping Area are particularly sought after, with one camper noting, "Several spots are right next to a small stream, creating a peaceful atmosphere." Proximity to hiking trails, particularly the Colorado Trail which passes through Little Molas Lake Campground, makes these areas popular bases for outdoor activities. Highway noise affects some campgrounds close to Route 550, while those deeper in the forest offer more solitude. Visitors frequently mention the historic mining town of Silverton as a convenient supply point, though prices run higher than in larger towns. During peak summer months, particularly July and August, campgrounds fill quickly, with weekday arrivals recommended.

Best Camping Sites Near Silverton, Colorado (298)

    1. Molas Lake Park & Campground

    31 Reviews
    Silverton, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 880-2982

    $25 - $45 / night

    "I've spent quite a bit of time at various sites around this campground during annual vacations and using it as a base for geological field work nearby."

    "Small lake with non-motorized boating and fishing. Level sites, pit toilets, tables, fire rings, and camp store. Kayaks for rent."

    2. Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

    39 Reviews
    Ophir, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 327-4261

    "Beautiful views of surrounding mountains and Alta lakes as well as access to the ghost town of Alta."

    "The off road trail it get to Alta lakes took us about 40-50 minutes in my boyfriends F-150. The views were amazing so neither of us really minded."

    3. Kendall Camping Area

    21 Reviews
    Silverton, CO
    3 miles

    "We parked close to the road tucked in some trees. Wanted to be by the water but it was taken by multiple coach RVs."

    "About 5 or so miles from Silverton. 14 day limit. Nice shady spots if you turn immediately off the entrance road when you first come in, make left immediately cool hidden spots if not taken."

    4. Telluride Town Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Telluride, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 728-2173

    "The campground is bordered on one side by the San Juan River and by the park on the other side, making a tight but nice campground."

    "It's right next to the town and is used a lot for Telluride's summer festivals. Its more than a campground it is also where a lot of town events are held and also has sports venues."

    5. Amphitheater Campground

    32 Reviews
    Ouray, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 537-8888

    $28 / night

    "the sites are full, or snag a hotel near 550 when we don't want to chance a night on a slope."

    "Site was clean, easy to access and close to restroom. Great views all around and super close to Ouray and surrounding hiking trails."

    6. South Mineral Campground — San Juan National Forest

    15 Reviews
    Ophir, CO
    6 miles

    "On the way there you will pass several single dispersed campsites next to the river or in the reeds by the beaver ponds, as well as a few semi developed dispersed campgrounds."

    "Large campsite near intersection of campground roads; some traffic driving by. Campground wasn't crowded during our stay."

    7. Little Molas Lake Campground

    14 Reviews
    Silverton, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 884-2512

    "Beautiful campsite with easy access to lots of fun trails, including the CO trail. Only a short drive from Silverton and an hour or so outside Durango"

    "Nice little campground on the Million Dollar Highway heading between Durango and Silverton, with the Colorado Trail passing right through the campground."

    8. Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    22 Reviews
    Ophir, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 874-6600

    "Had a wonderful stay right next to the lake. Woke up to the sounds of birds. Sites include RV/van sites (2?) and at least six tent only sites. Each night only one other site was occupied."

    "Pulled into this area late one evening on a fall camping trip across Colorado. Totally expected it to be full but there were a couple areas left to setup thankfully."

    9. Sunshine Campground

    19 Reviews
    Telluride, CO
    13 miles
    Website

    "We stayed in site #8 which was quite lovely, tucked in the aspen trees with a picnic table and fire ring. The small pond behind our site was dried up, probably due to the ongoing drought."

    "In pursuit of the perfect campground in Colorado, Telluride has so many to choose from it makes it near impossible to select just one."

    10. Matterhorn — Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre And Gunnison National Forest

    15 Reviews
    Ophir, CO
    12 miles
    +1 (970) 249-4552

    $26 - $40 / night

    "Matterhorn Campground, located near Telluride and nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, offers an excellent balance of comfort and outdoor adventure."

    "We were happy to have hot showers as we were on day 4&5 of our camping across Colorado honeymoon and it had rained nights 1-4. There were two camp hosts both of the ladies were nice."

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Recent Reviews near Silverton, CO

1428 Reviews of 298 Silverton Campgrounds


  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Portland Road Dispersed

    Great option if you can get there!

