Hornsilver Campground
4.2311 reviewsUS Highway 24, 10 Miles South of Minturn, CO
Hornsilver Campground
$19.00 - $19.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$19.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$19 per day for each site. Pricing information aligns with the forest-wide campground table.
About this campground
Nestled along the scenic corridor of US Highway 24, Hornsilver Campground offers adventurous souls two distinct camping experiences in one rustic mountain retreat. The western section beckons with its gentle meadows alongside the babbling waters of Homestake Creek, where campers can fall asleep to nature's symphony. Cross the highway to discover the eastern section, where sites are tucked among towering lodgepole pines and ancient granite boulders, creating intimate camping alcoves elevated above the valley floor. This back-to-basics campground embraces its primitive charm—no running water or modern amenities here, just pure mountain wilderness waiting to be explored.
Hornsilver Campground accommodates tent and RV camping, offering 11 combined sites on a first-come, first-served basis. Primitive camping is available, but no RV-specific pull-through sites are provided.
Historical SignificanceWhile the surrounding peaks hold centuries of stories, Hornsilver Campground remains a quiet observer, letting the timeless wilderness speak for itself.
Weather and SeasonsFrom late May through early October, Hornsilver welcomes visitors to experience the dramatic moods of Colorado's high country. Summer days can be delightfully warm, reaching into the mid-70s, while nights remind you of your mountain locale with temperatures dipping near freezing. Early season campers in May and June might wake to a dusting of snow on their tents, while September visitors witness golden aspens against possible early winter flurries. This elevation demands respect—pack layers and be prepared for Mother Nature's quick costume changes.
ElevationPerched at 8,800 feet above sea level, Hornsilver Campground places you firmly in Colorado's thin-air territory. This lofty elevation offers crisp, pine-scented air and spectacular mountain vistas, though newcomers to altitude should take it easy their first day or two. Remember to hydrate frequently and listen to your body as you adjust to life nearly two miles closer to the stars.
Natural Features and SceneryHornsilver serves as your gateway to the untamed beauty of the Holy Cross Wilderness, where jagged peaks and pristine alpine lakes await the intrepid explorer. The melodic waters of Homestake Creek provide both a soothing soundtrack and excellent fishing opportunities for those hoping to land a native trout. Towering lodgepole pines create a natural cathedral, their straight trunks reaching skyward while massive boulders scattered throughout the eastern sites add dramatic geological punctuation to the landscape. Multiple trailheads nearby invite hikers to venture deeper into this protected wilderness, where each turn reveals another postcard-worthy vista.
Geological RegionCradled within the vast expanse of White River National Forest, Hornsilver Campground sits at the doorstep of the legendary Holy Cross Wilderness. This remarkable location showcases Colorado's geological diversity—from the water-carved valley where Homestake Creek flows through the western section to the elevated eastern terrain where ancient geological forces left behind a landscape of weathered granite boulders and resilient lodgepole pine forests. This is where the Rocky Mountains reveal their raw, unfiltered majesty.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available, providing some basic accessibility options.
Sites SizeParking spurs can accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet long, but precise campsite dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacyMixed privacy levels; sites on the west section are open and less secluded, whereas the east section provides more privacy amidst Lodgepole pines and boulders.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThe eastern section provides more shade and privacy among the lodgepole pines, while the western section is open and closer to Homestake Creek.
Best CampsitesSpecific sites are not highlighted as the best, but reviewers note that the campground is small, with all sites having similar amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive days is allowed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into two sections by Highway 24. The western section is near Homestake Creek, while the eastern section is elevated among trees and rocks.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 19 to October 1 each year.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are accepted; the campground operates exclusively on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 11 sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reviews indicate this is a quiet and lightly used campground.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy is mentioned.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Camping at Hornsilver Campground provides access to fishing opportunities in Homestake Creek and picnicking facilities. There are nearby trailheads for hiking, but there are no official hiking trails within the campground itself.
Fishing
Fishing for trout is possible in Homestake Creek, located directly across from the campground. User reviews have not elaborated on the quality of fishing.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed following forest regulations.
- Quiet hours are : null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include moose sightings near the road and standard wildlife risks in remote areas. The campground's proximity to a highway means road noise is noticeable.
Active alerts: null
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesFrom May 19 through October 1, which is the open season.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, including dumpsters, as noted in user reviews. Recycling is not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresHomestake Creek is directly across Highway 24 from the campground, offering fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsCommon concerns include road noise due to proximity to Highway 24 and the close proximity of campsites in the campground.
HostNo host is on-site, as confirmed by multiple reviews.
Campground Map
US Highway 24, 10 Miles South of Minturn, CO
Driving directionsTravel west on I-70 to Exit 171 for Minturn, Leadville, and Hwy 24. Turn right and travel south about 12 miles to the campground on the left side of Hwy 24.
The campground is easily accessible directly off Highway 24. The parking aprons are dirt and rock, and the interior roads are described as rough. Parking spurs can accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet long.Nearby places
Minturn, CO (10 miles, approximately 12-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Minturn, CO (10 miles away) likely has the nearest supplies, but specific details are unavailable.
Camper Reviews
4.2
11 reviews
Hornsilver Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Hornsilver Campground as a primitive yet clean and convenient location. Common themes include clean vault toilets, proximity to the highway leading to occasional road noise, and mixed experiences regarding campsite privacy and neighbor interactions.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained vault toilets, convenient location off Highway 24, beautiful scenery including mountain views and rock formations.
Based on 11 reviewsCommon Concerns
Road noise due to proximity to the highway, limited campsite privacy, and occasional unpleasant interactions with neighbors.
Based on 11 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water as potable water is unavailable. Reviewers recommend this campground for quiet stays and note that it can be lightly occupied due to smoke or seasonal factors.
Based on 11 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During the summer, visitors noted that the campground was lightly occupied and offered opportunities for stargazing. Fall visitors emphasized the cleanliness of the facilities but also cautioned...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Bathroom was cleaner than some hotels! Easy access off the road." (Isaac Villarreal) "Pretty good, last-minute campground... quiet at night!" (Maria J.) "Amazing primitive campground. Prices weren't...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground is divided into two sections: the west side offers open, less secluded sites along Homestake Creek, while the east side provides sites in a forested, more private setting.
Based on 11 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available, providing basic accessibility.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not addressed in the available information.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025