Prospector Campground

Dillon, CO

4.5(398 reviews)

About this campground

Prospector Campground near Dillon, CO. At an elevation of 9,000 feet, Prospector Campground is in the heart of Summit County in the White River National Forest. The sites offer open views to Dillon Reservoir and several mountain ranges, an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation. Due to the pine beetle infestation and removal of hazard trees, there is little or no shade in the campground.  Prospector Campground is located on Dillon Reservoir in the heart of Summit County between Keystone and Frisco on Swan Mountain Road. The reservoir is encircled by Swan Mountain and the dramatic Gore and Tenmile mountain ranges. In addition to boating, there is a variety of activities including camping, fishing, picnicking, bicycling, and hiking. Water contact including swimming, water skiing and SCUBA diving are prohibited.
Prospector Campground has 105 sites, able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Roads and spurs are not paved. The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. No electrical hook-ups are available. 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, often referred to as Lake Dillon, is the greatest draw to this campground. At 3,233 acres and 26.8 miles of shoreline, Dillon Reservoir is an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and sailing. The reservoir supports a healthy population of rainbow trout and brown trout. Occasionally, a few cutthroat trout make their way into the lake from feeder streams. Opportunities for hiking and biking include more than 7 paved miles of the 50-mile Summit County trail system. From the reservoir, the Old Dillon Reservoir trail is a favorite. This short, easy trail has spectacular views of the Tenmile Range and the Continental Divide. The Old Dillon Reservoir was built in the 1930s to supply water to the original town of Dillon, which is now covered by the new Dillon Reservoir. For those wanting a bit more solitude, hiking in the Ptarmigan Wilderness area is a wonderful escape from the crowds.

What campers say

Prospector Campground sits on Lake Dillon with strong scenery, easy lake access and several shoreline trails. Sites are generally clean, well maintained and fairly close to each other; vault toilets, scattered water spigots, trash bins, and an attentive host are available. Road in has some rocks and potholes and several sites are narrow or unsuitable for large RVs, so check dimensions. Water supply has been reported as iron-stained or unreliable—bring potable water or plan to refill in Frisco/Dillon. Expect variable noise levels (groups, generators, off‑leash dogs) at times and secure food for bears. Cell service is typically usable.

Our summary of 398 traveler reviews.

Amenities

Sites

  • Back-In

Setting

  • Mountains
  • Forest
  • Lake

More

  • .GOV
  • .RECREATION
  • Bathrooms
  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Campfire
  • Canoeing
  • Dirt
  • Dogs
  • Family Friendly
  • Firepits
  • Fishing
  • Forest Service
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • National Forest
  • Park
  • Pets
  • Primitive
  • Public Park
  • Pull-In
  • Pull-thru
  • Rural
  • RV
  • Scenic
  • Seasonal
  • Shade
  • Tents
  • Tourist
  • Trails
  • Trees
  • US Forest Service
  • Walking Trail
  • Water
  • Wildlife

398 reviews

Photos

Location

Address
Swan Mountain Rd, Dillon, CO 80435
GPS
39.6002° N, 106.0449° W

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