The best great views campgrounds near Silverton, Colorado

This historic mining town is set in the heart of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Unlike most other Colorado mountain towns, Silverton has largely escaped upscale development. A National Historic Landmark, the town is essentially frozen in time and its rich mining history and old west charm are still palpable. Silverton makes an excellent basecamp for hiking and off-roading adventures into the surrounding high country, and campers can find several national forest campgrounds nearby, as well as dispersed camping options. Several RV parks are located right in town.

97% (370)

Top-rated campgrounds near Silverton

This historic mining town is set in the heart of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Unlike most other Colorado mountain towns, Silverton has largely escaped upscale development. A National Historic Landmark, the town is essentially frozen in time and its rich mining history and old west charm are still palpable. Silverton makes an excellent basecamp for hiking and off-roading adventures into the surrounding high country, and campers can find several national forest campgrounds nearby, as well as dispersed camping options. Several RV parks are located right in town.

97% (370)

Top-rated campgrounds near Silverton

1. Down at the Hop Yard Camping

99%

(137)

41mi from Silverton · 12 sites · Tents, RVs

Wake up to the fresh aroma of hops, enjoys beers made with the hops grown next to your sleeping bag, have a campfire with an incredible view of the San Juan Mountains and open night sky, take a tour and learn about the unique world of hops, walk around an 18-foot tall, 32-acre hop trellis, and adventure in all that the Western Slope of Colorado has to offer. We also have 'Fridays on the Farm' every Friday until October 3rd from 4-9pm serving beer with our hops, a local food truck, live music, and yard games. Check our website for more details! We can open the beer barn on other nights, as well as offer tours, upon request! This is a perfect basecamp for adventure! The attractions are endless: Exploring Black Canyon NP, Curecanti NRA, and Gunnison Gorge NCA; fly fishing in gold metal waters; hunting; hiking, climbing, and traversing the Via Ferrata in the San Juan Mountains; rafting, kayaking, or SUPing on three different rivers, including a wave park right in town, as well as on reservoirs and lakes; relaxing in mineral-rich hot springs; shopping for unique souvenirs and gifts; and enjoying the activities, restaurants, and shopping of nearby Ouray and Telluride! If we're booked out, message us and we may have some backup spots! ; )

2. Bear springs

97%

(59)

35mi from Silverton · 1 site · RV

Beautiful mountain views, trails and only 10 minutes to downtown Durango! 35 acre gated community property with miles of private trails to explore. Friendly pets welcome. Complementary firewood fire restrictions permitting. Owners live on property and are available to help or answer questions. Great setup and location.

3. Campfire Dreamers (4WD or AWD)

94%

(9)

19mi from Silverton · 1 site · Tent, RV

This location is 4WD only and no trailers. Access to the site requires going down a 12% grade. Beautiful location on the side of a mountain with great views. Fire ring, firewood and water for extinguish your fire are provided.

4. Bristol Mountain RV Park & Cabins

96%

(88)

35mi from Silverton · 23 sites · Tents, RVs

Learn more about this land: At the head waters of the Rio Grande River, Mineral County is 96% National Forest with 4.5M acres of National Forest lands surrounding us.  You can see the largest wilderness area in the United States from your camp site, at 9,000 ft. We are an outdoor enthusiast's playground. Wolf Creek ski area 'The Most Snow In Colorado'. Creede Repertory Theater rivals Off Broadway. We offer cabins, RV sites and Campsites at Bristol Mountain RV Park & Cabins. Please call our office or visit our website. RV Sites are NOT booked through hipcamp, they run $50-$60 nightly and can only be reserved through the Bristol Mountain RV Park & Cabins website.  We are 32728 hwy 149 Creede. 11 miles towards Lake City on hwy 149. Pull all through the Cabins and either turn left up the little hill camping anywhere, but keep the fire pit open for everyone. Or drive through the green gate past cabin #7 and camp in the pasture. Bathhouse is in the middle of the cabins. (No Bathhouse or water after September 15th.) Fire pit and picnic table are on the hill.  You can have dogs off leash anywhere away from the cabins and RV sites, just be careful as we have horses, we don't want the pup's getting kicked.  Let me know if you need anything. NO BATHHOUSE BETWEEN SEPT 15-JUNE 1 PRICE $30 BATHHOUSE AVAILABLE JUNE 1 - SEPTEMBER 14 Price $35 Dale, Anne, and Susan.