    I have camped in the Ouray area a number of times, but I’ve always paid to do so. I came across the Portland Road area and thought I would give it a try. The initial access, speaking, mainly about the short climb near the amphitheater entrance, would definitely be difficult to do without high clearance and four-wheel-drive. It just so happens that, I went for the first time at night while it was pouring rain so the slick rocks did not make it easier but I drive a Jeep Gladiator Mojave and if you drive anything similar, you shouldn’t have any issues. The views are spectacular and especially looking down into the town of Ouray.

  • Philippe M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    90 Rd Dispersed

    Only dispersed site available around Montrose

    This camp is dispersed, with beautiful views of Montrose, gorgeous sunrise, and is daily level. There’s no maintenance of any kind, it was reasonably clean, and it was pleasant. We took showers at Ridgeway state park campground. This is 20 mins from the highway in Montrose. It was 52 at night in late September. 80 for a high.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Owl Creek Pass

    Great site with view of mountains

    Great site in the trees with a huge open area if wanted

  • Julie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Boggy Draw 1

    Boggy Draw Dispersed

    Many spots available on Boggy Draw Rd. Our spot was right on Boggy Draw Loop and we could watch bikes going by during the day. No bugs by late August. No cell service.

  • Sheila J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    4J + 1+ 1 RV Park

    Stayed 3 nights

    Nice campground with full hookups. Within walking distance to town. Easy in and out with fair sized camp spot.

  • Erik F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Durfield BLM Boondocking

    Dispersed right off HWY160

    Good Verizon coverage, plenty of camp spots, was a bit surprised to see how busy it was

  • Ryan P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Blue Lake Trailhead

    Gate closed.

    After an 8.5 mile winding dirt road I got to a gate that was closed and said no entry. No room to turn around had to back down the narrow dirt road with my travel trailer for at least 2 miles.


Guide to Silverton

The San Juan Mountains around Silverton provide diverse camping options across elevations typically ranging from 9,000 to 11,000 feet. Little Molas Lake Campground sits at approximately 10,300 feet, requiring campers to prepare for significant temperature drops even during summer months. Forest roads leading to many camping areas become challenging after rainfall, often requiring vehicles with higher clearance.

What to do

Hike to Ice Lakes Basin: South Mineral Campground serves as the primary trailhead for the popular Ice Lakes Basin trail. "The trail head for Ice Lake and Island Lake is just across the road. There is a stream that runs along side the campground. The spaces are nice and large," notes one South Mineral Campground visitor.

Explore ghost towns: Alta Lakes Campground offers access to nearby abandoned mining structures. "The ghost town comes before the campground and we did attempt to go to the campground but in one spot we couldn't see what was on the other side of our hood of our truck and chose to turn around," shares a camper at Alta Lakes Campground. "You can't explore any of the buildings, at least not legally, but you can see them and experience what used to be."

Fish for trout: Multiple lakes and streams provide fishing opportunities throughout the area. "The lake is amazing, people were fishing, although I didn't see anyone pulling out fish," reports one visitor to Alta Lakes, while another Molas Lake camper noted watching "an osprey" catching fish.

What campers like

Lake access with mountain backdrops: Molas Lake Park & Campground offers premium lakeside sites with unmatched views. "This campground has a great location and if you are lucky enough to get a lakefront site, the view is wonderful!" mentions a visitor to Molas Lake Park & Campground.

Proximity to the Colorado Trail: Little Molas Lake Campground provides direct access to this famous long-distance trail. "There are great trails heading out of the campground in both directions," explains a camper at Little Molas Lake Campground. "This was a great spot to camp as a home base for hiking the Colorado Trail."

Creekside camping: Many visitors specifically seek out water-adjacent sites. "We parked close to the road tucked in some trees. Wanted to be by the water but it was taken by multiple coach RVs," notes a visitor to Kendall Camping Area. Another camper states, "We were able to get a site right on Mineral Creek, and found ourselves within a great community of people."

What you should know

High elevation challenges: Campgrounds near Silverton sit between 9,000-11,000 feet, affecting both humans and equipment. One visitor to Matterhorn Campground observed: "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."

Road conditions vary widely: Access to many dispersed sites requires careful driving. "The road up is a bit rough. We managed it barely in all wheel drive vehicles but did get stuck for a bit at one point when we had to stop for someone on their way down," warns a camper at Kendall Camping Area.

