Thompson Creek Campground

Star3.50
8 reviews
2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652, USA

Quick Facts

7,310 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Colorado River Valley Field Office site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Thompson Creek Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fee for camping at Thompson Creek Campground.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(970) 876-9000BLM_CO_SI_CRVFO_Webmail@blm.gov
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What Campers Say

3.50

Mixed Reviews

Based on 8 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadelocationhikingsites

"User reviews emphasize the remote and underdeveloped nature of the campground. While some users appreciate the natural beauty and the hiking opportunities, others highlight significant drawbacks, including poor road conditions and lack of facilities. One reviewer said, 'I'd give it 5 stars if the road wasn't beat down by four wheelers.' Another mentioned issues with trash and human waste: 'It was sad to see toilet paper and beer cans left in the open.'"

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652, USA

Thompson Creek Campground

2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652, USA

Driving directionsThe campground is located along Thompson Creek. Go west on State Highway 133 in the town of Carbondale. At the roundabout take Main Street (County Road 108) which turns into North Thompson Creek Road. Parking for the Lorax trail head is approximately 4 miles up on the left. Travel 3.2 additional miles and turn left on to South Thompson Creek Road which leads you to the campground along the creek. The road is not marked to turn. The campsites are approximately 2.1 miles from the turn.
Access is challenging and not recommended during wet or snowy conditions. "The road is absolutely treacherous," one review states, while another mentions, "The road isn't drivable even with a little rain." It is advised to park legally and walk to the campsite if the road conditions are poor.
Nearby places
Carbondale: Approximately 9 miles southwest. Silt: Location of Colorado River Valley Field Office.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries and fuel, can be found in Carbondale, approximately 9 miles northeast from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Thompson Creek Campground

Thompson Creek transforms with the seasons, from winter's crystalline embrace when light snow dusts the landscape and temperatures plunge into frigid territory, to the gentle warmth of spring and summer when the creek runs full and the canopy bursts with life. Prime camping conditions grace the area from April through August, when moderate temperatures and longer days invite exploration. Winter adventurers will find a stark beauty here, though bone-chilling temperatures and snow require serious cold-weather preparation.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Access best during dry summer months; April–Aug noted as peak season with 7-day limit.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Scenic in shoulder seasons but accessibility can be variable after rain; mixed reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Spring can be muddy with impassable roads after rain; access and reviews noted issues.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winters bring snow and frigid temps; reviewers cite road impassability in bad weather.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April-August is likely peak season based on the 7-day stay limit during this period.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned.

About Thompson Creek Campground

Nestled deep within the Thompson Creek Recreation Management Area, Thompson Creek Campground beckons to those seeking true wilderness solitude. Four intimate campsites line the gentle banks of Thompson Creek, each sheltered beneath a natural canopy that filters dappled sunlight throughout the day. This is camping at its most elemental – where metal fire rings mark your temporary home and the babbling creek provides nature's soundtrack. With no restrooms, picnic tables, or waste facilities, this primitive paradise demands self-sufficiency and a leave-no-trace ethic. The rugged access road tests your vehicle's mettle, but rewards the determined with an untouched sanctuary far from civilization's reach.
Thompson Creek Campground offers primitive camping with a focus on enjoying the natural surroundings. The campground is extremely basic, with no restrooms, picnic tables, or water sources. There are 4 designated campsites along the creek.
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Stay Limit
April-August: 7 Days, September-March: 14 Days.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The Thompson Creek Campground offers opportunities for hiking and enjoying nature. The nearby Lorax Trail is a popular non-motorized route on the north end of the Thompson Creek Recreation Management Area. The Thompson Creek Trail, which runs near the campground, allows visitors to explore the unique geologic 'fin' formations. Access to the area is limited during wet or snowy conditions.
HikingThe Thompson Creek Trail and the Lorax Trail provide hiking opportunities, with the latter being described as a popular non-motorized route.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rough road conditions, lack of waste disposal (contamination risk), and wildlife. One review mentions animals breaking into tents.
Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Thompson Creek Campground

Reviews

3.5
8 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Thompson Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the remote and underdeveloped nature of the campground. While some users appreciate the natural beauty and the hiking opportunities, others highlight significant drawbacks, including poor road conditions and lack of facilities. One reviewer said, 'I'd give it 5 stars if the road wasn't beat down by four wheelers.' Another mentioned issues with trash and human waste: 'It was sad to see toilet paper and beer cans left in the open.'
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is praised for its scenic beauty and the unique geologic formations visible from the hiking trails. The creekside location and shaded campsites are also appreciated.
Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Several users have complained about the road conditions leading to the campground, describing them as 'treacherous' and 'not drivable even with a little rain.' The lack of facilities, including...
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Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to come prepared for a primitive experience, including packing out all waste. It is recommended to park in a safe, legal location and walk to the campsites due to poor road...
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Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Many negative reviews were tied to weather conditions, particularly when the road became impassable after rain. The campground's accessibility appears to be best during dry summer months.
Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'I'd give it 5 stars if the road wasn't beat down by four wheelers.' 2. 'The road is terrible. Also, wish people picked up after themselves.' 3. 'Road was absolutely treacherous. We got stuck and...
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Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews or details about individual campsites within the campground were provided.
Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews directly addressing accessibility features were included.
Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specific to pet policies or experiences were provided.
Based on 8 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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