Top 7 RV Campgrounds in Silverton Colorado You Absolutely Must Visit
For RVers heading to Silverton, Colorado, picking a good campground is key. This town is a popular choice, thanks to its amazing mountain scenery, interesting history, and many outdoor activities. This guide reviews seven top RV campgrounds in the area. We'll go over their amenities, views, accessibility, and what makes each one a good option, helping you select the best base for your Silverton adventure.
What Makes Silverton, Colorado, a Great RV Spot?
Silverton is a well-regarded destination for RV travelers for several good reasons. The town and the areas around it offer a lot to any RVer wanting a memorable trip.
Incredible Mountain Views
Located in the San Juan Mountains, Silverton offers dramatic peaks, green valleys, and clear alpine lakes. RVers can soak in these views while driving the scenic Million Dollar Highway or exploring the Alpine Loop. Beautiful sights are practically everywhere you look.
Authentic Mining Town History
Silverton is a genuine old mining town, with its downtown recognized as a National Historic Landmark that evokes a past era. The historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad still offers scenic steam train rides through the Animas River canyon, adding to the town's rich historical character that enhances any RV visit.
Plentiful Outdoor Activities
The area around Silverton provides many opportunities for outdoor fun. You'll find numerous hiking trails for all skill levels, extensive OHV/ATV routes perfect for exploring the backcountry and historic mining sites, plus good fishing in local rivers and alpine lakes. It's also a fantastic area for photography.
Unique High-Altitude Climate
Silverton sits at an elevation of over 9,300 feet. This results in cooler summer temperatures, crisp mountain air, and exceptionally clear night skies ideal for stargazing. While visitors and their RVs may need some time to adjust to the altitude, the refreshing and unique high-mountain setting makes for a memorable camping experience.
Top 7 RV Campgrounds in Silverton, Colorado
Picking the right campground is important for a good RV trip. Silverton has different kinds of places, from full-service resorts in town to more basic Forest Service campgrounds in beautiful natural spots.
1.Silverton Lakes RV Resort
Silverton Lakes RV Resort is a well-liked, full-service campground situated conveniently right in Silverton by the Animas River, making it easy to reach even with larger RVs. People often choose it for its good amenities and comfortable stay, offering full hookups (water, electricity, sewer with 50/30 Amp), pull-thru and back-in sites, restrooms with showers, Wi-Fi, laundry, a pet area, and an on-site store; some sites even feature riverside views. Key advantages include its in-town location and comprehensive facilities, which generally earn good reviews. However, it can get busy and might be pricier, so booking well in advance is advisable. This resort is best for RVers who want full hookups and the ease of staying right in town. You can find their official website and booking information by searching online.
2.Molas Lake Park & Campground
Run by the City of Silverton, Molas Lake Park & Campground is famous for its truly amazing views of Molas Lake and the surrounding mountains, making it a dream spot for photographers and nature lovers. It's located just south of Silverton on the Million Dollar Highway (Hwy 550) with generally good access for RVs. Amenities include some electric sites alongside many non-electric ones, water spigots, a dump station, and restrooms (some flush, some vault). Kayak or paddleboard rentals for the lake and fishing are also popular. While the incredible scenery, lake access, and reasonable site fees are major draws, there are fewer full hookups, it can be windy due to its high, open location, and sites book up very quickly. It's ideal for those who prioritize views, are fine with limited hookups or dry camping, and photographers. Reservations are usually handled through the City of Silverton's website or possibly Recreation.gov; booking early is very important. Remember to verify current hookup availability when planning.
3.Red Mountain Motel & RV Park
Red Mountain Motel & RV Park offers a combination of motel rooms and RV sites, providing another handy in-town option in Silverton with essential services. It’s easy to find and offers full hookups (water, electricity, sewer), Wi-Fi, and access to restrooms and showers. This spot is often popular with OHV users. Its in-town location, full hookups, and OHV-friendly atmosphere are good points. As a smaller place that also includes a motel, it might feel less like a dedicated RV park. It's best suited for RVers wanting in-town convenience with full hookups, especially those planning to use OHVs for trail riding. Search for "Red Mountain Motel & RV Park Silverton" online for contact and booking details.
4.Silver Summit RV Park
Silver Summit RV Park is another established RV park in Silverton, offering reliable services and a central spot for exploring the area. Located in town, it provides full hookups (water, electricity, sewer), pull-thru and back-in sites, Wi-Fi, restrooms, showers, and laundry. The main advantages are its full amenities and in-town location; sometimes you can find a spot here when other places are full. Depending on your specific site, it might feel more functional than scenic. This park is a solid choice for those who mainly want full hookups and a straightforward base within Silverton. To check for openings and reserve a site, search online for "Silver Summit RV Park Silverton CO."
5.South Mineral Campground (USFS)
South Mineral Campground, a U.S. Forest Service facility, is very popular due to its stunning location in the South Mineral Creek valley, surrounded by impressive peaks and offering access to the famous Ice Lakes Basin trail. It’s west of Silverton, up South Mineral Creek Road (a decent gravel road suitable for most RVs, though very large rigs should be cautious). This is a dry camping area with no hookups, so having a portable power station can be invaluable for running small appliances or electronics, and a reliable backup battery for your RV's essentials is also wise. The campground provides vault toilets, seasonal water spigots, picnic tables, and fire rings. The incredible natural beauty and direct hiking access are major pluses, offering a classic forest camping experience. Considerations include the lack of hookups, the fact it has often been first-come, first-served (so it fills quickly – check Recreation.gov for current status), and that it's bear country, requiring careful food storage. It’s best for nature lovers, hikers, those comfortable with dry camping, and smaller to medium-sized RVs. Always check Recreation.gov for the latest booking information.
6.Kendall Mountain Recreation Area Campground
Located right at the base of Kendall Mountain and very close to downtown Silverton, Kendall Mountain Recreation Area Campground offers basic camping with excellent access to town amenities and events, often being used during local festivals. It's on the edge of town and very easy to get to. This is primarily a dry camping area; depending on the season or events, there might be basic facilities like portable toilets or water access, so it's wise to check current amenities. Its extreme closeness to town and often lower cost are its main benefits. However, amenities are very basic, it can be crowded or noisy during events, and the sites are quite exposed. This campground is best for those who prioritize proximity to town above all, budget campers, or attendees of Kendall Mountain events. Check with the City of Silverton or event organizers for information.
7.Eureka Campground (USFS)
Eureka Campground is a more basic U.S. Forest Service campground situated further up the Animas River along the Alpine Loop, offering a quieter, more remote experience with direct access to OHV trails. It’s north of Silverton on County Road 2 (part of the Alpine Loop); the road is generally okay for RVs, but gets rougher further on the Loop. This dry camping facility has no hookups but provides vault toilets, seasonal water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Its quieter atmosphere, direct Alpine Loop access for OHVs, and scenic river setting are appealing. Keep in mind there are no hookups, it's more remote, and there are fewer services nearby. It's best suited for OHV riders, those seeking a more off-grid experience, and people exploring the northern part of the Alpine Loop. Check Recreation.gov for current reservation information, as some sites might be reservable.
Silverton Activities and Attractions
Silverton offers much more than just a place to park your RV; the town and surrounding area are full of things to see and do.
A ride on the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a classic Silverton experience and highly recommended. You can also delve into the town's unique past by walking down historic Blair Street, known for its colorful history, or by taking a mine tour to get a firsthand look at the region's rich mining heritage.
For outdoor enthusiasts, exploring parts of the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway is a great adventure, particularly if you have a suitable tow vehicle or an OHV.While the Alpine Loop offers incredible local adventures, those truly passionate about off-roading might also be curious how these Colorado routes stack up against other premier backcountry trails across the nation Hiking is also very popular, with options for all abilities, from the challenging and renowned Ice Lakes Basin trail to more moderate hikes along the Animas River. For these longer day trips or photography sessions in the mountains, carrying a portable power station or a smaller backup battery pack can be very helpful for keeping cameras, phones, or GPS devices charged. The Silverton Visitor Center is an excellent resource for trail maps and current conditions.
When you're ready to relax and refuel, Silverton provides a good selection of restaurants, cafes, and local breweries. You'll also find a variety of interesting shops offering local crafts, outdoor gear, and souvenirs to remember your visit.
Book Your Silverton RV Experience!
Silverton offers RV enthusiasts campground options for every preference, from full-service in-town resorts to scenic Forest Service sites. Whether you want the convenience of Silverton Lakes RV Resort or the natural beauty of South Mineral Campground, you'll have an ideal base for exploring this historic mining town. With stunning mountain views, rich history, and abundant outdoor activities, Silverton provides an unforgettable Colorado adventure. Book early, as these popular campgrounds fill quickly in one of the state's most scenic destinations.