Prospector

Star4.38
901 reviews
WHITE RIVER
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

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website
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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
Prospector
$27.00 - $27.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates for standard non-electric sites are $27/night from May 20 to October 1, 2025. Discounts may apply for accepted senior passes....
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Standard Site Fee$27.00
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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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 901 reviews

336 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlocationfriendly

Some mention

noise

"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."

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Campground Map

WHITE RIVER

Prospector

WHITE RIVER

Driving directionsFrom I-70, take the Silverthorne exit 205. Travel east on Highway 6, approximately 4 miles to Swan Mountain Road. Turn right and travel for 2 miles to Prospector and Windy Point Campground sign. Take dirt road 1 mile to campground entrance.
Compact dirt road approximately half a mile into the campground; washboard texture reported by users. "Road leading into the campground is very bad," mentioned by one reviewer, but others state it's manageable at low speed.
Nearby places
Silverthorne (approx. 6 miles), Frisco (approx. 10 miles), Dillon (approx. 5 miles), Breckenridge (approx. 15 miles), Keystone (approx. 8 miles)
Nearby supplies
Nearby towns like Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne offer groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and essentials. "Close to town if needed, Walmart, grocery stores, and REI not far away," noted by a reviewer.

Best Time to Camp at Prospector

The thin mountain air at Prospector brings its own unique character to your camping experience. Even during the height of summer, Mother Nature reminds visitors of the high-altitude environment with crisp, sometimes freezing nights that make for perfect sleeping weather under countless stars. July and August campers regularly wake to frost-kissed mornings before the sun warms the landscape. The dry climate and moderate mountain breezes create ideal conditions for hiking and outdoor activities, though layers are essential as temperatures can swing dramatically between day and night.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Peak season with many activities, but reviewers note overcrowding and noise in summer.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 16% in CO

Fall offers quieter stays, cooler temps, and preserved scenic views per review trends.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 20, so late-spring access with chilly, high-altitude conditions and limited seasonality.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 1–May 20; winter camping unavailable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 20, 2025 - October 1, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 20, 2025, through October 1, 2025 (reservable dates start June 22, 2025).
  • Current Alerts: Water source intermittently unavailable; potable water typically available but often locked due to drought or usage restrictions.

About Prospector

Perched at 9,000 feet above sea level, Prospector Campground commands breathtaking panoramic views of the shimmering Dillon Reservoir and the majestic peaks that cradle this alpine sanctuary. This versatile campground welcomes adventurers with tents, trailers, and RVs alike, offering front-row seats to Colorado's high-country splendor. While recent pine beetle management has created an open, sun-drenched landscape perfect for stargazing, visitors should come prepared with shade structures. The reservoir maintains strict regulations prohibiting swimming, water skiing, and jet skiing to preserve its pristine waters.
This large campground accommodates various camping styles, including RV and tent camping. Group camping is also supported with designated sites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out required by noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay limited to 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

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.
HikingHiking options include the Old Dillon Reservoir Trail, offering views of the Tenmile Range and Continental Divide. Trails in the Ptarmigan Wilderness provide solitude.
FishingFishing is available in Dillon Reservoir, which houses rainbow trout, brown trout, and occasional cutthroat trout.
BikingThe campground connects to over 7 paved miles of the 50-mile Summit County trail system, ideal for biking.
BoatingBoating is permitted in Dillon Reservoir, with docks available in nearby Frisco and Dillon. Suitable for non-motorized and motorized activities.
Wildlife viewingWildlife includes bighorn sheep, elk, and alpine species like ptarmigan. Birdwatching is also popular.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep trails down to the reservoir reported as treacherous and challenging. Bear activity requires food storage in vehicles. Washboard roads into the campground present limited access challenges.
Active AlertsWater source intermittently unavailable; potable water typically available but often locked due to drought or usage restrictions.

Weather at Prospector

Reviews

4.4
901 reviews
Recommended
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

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...
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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...
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Based on 901 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 58 in Loop D is noted for its stunning lake views, while site 23 offers spacious accommodations. Site 99 in Loop E is a short walk from Dillon Reservoir.
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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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