How much does camping cost at Prospector?

Camping fees at Prospector range from $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. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

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 22% in COFall

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Colorado

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Prospector

$27.00 - $27.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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

I manage this campground

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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 22% in CO

Fall described as best: crisp days, aspen gold, elk rut and far fewer people than July weekends.

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).

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

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

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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

Activities you can enjoy

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our 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

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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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

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Go if

You want high-elevation scenery near Dillon Reservoir with good trail access and fall wildlife viewing.

Skip if

You need quiet enforcement on busy weekends or want to avoid potential noise from neighboring campers.

Nearby Campgrounds

Lowry Campground sits at high elevation near Dillon Reservoir in White River National Forest, operated by the Dillon Ranger District. The small alpine campground offers electric hookups, vault toilets, and potable water for tent and RV campers. Visitors hike forest trails, fish and boat on the reservoir, and watch for wildlife against a backdrop of mountain views.