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Silverton 20A - Dispersed

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Free dispersed camping along Forest Road 20A puts campers in the middle of San Juan National Forest terrain above Silverton, with sites spread across two distinct clusters accessed via a gravel road that crosses a bridge over the river. No reservation is needed. Entry matters: reviewers consistently advise approaching from CO-52 and turning right onto 20A, since entering near Silverton Lakes RV Resort to the west sends drivers up a steep 4x4 switchback trail lined with private property signs.

The first cluster of three sites sits within reach of most all-wheel-drive vehicles and includes one shaded spot well-suited to tents, one grassy open area, and a more exposed site that works for vans doing a quick overnight. Drive further up and bear left toward Silver Basin to reach a larger marked site. That upper site requires 4x4 capability on the rocky road, though one reviewer notes that parking short and walking in opens up the shaded lower sites to non-4x4 vehicles. The Shenandoah mine complex and its ore buckets are visible from the area, adding an industrial-history layer to the landscape.

Side-by-sides and UTVs run the road through the day, though traffic drops off in the evening. Drinking water is listed as available. Moose have been spotted at the upper site. "I love being in the heart of the San Juan's here," wrote one repeat visitor. Arastra Creek and County Road 21 Dispersed are nearby alternatives for campers who want different terrain or easier road access.

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Map & DirectionsSilverton 20A is located in Colorado near Silverton

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

37.8256451 N
107.62476182 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
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    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/25/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 16 users
    Last on 7/25/26
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    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/25/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/25/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 16 users
    Last on 7/25/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/25/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Silverton 20A - Dispersed needs a permit.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Silverton 20A

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4 Reviews

Multiple campers commented on phenomenal views and spacious sites, but all emphasized that 4-wheel drive is essential for accessing most camping areas due to rocky terrain and steep grades.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2026

Great sites - One cluster of 3 and one HUGE SITE up further

I love being in the heart of the San Juan’s here. The road is just down from mill site, has a bridge across the river and several spots along the left as you drive up the hill. One site is clearly marked private property so just smile and nod and drive past that one.

First cluster of three have 2 really nice sites - one with shade and another with tons of grass for tents and then one exposed site best for vans or something just looking for a night. Drive further up and follow road to left like your heading to silver basin and there is one huge marked site on left. I’ve stayed there several times and love the moose that visit me there

It’s awesome to be right in the history of the massive Shanindoah mine complex and it’s ore buckets still hanging in the air!

The side by sides and razors buzz all day but it calms down at night.

unlike other reviewers the first cluster of sites don’t need a 4x4 and any awd could make it to last large site. The roads while gravel are mostly maintain to first cluster and second big site may only need 4x4 if you drive all the way up/in otherwise plenty of space to park and put tents in shade spots.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Silverton 20A - Dispersed by Byron M., July 17, 2026
  • Review photo of Silverton 20A - Dispersed by Byron M., July 17, 2026
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  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 2, 2025

4X4 Needed

Wanted to see how far I could get with my Outback lol. 20A was definitely too much for my stock Outback with no skid plates, very rocky so I turned around and went up road 21 for a little while. Road 21 was okay in my vehicle but I didn’t find any open spots and turned away, saw a couple medium sized RVs in a larger site.

There are two very nice spots next the to river around where Roads 20A and 21 split off, which can be accessible by a vehicle like mine.

Would have loved to camp in there but did not have the right vehicle for the road!

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Oct. 23, 2024

Secluded, quiet, great views

Definitely need 4 wheel drive to get up to sites, had to build our own fire pit but that was ok! The views were phenomenal.

Sitenot sure
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Silverton 20A - Dispersed by jen S., October 23, 2024
  • Review photo of Silverton 20A - Dispersed by jen S., October 23, 2024
  • Review photo of Silverton 20A - Dispersed by jen S., October 23, 2024
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2022

Great spot

Make sure you enter from CO 52 then turn right onto 20A, if you enter 20A near the Silverton Lakes RV resort you will climb for a couple miles on a 4X4 trail with switchbacks and see nothing but private/no trespassing signs. The spot we set up at had a fire pit and more than enough space for two Jeeps with RTTs.

Site(37.8246375, -107.6251207)
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Silverton 20A - Dispersed by Kelsie B., September 5, 2022
  • Review photo of Silverton 20A - Dispersed by Kelsie B., September 5, 2022
  • Review photo of Silverton 20A - Dispersed by Kelsie B., September 5, 2022
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping areas near Silverton?

Silverton 20A offers excellent dispersed camping options with spectacular views. To access the best spots, enter from CO 52 and turn right onto 20A. Avoid entering 20A from near Silverton Lakes RV resort as this route involves difficult 4x4 trails with switchbacks and private property issues. Another option is Road 21, which is more accessible for vehicles with less clearance, though spots fill up quickly. Both areas provide scenic camping with established sites that typically include fire pits and plenty of space to set up camp. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is highly recommended for accessing the prime camping locations in this area.

What regulations apply to dispersed camping in the Silverton area?

When dispersed camping in the Silverton area, you'll need to follow standard Forest Service regulations. Campers must build or use existing fire pits responsibly and practice Leave No Trace principles. Vehicle restrictions apply - most sites require 4-wheel drive to access safely. Camp only in established areas and respect private property boundaries, which are clearly marked with no trespassing signs throughout the region. Stay limits typically apply (usually 14 days), though it's best to verify current regulations with the local Forest Service office before your trip.

Are there any photos of dispersed camping spots around Silverton?

While specific photos aren't provided here, the dispersed camping spots around Silverton offer phenomenal views worth capturing. Sites on 20A feature mountain vistas and natural scenery that make for stunning photography opportunities. Each site has unique characteristics - some have established fire pits, while at others you may need to build your own. The terrain varies from open spaces large enough for multiple tents to more secluded spots. For current photos, check The Dyrt's campground gallery or contact the local Forest Service office, which often maintains visual records of dispersed camping areas to help visitors plan their trips.