5. Animas River Valley red cliffs

95%

(129)

28mi from Silverton · 1 site · Tent, RV

Pitch your tent or park in the upper pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the road from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D  Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille.  Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road.  Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production this year.  No other view like it of the Mission Ridge red cliffs with the silhouettes and glow at sunset.  At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or park in the "sloped" pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the highway from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D  Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille.  Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road.  Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production.  Mission Ridge red cliffs with the mysterious silhouettes and glow at sunset.  At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Please provide what you will be driving and camping in, along with guesstimate of your arrival time for a quick booking response. Safe travels.  

6. Fourth Sister Farm

100%

(44)

44mi from Silverton · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Ten acres overlook the La Plata Mountains outside of Durango, CO. My small farm borders pinyon forest and rings with crickets, redwing blackbirds, and chorus frogs. You can find shady spots in the Forest, the orchard, or enjoy the view from the clearing. The irrigation ditch offers fun for dogs and ambient sounds. This is a working farm, and we are often in the greenhouse and garden. Leashed dogs only to protect wildlife and chickens! You’re likely to see deer, raccoons, foxes, hawks, hummingbirds, and maybe a skunk!

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

P

Paul

November 2025

23 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Bear springs

Terrific! The spot is 10 minutes from Durango and far enough from the owners home that it felt private. And there are endless acres of forest for the dogs to explore. We had no problem accessing the site in our rwd Ford Transit. Verizon signal was adequate. Tree coverage made starlink useless.

J

Jerry

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Down at the Hop Yard Camping

It was good. I needed a place last minute and it was easy to book and find. Left first thing.

Michael

October 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Down at the Hop Yard Camping

Quiet, peaceful and a perfect spot for a quick overnighter. Super clean restrooms with a hot shower! Would definitely recommend this place!

C

Christine

October 2025

Tent

4 nights at Animas River Valley red cliffs

We loved staying on Melinda's land! It was pouring rain from a freak storm and she generously allowed us to use her mudroom and her addition downstairs. Genuinely, she saved our trip. She had great recommendations on things to do in the area and was available and communicative. I could not ask for a better host,

K

Katie

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Down at the Hop Yard Camping

I thoroughly enjoyed camping on this land!! Very quiet, the two farm dogs are beautiful and friendly. I also greatly appreciated the clean bathroom facilities. Lovely space, I’d love to return!!

T

Tammy

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Animas River Valley red cliffs

We love camping at Melinda’s. Beautiful views, gracious host and close to hiking trails and Durango. This was our 2nd time there and we’ll be back our next time through Colorado.

B

Brian

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Down at the Hop Yard Camping

It was pretty close to perfect experience. The bathrooms and showers were clean, heated and private. The tent sites were flat. The location was about a 30 minute drive to Ouray, CO and Black Canyon Gunnison. The location was also 8 minutes to downtown Montrose which had every store you would want. The host Audrey was friendly. The cost was reasonable.

K

Kathy

October 2025

23 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Bear springs

Peaceful ! Wanna get away - this is a nice spot ! Good views and quiet !

A

Ashley

October 2025

22 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Down at the Hop Yard Camping

Great little spot to stop for the night. Would definitely stay again.

R

Richard

October 2025

28 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Down at the Hop Yard Camping

Great hospitality, great vibe, great beer, great music, can’t wait to go back.

E

Elizabeth

October 2025

4 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Bear springs

Beautiful spot in the hills above Durango! Directions were clear, site was level, firepit and utilities all as advertised. We drove a 2 WD Ram Class B and had no issues accessing. Will stay here again when we are in Durango next. :)

Colleen

September 2025

13 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Down at the Hop Yard Camping

Great place ! Great people! Nice clean restrooms!

M

Mark

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Bear springs

Great views , private Free firewood Michael was there to assist if need be , told us about trails on land , saw 8 turkeys in morning walking through camp , best Hipcamp Mark

M

Mary

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Down at the Hop Yard Camping

Lovely spot to tent camp. Bathrooms are clean and the shower was fantastic. Great views. The owners pups are adorable and SO friendly. Hosts are amazing and friendly. Got a tour of the hop fields which was so cool. Definitely recommend.

