How much does camping cost at Prospector?

Camping fees at Prospector are $27/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Prospector first-come first-served or reservation?

Prospector accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Prospector before I book?

Yes! Prospector has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

What is the best time to visit Prospector?

Prospector is open May 20 to October 01. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Prospector?

Prospector does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Prospector?

Cell phone service at Prospector is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Prospector have?

Prospector has 105 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Prospector?

Yes, pets are allowed at Prospector. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Prospector?

Prospector offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Prospector

Q: Can I have a campfire at Prospector?

Fire policies at Prospector: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.38

901 reviews

WHITE RIVER

Top 19% in COFall

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

B-Report Card

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$27/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

105 campsites

Season

Open May 20, 2025, t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$27/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

105 campsites

Season

Open May 20, 2025, t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Prospector

$27.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $27.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-468-7681Help.WhiteRiver.Dillon@AmericanLL.com

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Prospector

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

WHITE RIVER

Prospector

WHITE RIVER

Nearby places

Silverthorne (approx. 6 miles), Frisco (approx. 10 miles), Dillon (approx. 5 miles), Breckenridge (approx. 15 miles), Keystone (approx. 8 miles)

Weather at Prospector

Current alerts(12)

Any accepted senior passes must be entered for the discount at the time of booking for single sites only.
Body contact with reservoir prohibited; no swimming, water skiing, jetskiing, or scuba diving in the lake
Campers may leave the site for 24 hours and must occupy the site otherwise. This allows a camper to say go for an overnight backpack trip in the woods for one night and come back to their campsite the next day.
Campers must occupy the site the first night at a campsite. This prevents booking the site for Fri-Sun and showing up on Saturday.

Best Time to Camp at Prospector

Best season: fall. Fall offers crisp, clear days and spectacular alpine color at 9,000 ft — expect daytime highs in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F and nights that commonly dip below freezing. Trails are at their most pleasant for hiking and biking, fishing is productive as waters cool, and wildlife viewing peaks with elk rut activity in September; crowds are much lighter than July weekends. The campground's open season through Oct 1 means you can catch peak color and stargazing without the high summer traffic. Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in CO

Overview calls fall 'best season' for alpine color, crisp days, and quieter visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 20 to October 01. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 20, 2025, through October 1, 2025 (reservable dates start June 22, 2025).

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Prospector

Prospector sits at 9,000 feet in White River National Forest with views of Dillon Reservoir and surrounding peaks. This large Recreation.gov campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites during peak season, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors hike and bike nearby trails, fish cooling fall waters, and watch for elk during September rut activity.

This large campground accommodates various camping styles, including RV and tent camping. Group camping is also supported with designated sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers crisp, clear days and spectacular alpine color at 9,000 ft — expect daytime highs in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F and nights that commonly dip below freezing. Trails are at their most pleasant for hiking and biking, fishing is productive as waters cool, and wildlife viewing peaks with elk rut activity in September; crowds are much lighter than July weekends. The campground's open season through Oct 1 means you can catch peak color and stargazing without the high summer traffic. Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9000 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground overlooks Dillon Reservoir from its high-altitude perch, with views of the Continental Divide peaks to the west. Young pines are scattered across the terrain, slowly reclaiming ground after beetle kill. Bull elk graze nearby meadows and bighorn sheep navigate the rocky slopes. Mountain streams around the area hold native trout. The elevation and open terrain create dramatic temperature swings and brilliant star displays after dark.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel or luxury accommodations are available. This campground caters to tent and RV campers.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information on cultural or educational programs was provided.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay limited to 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One RV with tow per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites accommodate one extra vehicle.

Groups

Group campsites may accommodate multiple people and vehicles, but exact limits are not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, app, or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited but include large campsites and pathways to vault toilets. However, steep trails to water may be challenging for some.

Site SizeStandard to large sites available. Many can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet.

PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy, with some separated by young pines. Loops D and E provide more space and better views.

Total Campsites105 campsites

Recommended SitesLoop D has incredible views,' 'Site 58 has stunning views and direct trail access to the lake.' Many reviewers recommend bringing shade canopies due to lack of tree cover.

Best CampsitesLoop D has the lake view sites. Site 58 gets mentioned specifically for stunning reservoir and mountain views. Loops D and E generally offer more space and better views than the lower loops. Sites vary in privacy, with young pines providing separation in some areas but not all.

Need help booking Prospector?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Prospector Campground, located in White River National Forest at an elevation of 9,000 feet, offers basic yet functional amenities. The campground includes vault toilets, potable water spigots, picnic tables, and fire rings. Roads and spurs are unpaved. Visitors can purchase firewood on-site for $7 per bundle. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups. Cell service is decent with both Verizon and AT&T, though some specific user reviews note occasional issues with water availability.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Prospector

Prospector Campground provides a range of outdoor activities. Visitors frequently enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to Dillon Reservoir offers opportunities for boating, though swimming is not allowed.

