About this campground
South Mineral Campground, located along South Mineral Creek, is one of the most popular campgrounds in the San Juan National Forest. The campground has 26 sites, all of which are first-come, first-serve. Most campsites are shaded and well-spaced thanks to spruce and fir trees. Some sites are handicapped accessible. Some sites have large parking areas. Services include water, trash pickup, fire grates, picnic tables, and pit toilets. Bear-safe food storage is recommended. No electricity. Between September and May, this campground has no services (water, electric, trash pick up or rest rooms). Please keep them clean and pack it out. Nearby peaks have cliffs of brilliant color-contrasting reds and grays. A waterfall on the creek just upstream from the campground adds to the attraction of the area. But the main attraction is the trail adjacent to the campground, Ice Lake Trail, a strenuous, steep, and popular hike.
Getting there
From Silverton: Follow Hwy 550 two miles west of Silverton. Turn left (west) and follow Forest Road 585 for 4 miles to the campground entrance. The road parallels South Mineral Creek the creek, and is driveable by 2WD. Just past the campground, the road becomes 4WD. South Mineral Campground is the last developed camping area along U.S. Highway 550 on the San Juan National Forest. Driving off-road is prohibited, but many other 4WD roads in the Silverton and Red Mountain Pass areas are open to motorized use. South Mineral Campground area map
Activities
- CAMPING
- RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
Nearby federal campgrounds
- MatterhornGrand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest6 mi
- Matterhorn CabinGrand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest6 mi
- Cross Mountain TrailheadSan Juan National Forest9 mi
- Cayton CampgroundSan Juan National Forest11 mi
- Animas ForksBureau of Land Management14 mi
- Amphitheater (Co)Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest16 mi
Explore more Colorado camping
South Mineral Campground doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Colorado campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse Colorado camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.