- Silverthorne
Popular camping styles for Silverthorne
Cave a-frames near Silverthorne guide
Overview
Serving as the heart of Summit County, Silverthorne is a bustling hub offering familiar stores and restaurants, all within easy reach of Colorado’s popular ski areas like Frisco, Vail, and Breckenridge. The surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks rise above the horizon, and the waters of Dillon Reservoir beckon, offering boating, paddling, and fishing in the summer. Or, chase the waters of the Blue River, which runs roughly along Highway 9, up into the hills to enjoy action-packed paddling and Gold Medal fishing. Very few private RV parks are found in the region, but a number of public campgrounds dot the national forests and line the shores of Dillon Reservoir. While most offer dry camping, Lowry Campground and Heaton Bay Campground have partial hookups.
Where to go
White River National Forest
Several iconic Colorado natural wonders are found in the White River National Forest, including the Maroon Bells, Hanging Lake, and 10 fourteeners. Over two million acres of woodlands cover the Rocky Mountain Peaks west of Silverthorne. Dispersed camping, tent and RV sites, and cabins are also found in the forest. The 50 forest service campgrounds mostly offer off-grid, dry camping, with a handful providing electric hookups and drinking water. Some are first-come, first serve, while others allow reservations.
Arapaho National Forest
Between Silverthorne and Denver, the Arapaho National Forest covers 1.5 million acres straddling I-70. Traverse the highest paved road in the United States with a drive along the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, which reaches heights over 14,000 feet in elevation. Take your pick from over 50 forest service campgrounds. There are myriad tent camping sites, while RV sites are more limited. Dispersed camping can also be found in designated areas.
Rocky Mountain National Park
North of Silverthorne, the towns of Granby and Grand Lake serve as base camps for the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Several private RV parks offer resort-level amenities, including free wifi, pools, horseback riding, and hot tubs. Or, venture into the park to find National Park Service campgrounds. While RV camping is allowed, hookups are not available. The views are unbeatable, however, as well as the access to the bounty of outdoor activities.
When to go
Silverthorne bursts with activity throughout the year, though campers may find the most predictable weather in the summer months of July and August, when daytime temperatures are pleasant and nights are somewhat brisk. Spring and fall can be tricky at 9,000 feet in elevation, as cooler weather and occasional snows are common. Winter sports thrive across the region, but the freezing temperatures and frequent snowfalls are better for skiers than for campers. That doesn’t mean all campgrounds are closed, as some offer year-round services for adventurous travelers.
