Silver Dollar
4.38146 reviewsLEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO, 80461, USA
Quick Facts
10,000 ftPrice
$30/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
43 campsites
Season
Open May 23, 2025 - ...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
10,000 ftPrice
$30/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
43 campsites
Season
Open May 23, 2025 - ...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsSilver Dollar
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rate for campsites during peak season is $30. Extra vehicle fee is $10. Reservations can be made online for a service fee ($8 online, $9 via...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$30.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider719-486-0749
What Campers Say
4.38
Recommended
Based on 146 reviews
86 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanshadespacioushiking
Some mention
noise
"Silver Dollar Campground is widely praised for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and proximity to Turquoise Lake. Visitors frequently mention the helpfulness of the camp host, Trudy, and note that the campground is quiet and family-friendly. However, recurring complaints include the lack of running water and occasional noise from generators or other campers."
Fees & Passes at Silver Dollar
$30/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay is 14 nights.
Cancellation: Individual campsite cancellations up to 2 days before reservation start date incur a $10 cancellatio...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Rocky Mountain Recreation website.
Best Time to Camp at Silver Dollar
Experience the dramatic dance of mountain weather at Silver Dollar, where summer days warm to a comfortable 26°C (79°F) before plunging to crisp 6°C (43°F) nights that demand cozy sleeping bags and crackling campfires. Even in July and August, Mother Nature occasionally dusts the peaks with surprise snowflakes or sends afternoon thunderstorms rolling through the valleys. Winter transforms this landscape into a frozen wonderland, with frigid temperatures that remind visitors of the raw power of the Rocky Mountains.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025 (reservable), September 1, 2025 - September 20, 2025 (first-come, first-served).
- Current Alerts: Water will not be available in this campground in 2025. RV dump station is also closed.
About Silver Dollar
Perched on the pristine shores of Turquoise Lake, Silver Dollar Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its collection of thoughtfully spaced single-family campsites, each featuring its own picnic table and campfire ring for quintessential mountain evenings. This high-altitude haven transforms into a buzzing basecamp during summer months, where adventurers launch expeditions onto scenic hiking trails, cast lines into crystal-clear waters teeming with trout, and glide across the lake's sapphire surface in boats and kayaks.
Silver Dollar Campground offers a mix of camping options, including sites suitable for tents, RVs, and groups.
Historical SignificanceSilver Dollar Campground sits along the legendary Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway, a historic corridor that has carried everyone from Ute tribes to silver miners through these majestic peaks. Just miles from the storied Independence Pass and straddling the Continental Divide, this area tells the tale of America's westward expansion and the enduring allure of Colorado's high country. Every vista here whispers stories of prospectors, pioneers, and the timeless journey over the backbone of North America.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of mountain weather at Silver Dollar, where summer days warm to a comfortable 26°C (79°F) before plunging to crisp 6°C (43°F) nights that demand cozy sleeping bags and crackling campfires. Even in July and August, Mother Nature occasionally dusts the peaks with surprise snowflakes or sends afternoon thunderstorms rolling through the valleys. Winter transforms this landscape into a frozen wonderland, with frigid temperatures that remind visitors of the raw power of the Rocky Mountains.
ElevationAt a breathtaking 10,000 feet above sea level, Silver Dollar Campground offers a true alpine experience that literally takes your breath away. This lofty perch means visitors should pace themselves during the first few days, drink plenty of water, and listen to their bodies as they acclimate to the thin mountain air. The reward for adjusting to this elevation? Crystalline air, brilliant starry nights, and the satisfaction of camping nearly two miles high in the Colorado sky.
Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by towering lodgepole pines and aromatic subalpine firs, Silver Dollar Campground feels like nature's own cathedral, with sunlight filtering through the evergreen canopy to dapple the forest floor. The shimmering expanse of Turquoise Lake stretches before you, its mineral-rich waters living up to their gemstone name. Beyond the treeline, the mighty Mount Massive Wilderness Area rises dramatically, showcasing alpine meadows painted with wildflowers, ancient rock faces, and gleaming permanent snowfields that feed the streams below.
Geological RegionSilver Dollar Campground occupies a spectacular geological theater where ancient forces sculpted Turquoise Lake into its current jewel-like form, cradled at 10,000 feet among dense stands of lodgepole pine and subalpine fir. This remarkable landscape sits on the doorstep of the Mount Massive Wilderness Area, where exposed granite tells a billion-year story and alpine plant communities cling tenaciously to windswept ridges. Above the treeline, permanent snowfields glisten year-round, feeding the crystalline waters below and creating a living museum of Colorado's geological heritage.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no detailed accessibility information provided, but the mention of gravel and dirt parking spurs suggests limited accessibility for mobility-impaired individuals.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, with some accommodating large RVs and family setups, including room for multiple tents.