Campsite availability challenges: Most free sites fill quickly during peak season. "This campsite fills up quite quickly. We arrived relatively early, but were unable to find a site," notes a visitor to Alta Lakes. Another camper advises, "We arrived around 7PM on Friday during Memorial Weekend and thought I'd be out of luck but it was barely half full!"

Tips for camping with families

Easier hikes for children: Several campgrounds offer gentler trails suitable for younger hikers. At Molas Lake, one camper mentions, "The Colorado Trail runs through the campground and whether you do a quick toddler hike to the waterfall or a much longer hike down to the river there is just so much to do here and to explore."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to spot animals safely. "When we were there there was a lot of wind so we were at the top of the valley and the wind would just rush up and you could hear it coming," shares an Alta Lakes visitor. Others report seeing deer, moose, and even a lynx at various campgrounds.

Plan for temperature swings: The high elevation means dramatic temperature changes that affect children especially. "It got pretty chilly at night and rained most of the days," notes an Alta Lakes camper, while another at Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area advises: "It's up pretty high so make sure you're ready for a cold night!"

Tips from RVers

Limited hookups available: Most campgrounds offer minimal or no services for RVs. "There are 8 sites here, several large enough for my 34' fifth-wheel trailer, one is a pull-through with two sites. Vault toilet, no water or dump station," reports a visitor to Little Molas Lake.

Size constraints at higher elevations: Many forest roads have tight turns and steep sections. "The 'parking area' has some rocks and is a bit and uneven. We have a 33ft 5th wheel camper. We had to go slow to not scrap our jacks," notes a Kendall Camping Area visitor. Another camper with similar equipment adds, "Found a spot along the creek. Camper was level, no blocks needed."

Reserve electric sites well ahead: The few campgrounds with hookups book quickly. At Matterhorn Campground, a visitor explains: "28 sites total, 8 sites are full hookups. Most are reservation only. Two restrooms, one is flush toilets and showers and other by tent walk-in sites is a vault toilet."

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there free camping sites available around Silverton, Colorado?

Silverton is surrounded by excellent free camping options. Bandera Mine Dispersed Campsite offers a beautiful meadow setting about two miles up County Road 7 past South Mineral Campground, identifiable by a three-tier beaver pond and old mining buildings. Dispersed Campsites on 591 near 550 (Lime Creek Area) provide quick access to fishing opportunities, though you'll hear some highway noise. Both areas follow the standard 14-day stay limit for National Forest dispersed camping. These free sites typically have minimal amenities—perhaps fire rings and possibly vault toilets—so come prepared with water and waste disposal plans. The trade-off for free camping is spectacular mountain scenery without the cost.

Where are the best campgrounds near Silverton, Colorado?

The San Juan Mountains surrounding Silverton offer stunning camping opportunities. Little Molas Lake Campground is highly recommended for its beautiful sites and access to numerous trails, including the Colorado Trail. It's only a short drive from Silverton and about an hour from Durango. For those seeking a lakeside experience, Molas Lake Park & Campground provides breathtaking views, though be prepared for rustic facilities. The campground offers tent sites and convenient access to Silverton and OHV routes. Both locations provide the perfect base camp for exploring the stunning alpine terrain that makes this region of Colorado so special.

When is the best season for camping in Silverton, Colorado?

The best time for camping in Silverton is late June through early September, when high-elevation mountain weather is most stable. Located at over 9,000 feet elevation, Silverton experiences a short summer season with cool nights even during peak months. Golden Horn Dispersed camping area (9,600 ft elevation) typically becomes accessible by late June when mountain passes open. July and August offer wildflower displays and consistent weather, while September brings stunning fall colors, especially in areas like Owl Creek Pass with its aspen groves. Weather can change rapidly year-round, so pack for temperature swings and potential afternoon thunderstorms regardless of when you visit.

What are the camping options in downtown Silverton, Colorado?

Silverton has limited camping directly in town, but offers facilities that support campers. Silverton Lakes RV Resort provides RV spots within walking distance of downtown. For those staying at nearby dispersed sites, Silverton offers public showers and bathrooms that are convenient for day visits. Most camping options are found just outside town limits, like Kendall Camping Area, which is only about 5 miles from downtown with minimal elevation change. When staying at outlying campgrounds, many visitors appreciate Silverton's amenities for resupplying and accessing services before returning to their campsites. The town serves as an excellent hub for campers exploring the surrounding San Juan Mountains.