Hiking4.0/5

Fishing4.0/5

Fishing in Dillon Reservoir (rainbow, brown, occasional cutthroat) with lake access noted in activities.

Biking4.0/5Top 18% in Colorado

Connects to >7 paved miles of a 50-mile Summit County trail system; many positive biking mentions.

Boating4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Bull elk, bighorn sheep, ptarmigan present; elk rut viewing in September highlighted.

Water Sports4.0/5

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/59,000 ft elevation and open views favor night sky viewing, though proximity to towns and summer crowds may reduce darkness.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush Toilets"Flush toilets are not available. Visitors highlight clean and well-maintained vault toilets."

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available, but no recycling facilities are noted. Campers should prepare to pack out recyclables.

Cell CoverageCell service is generally good, with Verizon and AT&T providing coverage. Multiple reviews confirm usability, but some users reported inconsistent water availability.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

Rate Prospector

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.4

901 reviews

Recommended

Prospector is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Prospector Campground enjoys an average sentiment of 4.3 among visitors. It is praised for its scenic views, cleanliness, and proximity to Dillon Reservoir, though some reviewers noted issues with noise and quiet hour enforcement.

Review Summaries

Based on 901 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 901 reviews.

Site 58Loved
Site 58 in Loop D is noted for its stunning lake views, while site 23 offers spacious accommodations.
Site 99Mentioned
Site 99 in Loop E is a short walk from Dillon Reservoir.

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean facilities, friendly hosts, and breathtaking views of Dillon Reservoir and surrounding peaks. The location is also described as convenient for accessing nearby towns and...

Based on 901 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints involve noise from other campers, lack of shade due to tree clearing, and occasional issues with water availability. Some users also criticized the lack of quiet hour enforcement.

Based on 901 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure better sites, especially in Loop D for lake views. Bring extra water, as on-site sources may be inconsistent. A shade canopy is recommended for sites without tree cover.

Based on 901 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the busiest season, with some complaints about overcrowding and noise. Fall offers quieter stays with cooler temperatures.

Based on 901 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "The cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever experienced." - "Amazing views of the Tenmile Range and Dillon Reservoir." - "Bring your own water; the taps were locked during our visit." - "Friendly hosts...

Based on 901 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews suggest limited accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges due to steep trails and unpaved roads.

Based on 901 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and visitors mention enjoying trails with their dogs. However, some noted issues with off-leash dogs.

Based on 901 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Prospector

$27.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $27.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-468-7681Help.WhiteRiver.Dillon@AmericanLL.com

Go if

you want lake views, easy reservoir access, and a well-kept campground, especially at sites like 58, 23, or 99

Skip if

you're a light sleeper who needs strictly enforced quiet hours

Nearby alternatives

Three hand-reasoned picks from nearby campgrounds — one per reason you might prefer it over this spot.

Campgrounds you may also like

4.2

(75)

Prairie Point Campground (Co)

Dillon Ranger District, 680 Blue River Highway, Silverthorne, CO 80468

Prairie Point Campground sits at high elevation near Green Mountain Reservoir in White River National Forest, just outside Silverthorne. Vista Recreation operates this small, budget-friendly site with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers come for reservoir access, fishing, boating, and summer wildflower hikes.

Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground

1000 Highway 36, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA

Glacier Basin Campground sits at high elevation in Rocky Mountain National Park, operated by the National Park Service and offering direct access to Bear Lake shuttle routes and alpine trailheads. This large campground serves as a base for hiking to Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, and Continental Divide routes, with flush toilets, a dump station, and ranger support. Sites accommodate tents, RVs, and groups, with fire rings and picnic tables throughout.

$35.00 - $70.00 / night

3.9

(59)

Dry Lake Campground (Co)

Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District, 925 Weiss Drive, Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Dry Lake Campground sits in the high-elevation alpine terrain of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests near Steamboat Springs, operated by the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District. This small, seasonal campground accommodates tent and RV campers with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for hiking and biking access in a peaceful setting known for fall aspen color and wildlife viewing.

$26.00 - $50.00 / night

4.1

(16)

Dorchester Campground - Gunnison Rd

Dorchester Campground sits at 9,800 feet at the upper end of Taylor Park, where dense pine forests meet sagebrush valleys and the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness forms the skyline. The ten sites accommodate tents and smaller RVs on dirt and gravel aprons, with picnic tables and fire rings at each spot. Vault toilets are clean, but there's no potable water.

