Perched at 10,500 feet along US-550, this 61-site USFS campground delivers alpine camping with postcard views of the Needle Mountains. Sites are scattered around a small lake with decent spacing, though summer weekends pack out fast with Colorado Trail hikers and Jeep tourists. Fire restrictions common during dry spells, and nights drop below freezing even in July.
Access is straight off the Million Dollar Highway — paved all the way but steep grades. Open June through September weather permitting. No hookups but vault toilets and hand-pump water. Reserve ahead or roll the dice on first-come sites after Labor Day.
Alpine camping at 10,500 feet with Needle Mountain views
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | Molas Lake Trail, Colorado Get directions → |
| Elevation (ft) | 10500 ft |
| Nearest town | Silverton, CO |
| Miles from pavement | 0 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | None |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 61 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $26.00 / night |
| Reservation required | Yes — Reservation site |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | June-September |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Fire ring, Picnic table, Toilets |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |