Campground

Silver Dollar

Near Leadville, Colorado

Silver Dollar Campground is situated near the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake in the shade of a lodgepole pine and subalpine fir forest. This family-friendly campground is a popular summer destination for boating, hiking and fishing.

Facilities

The campground offers single-family sites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and trash collection are provided. Firewood is available for purchase from the Host. Parking spurs are gravel or dirt.

Natural Features

Campsites are nestled in the forest within walking distance of the scenic lakeshore at 10,000 feet in elevation. The Mount Massive Wilderness Area is nearby. The 30,540-acre expanse encompasses Mount Massive, Colorado's second highest peak at 14,421 feet. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields.

Recreation

Hikers enjoy the 1.2-mile Turquoise Lake Nature Trail. The gentle path meanders through the forest and down to the shoreline of Turquoise Lake, and connects with the 6.4-mile Turquoise Lake Trail that parallels the shoreline from the Sugar Loaf Dam to May Queen Campground. Hikers can pick up a trail guide at the trailhead located near the entrance to Molly Brown Campground to learn about the flora and fauna along the path. On the lake, boating, sailing, canoeing and fishing are favorite activities. Anglers fish for stocked cutthroat, rainbow, brown and lake trout. Matchless Boat Ramp is located nearby.

Recreation Sites

Standard Nonelectric
Management
Overnight

Activities

Swimming Site
Water Sports
Hiking
Fishing
Camping
Historic & Cultural Site
Boating

Amenities

Accessible Vault Toilets
Campfire Rings
Firewood Vender
Host
Picnic Tables
Self Pay Station
Trash Collection

Nearby Attractions

Venture to Independence Pass for a scenic drive with breathtaking views of the Rockies and surrounding alpine tundra habitat. At 12,095 feet, it is one of the highest paved mountain passes in the country and marks where the Top of the Rockies National Scenic and Historic Byway crosses the Continental Divide.

Getting Here

Latitude

39° 15' 43.9999" N

Longitude

106° 21' 10.0001" W

From 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.

Need to Know

Water will NOT be available in this campground in 2025. Please bring enough water for your needs, including water to fully extinguish your campfire.

Also, the RV Dump Station at White Star will remain closed this season.

Check in: 2 pm, Check out: 12 pm (noon)

Maximum of 8 people are permitted to occupy 1 site.

3 tent maximum per site, or 1 RV and 2 tents.

Nightly fee includes parking for 2 vehicles. $11.00 nightly fee for a 3rd vehicle. An RV or Boat/ATV trailer is counted as 1 vehicle.

Dogs, including service and therapy dogs, must be leashed at all times.

Generators may not be operated after 10 PM. CPAP machines and other medical equipment are not exempt.

Be bear aware. Do not leave any food unattended at your site. Lock inside your vehicle or RV.

OHVs, ATVs, and dirt bikes are not permitted to operate in any campground

Firearms and fireworks are not permitted

No hookups available

This is a high elevation facility; please use caution when traveling from lower elevations

Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Click here for more information on Pike and San Isabel National Forests

Firewood is available for sale at host site for $10.00/bundle.