E

Eric

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Down at the Hop Yard Camping

Audrey and her partner are awesome hosts and we had a great time here. Grits and Faya were excellent pups and greeted us when we drove up, a good sign! Billy Goat is the only commercial hop farm in CO, so it was great to take a tour of the farm and see the operations. This is the first year they’ve opened the farm up to camping and 12 sites are available. They open up their “beer barn” to the public on Thur and Fri, and pour local beer on draft and in cans/bottles made with their hops. On Friday, a BBQ truck was slinging food and a bluegrass band was slinging tunes until 9:00pm. It’s obviously popular as it was packed, along with a ton of doggos. Great vibes, excellent beers, and lawn games available to play. They even had a bottle list of various Primitive and other sour beers for purchase…a VERY nice surprise for the spontaneous/sour beers lovers out there. There are a few bathrooms and HOT showers available. Sure, the farm is off the highway so you get some road noise, but it’s not terrible. This is good for them logistically, and gets the farm great visibility, but does sacrifice some quietude. The only thing I’d love to see in the future is a fire pit…if not for each tent site, then a communal fire pit (which I didn’t see). I get that it’s a working farm but having a campfire is one of the joys of camping….only qualm, really. In the end, this is a beautiful, unique campsite in full view of the San Juan mountains. The owners/hosts are lovely people and responsive. Rec!

M

Martha

September 2025

24 ft Class C

With pets

3 nights at Bear springs

Beautiful spot with amazing views. Very peaceful. All as advertised. It was a great alternative to a RV park/campground. Michael was very responsive to any questions. We would definitely recommend and return.

B

Brian

September 2025

Tent

7 nights at Down at the Hop Yard Camping

Great experience. Good location for launching adventures to Ouray, Telluride, Jeep trails, fly-fishing, and the Black Canyon. Very clean bathrooms and showers. Groceries and gas and supplies up the road in Montrose. Host friendly and helpful. All for a great price. Thank you!!

L

Leah

September 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Down at the Hop Yard Camping

I loved the spot on Audrey’s land, bathrooms and we’re clean and well kept, and we enjoyed the sweet dog who swung by to hang out!

L

Laura

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Down at the Hop Yard Camping

Flushing toilets, showers, camp sink, and friendly dogs. Easy late-night access. Convenient to Uncompahgre River, Black Canyon, hot springs, and hiking. Come prepared for skeeters and expect a bit of road noise. Excellent spot for car campers & those with kids.

L

Leslie

August 2025

15 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Down at the Hop Yard Camping

So happy Molly and I stayed here. The sky is incredible.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best great views camping near Silverton guide

Where to go

The Alpine Loop

Colorado’s Alpine Loop Scenic and Historic Byway traverses the mountainous landscape between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. A high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle is necessary to make the 65-mile loop, but several ATV and jeep rental outfitters can be found in Silverton. The route passes numerous ghost towns, abandoned mines, viewpoints, and dispersed camping areas.

Along the Million Dollar Highway

This 25-mile stretch of highway from Silverton to Ouray is an attraction in itself. The road winds its way up Red Mountain Pass and then hugs a steep cliffside offering dramatic views at every turn. Several mining ruins can be spotted along the way, with numerous places to pull off and enjoy the views. The Million Dollar Highway also provides access to many of the San Juan Mountain’s most popular trails including one to Ice Lakes Basin and its South Mineral Campground, one of the area’s most scenic camp spots.

Ouray

Known as the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is an old western town nestled into a narrow box canyon. It’s a bit more developed than Silverton and has a ton more camping, lodging, and dining options. Hikers can connect to the Ouray Perimeter Trail right from town for views of the city and then continue on to Box Canyon Falls, an impressive waterfall surrounded by towering cliffs.

When to go

June through September is high time in Silverton, when most snow has melted in the high country and trails, peaks, and backcountry roads are most easily accessible. The Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run brings hundreds of mountain running enthusiasts to the area in July, and wildflowers put on one of the best shows in Colorado in the Silverton Mountains late in the month. Winter draws hardcore recreationists for some of Colorado’s steepest lift-served, backcountry, and helicopter skiing.

Know before you go

Only a handful of national forest campgrounds sit near Silverton and most are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early in the day for the best chance at a spot.
Ouray’s Amphitheater Campground is one of the few national forest campgrounds that can be reserved in advance. Sites book quickly but you may have luck if you check the reservation website for cancellations.
Dispersed campsites line both the South Mineral Fork Road and Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, but make sure you understand the rules before you camp. Always pack out all your trash and keep an eye on campfire restrictions.