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ATTENTION: There is no water available at the campground until further notice. Visitors must bring their own drinking water. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Please Advise: Campgrounds, picnic areas, group facilities and boat ramps around Turquoise Lake will have water system and electric service improvement work beginning early May 2013 for approximately 5 weeks (weather permitting). Visitors may see and hear construction equipment (Mon-Thurs only). Every effort will be made to minimize impact on our visitors.
Status: Open through Mon Sep 02 2013   Season Dates
39 site(s) found

Overview

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

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 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. A boat ramp is located nearby.

Facilities:

The campground offers single-family sites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Some sites also have grills and tent pads. Vault toilets, drinking water, trash collection and recycling services are provided. Firewood is available for purchase from the host. Parking spurs are gravel or dirt.

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.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
  • Campfire Rings
  • Drinking Water
  • Firewood Vendor
  • Grills
  • Hiking
  • Historic Sites
  • Host
  • Lake Access
  • Recycling
  • Self Pay Station
  • Swimming
  • Tables
  • Tent Pads
  • Trash Collection
  • Vault Toilets
Less Than 1 Mile
  • Boat Ramp
  • Boating
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Sailing
  • Scenic Overlooks
  • Water Skiing
Know Before You Go
  • Thunderstorms are common; take extra precautions for lightning
  • This is a high elevation facility; please use caution when traveling from lower elevations
  • Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating
  • This facility has first-come, first-served sites
  • $5 nightly fee charged for additional vehicles (single sites over 1 vehicle, double sites over 2 vehicles)
  • No hookups available
  • Click here for more information on Pike and San Isabel National Forests

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
39.26222, -106.35278
39°15'44"N, 106°21'10"W

From Leadville, Colorado, drive west on County Road 4 and follow signs to the Turquoise Lake Recreation Area. Follow County Road 9C to the campground entrance.

Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

SILVER DOLLAR
LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT
LEADVILLE CO 80461

Phone Number:

Information: (719)486-0749
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