P.O. Box 74, Lake George, CO, 80827

Blue Mountain sits in the high-elevation alpine terrain near Lake George, Colorado, operated by Explorus as a seasonal campground serving visitors to the Pikes Peak region. The small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables, drawing campers who fish and hike Eleven Mile Canyon or explore nearby trails. Reviewers praise clean facilities and friendly hosts but note some sites have challenging slopes.

Lost Lake Campground-Paonia Rd

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

Lost Lake Campground sits at 9,300 feet in Gunnison National Forest's Paonia Ranger District, where three alpine lakes reflect the Ruby Mountain Range. The 18 first-come, first-served sites fill quickly on summer weekends, so arrive by 7:30 AM or earlier to claim a spot. Fees run $6–24 per night. No potable water, no cell service, no reservations.

$6.00 - $24.00 / night

3.9

(57)

Silver Lake Campground (Wy)

2171 Highway 130, PO Box 249, Saratoga, WY, 82331

Silver Lake Campground sits at 10,500 feet in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, a short walk from its namesake alpine lake. Operated by the USDA Forest Service, this small seasonal campground serves as a trailhead for cirque hikes and ridge routes, with wildflower displays peaking in mid-July. Campers fish the lake, watch for wildlife, and tolerate tight spacing and basic vault facilities in exchange for high-country access.

LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO 80461, USA

Lakeview Campground sits at 9,500 feet on the shore of Twin Lakes Reservoir near Leadville, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation. The large alpine campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, and guests can hike, fish for trout, boat, and swim in the cold reservoir water. Reviewers consistently praise the spacious sites, clean facilities, and helpful camp hosts, though some loops feel tighter and generator noise can be an issue.

9054 U.S Hwy 285, Morrison, CO 80465

Columbine Campground sits at 9,200 feet in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests near Central City, operated by American Land and Leisure. Large, well-maintained sites attract tent and RV campers seeking summer access to off-road trails, mountain biking routes, and fishing streams. Wildlife sightings—including moose—are common, and the campground serves as a staging area for OHV recreation along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway corridor.

Alpine Ranger Station

216 N. Colorado Street, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

Alpine Ranger Station sits in the high country of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest near Lake City, Colorado. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, this very small cabin rental offers a quiet base for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in alpine terrain. Fall brings peak conditions with golden aspen color, crisp weather, and active elk and deer movements.

TAYLOR PARK RES, GRAND MESA, ALMONT, CO 81210, USA

Lakeview Gunnison sits at 9,400 feet on the shore of Taylor Park Reservoir in the Gunnison National Forest, 15 miles from Almont. Recreation Resource Management of America operates this mid-sized campground with electric hookups, vault toilets, and a camp store. Campers fish for trout, launch boats into the reservoir, hike high-country trails, and watch for wildlife against a backdrop of the Sawatch Mountains.

$26.00 - $39.00 / night

4.4

(95)

Stagecoach Campground

Perched along the sparkling waters of Stagecoach Reservoir in Colorado's scenic Yampa Valley, this versatile campground delivers stunning Flat Tops mountain views and year-round adventure. Whether you're casting a line at sunrise, launching your boat on calm waters, or settling into a cozy winter campsite, multiple loops—including the electric-equipped Pinnacle area—offer both waterfront excitement and peaceful interior retreats.

LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO, 80461, USA

Silver Dollar sits on Turquoise Lake near Leadville, offering tent and RV camping at high elevation with access to boating, fishing, and trails into the Mount Massive Wilderness. Rocky Mountain Recreation operates this mid-sized campground seasonally during peak months, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campsites are shaded and spacious, though some sites slope, and reviewers note the absence of running water.

Stevens Creek Campground

29130 Hwy 50

Stevens Creek Campground sits on the shores of Blue Mesa Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area, about 20 miles west of Gunnison. This mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing on Colorado's largest body of water, with spacious sites and clean facilities maintained by friendly hosts.

Campgrounds

White River National Forest

Prospector

B-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 59% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 656 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade B+.Scenery
Grade B.Cleanliness
Grade B.Campsites

Watch-outs

Grade C-.Rules & policies
Grade C-.Crowds & noise
Grade C.Belonging

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Colorado grades overall

Prospector

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Prospector

Campground Map

Weather at Prospector

Current alerts(12)

Best Time to Camp at Prospector

Planning Tips

About Prospector

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Prospector?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Prospector

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Nearby alternatives

Heaton Bay

Peak One

Windy Point Group (Co)

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Ask Camp Sage about Prospector

Current alerts(12)

Best Time to Camp at Prospector

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Prospector?

Amenities available

Things to do at Prospector

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Nearby alternatives

Heaton Bay

Peak One

Windy Point Group (Co)