Heaton Bay Campground

Silverthorne, CO

4.6(366 reviews)

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About this campground

Heaton Bay Campground near Silverthorne, CO. Heaton Bay Campground is situated at an elevation of 9,000 feet and centrally located for recreation and relaxation in the White River National Forest. There is little or no shade in the campground due to pine beetle infestation and the removal of hazard trees, but the sites offer open views to Dillon Reservoir and several mountain ranges. Heaton Bay Campground is located on the shores of Lake Dillon between Frisco and Dillon along the Dillon Dam Road. This is a very central location in Summit County to enjoy the many activities in the area such as hiking, biking, fishing, boating and picnicking. Lake Dillon is surrounded by mountains including the Tenmile Range, Gore Range and Continental Divide. The setting is spectacular and this is a great place to enjoy your vacation.

Heaton Bay Campground has 87 sites, able to accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Walk-in only tent sites available of a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. Guests can fill their RV tanks. Electrical hook-ups are available for a fee at several of the sites. Firewood is for sale from hosts at the campground. Boat ramp access is available in the marinas located in the nearby towns of Frisco and Dillon.

In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.

Dillon Reservoir is 3,233 acres with 26.8 miles of shoreline, offering an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and sailing. The reservoir supports a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout, in addition to a few cutthroat finding their way into the lake from feeder streams. Opportunities for hiking and biking in this area include more than 7 paved miles of the 50-mile Summit County trail system. The Old Dillon Reservoir Trail is a favorite. This short, easy trail has spectacular views of the Tenmile Range and the Continental Divide. For those wanting a bit more solitude, hiking in the Ptarmigan Wilderness area is a wonderful escape from the crowds.

What campers say

Heaton Bay Campground sits beside Dillon Reservoir with frequently praised mountain and water views, close access to town and extensive bike trails. Campsites are generally quiet, wooded and well kept; hosts are noted as friendly and facilities include vault toilets, daily-maintained restrooms and bear-proof storage. Practical tradeoffs exist: water and electrical hookups are limited (Loop C only), some sites are a hike from parking, low reservoir levels have reduced shoreline access in parts of the park, and noise from I‑70 is noticeable at certain sites. Sites can be tight for long RVs and it can be windy, so plan accordingly.

Our summary of 366 traveler reviews.