Sites PrivacyMany sites offer good privacy, especially those on the outside of the loop, while others are closer together, particularly on the inside of the loop.
Total Campsites43 campsites
Recommended CampsitesOpt for sites on the outer loop such as #43 for better spacing and minimal neighbor disturbance. Avoid heavily sloped sites if camping with RVs.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests per site.
Groups
There is no specific mention of designated group campsites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground layout consists of loops with campsites spaced variably. Outer loops offer more privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025 (reservable), September 1, 2025 - September 20, 2025 (first-come, first-served).
Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable from September 1, 2025 - September 20, 2025, during the first-come, first-served season.
Cancellation PolicyIndividual campsite cancellations up to 2 days before reservation start date incur a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations or no-shows forfeit the first night's recreation fee and service charges.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Silver Dollar Campground offers a variety of recreational activities. Hiking trails, such as the 1.2-mile Turquoise Lake Nature Trail, and the 6.4-mile Turquoise Lake Trail, provide opportunities for all skill levels. The nearby lake is a hub for water activities like boating, kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding. Wildlife observation and mountain biking are also popular.
Hiking
The 1.2-mile Turquoise Lake Nature Trail is easy and connects to the longer 6.4-mile Turquoise Lake Trail. These trails offer scenic views, access to the shoreline, and opportunities to learn about local flora and fauna.Fishing
Fishing is available at Turquoise Lake, where anglers can catch stocked cutthroat, rainbow, brown, and lake trout.Biking
Campers frequently mentioned mountain biking on trails around the lake, including the beginner-friendly Turquoise Lake Nature Trail.Boating
Boating, sailing, and canoeing are popular, with a nearby Matchless Boat Ramp providing convenient access.Wildlife viewing
Common wildlife sightings include squirrels and birds, particularly in the morning hours.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are described.Water Sports
Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular water sports at Turquoise Lake during the summer season.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings. Fires must be fully extinguished before departure.
- Quiet hours start at 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include bears (bear-aware practices required), high altitude sickness, and uneven/sloped campsites.
Active alertsWater will not be available in this campground in 2025. RV dump station is also closed.
Weather at Silver Dollar
9
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 59%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include the hospital, police station, and ranger station in Leadville, approximately 6 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is provided at the campground. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Turquoise Lake with easy trail access. Boat ramp available at Matchless Boat Ramp.
Common complaintsSome complaints mention sloped campsites, occasional noise disturbances from generators, and lack of running water.
HostCampground hosts are noted for their friendliness and helpfulness, with many positive mentions of hosts Trudy and David.
Campground Map
LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO, 80461, USA
Driving directionsFrom Leadville, Colorado, drive west on County Road 4 and follow signs to the Turquoise Lake Recreation Area. Turn right on County Road 9C and follow to the campground entrance on the right.
Roads to the campground are accessible from major highways and are clearly marked. County Road 4 is paved, while County Road 9C may have gravel or dirt sections. There are no reported seasonal closures, but higher elevation driving cautions are recommended.Nearby places
Leadville (approximately 6 miles away, 15 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Leadville, located roughly 6 miles away from the campground.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
146 reviews
Silver Dollar is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Silver Dollar Campground is widely praised for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and proximity to Turquoise Lake. Visitors frequently mention the helpfulness of the camp host, Trudy, and note that the campground is quiet and family-friendly. However, recurring complaints include the lack of running water and occasional noise from generators or other campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 146 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the clean and well-maintained facilities, the spacious and shaded campsites, the friendly and accommodating camp host, and the proximity to hiking trails and the lake.
Based on 146 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include the lack of running water, occasional odors from vault toilets, uneven or inclined campsites, and noise from generators or rowdy campers. Some found the reservation system...
Based on 146 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing sufficient water due to the lack of running water, choosing sites on the outside of the loop for more privacy, and preparing for mosquitoes with repellant. They also...
Based on 146 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular time to visit, with many activities available and the lake as a central attraction. However, the campground can get crowded, leading to noise complaints. Fall offers...
Based on 146 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The host was notably kind and helpful, and the toilets were clean and always filled with toilet paper." - Abigail H.; "Great place for dogs, campsites were spaced out enough to feel private." -...
Based on 146 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 018 is noted for requiring entry from the opposite direction of the one-way road; Site 043 has privacy but requires leveling for trailers; Site 007 is close to the lake and good for fishing.
Based on 146 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility, but gravel and dirt roads might pose challenges for those with mobility issues.
Based on 146 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and users noted the campground is dog-friendly. "Great place for dogs," said Kimberly McRae.
Based on 146 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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