How much does camping cost at Prospector?

Camping fees at Prospector range from $27/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Prospector first-come first-served or reservation?

Prospector accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Prospector before I book?

Yes! Prospector has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Prospector?

Prospector is open May 20, 2025 - October 1, 2025. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Prospector?

Prospector does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Prospector?

Cell phone service at Prospector is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Prospector have?

Prospector has 105 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Prospector?

Yes, pets are allowed at Prospector. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Prospector?

Prospector offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Prospector

Q: Can I have a campfire at Prospector?

Fire policies at Prospector: Fire restrictions may be imposed due to dry conditions. Campfires allowed in designated rings unless wildfire risk restricts use.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.38

901 reviews

WHITE RIVER

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Colorado

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$27/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

105 campsites

Season

Open May 20, 2025, t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Prospector is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$27/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

105 campsites

Season

Open May 20, 2025, t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Prospector

$27.00 - $27.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season rates for standard non-electric sites are $27/night from May 20 to October 1, 2025. Discounts may apply for accepted senior passes....

Standard Site Fee$27.00

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

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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 901 reviews

336 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlocationfriendly

Some mention

noise

"Prospector Campground enjoys an average sentiment of 4.3 among visitors. It is praised for its scenic views, cleanliness, and proximity to Dillon Reservoir, though some reviewers noted issues with noise and quiet hour enforcement."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

WHITE RIVER

Prospector

WHITE RIVER

Nearby places

Silverthorne (approx. 6 miles), Frisco (approx. 10 miles), Dillon (approx. 5 miles), Breckenridge (approx. 15 miles), Keystone (approx. 8 miles)

Nearby supplies

Nearby towns like Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne offer groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and essentials. "Close to town if needed, Walmart, grocery stores, and REI not far away," noted by a reviewer.

Driving directionsFrom I-70, take the Silverthorne exit 205. Travel east on Highway 6, approximately 4 miles to Swan Mountain Road. Turn right and travel for 2 miles to Prospector and Windy Point Campground sign. Take dirt road 1 mile to campground entrance.

Compact dirt road approximately half a mile into the campground; washboard texture reported by users. "Road leading into the campground is very bad," mentioned by one reviewer, but others state it's manageable at low speed.

Best Time to Camp at Prospector

Fall delivers the best conditions: crisp days in the mid-40s to mid-60s, nights below freezing, and aspen gold lighting up the slopes. September brings the elk rut and far fewer people than July weekends. The campground closes October 1st, so you'll catch peak color without late-season snow risk. Summer means pleasant hiking weather but expect frost some mornings even in August. Afternoon sun is intense at this elevation. Bring layers year-round.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in CO

Fall described as best: crisp days, aspen gold, elk rut and far fewer people than July weekends.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 20, 2025 - October 1, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 20, 2025, through October 1, 2025 (reservable dates start June 22, 2025).
Current Alerts: Water source intermittently unavailable; potable water typically available but often locked due to drought or usage restrictions.

About Prospector

Prospector Campground sits at 9,000 feet above Dillon Reservoir in White River National Forest, with 105 sites for tents, RVs, and groups. The $27 nightly fee gets you vault toilets, potable water, and expansive views of the reservoir and surrounding peaks. Recent pine beetle management left the landscape open and sun-drenched, excellent for stargazing but short on shade. Cell service works well for Verizon and AT&T users.

This large campground accommodates various camping styles, including RV and tent camping. Group camping is also supported with designated sites.

Historical Significance

The Old Dillon Reservoir trail follows paths cut in the 1930s by crews who built the original water system for the town of Dillon, later submerged when the modern reservoir was constructed. The trail connects hikers to Colorado's water engineering history while offering views of the current reservoir.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions: crisp days in the mid-40s to mid-60s, nights below freezing, and aspen gold lighting up the slopes. September brings the elk rut and far fewer people than July weekends. The campground closes October 1st, so you'll catch peak color without late-season snow risk. Summer means pleasant hiking weather but expect frost some mornings even in August. Afternoon sun is intense at this elevation. Bring layers year-round.

ElevationAt 9,000 feet, Prospector Campground places you firmly in Colorado's coveted high country, where the air is crisp, clean, and noticeably thinner. This elevation creates a unique camping environment where sunny days give way to surprisingly cold nights, and where every breath reminds you that you're camping among the clouds. The altitude adds an element of adventure to your stay, rewarding visitors with crystal-clear skies and that distinctive Rocky Mountain atmosphere.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground overlooks Dillon Reservoir from its high-altitude perch, with views of the Continental Divide peaks to the west. Young pines are scattered across the terrain, slowly reclaiming ground after beetle kill. Bull elk graze nearby meadows and bighorn sheep navigate the rocky slopes. Mountain streams around the area hold native trout. The elevation and open terrain create dramatic temperature swings and brilliant star displays after dark.

Geological RegionNestled within the iconic Rocky Mountains and protected by the White River National Forest, Prospector Campground occupies a remarkable geological crossroads at 9,000 feet. This alpine ecosystem showcases the raw beauty of Colorado's high country, where ancient granite peaks meet pristine mountain streams. The landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, from glacial-carved valleys to mineral-rich soils that support a surprising diversity of wildlife. Young pines struggle upward among boulder fields, while scenic rivers have carved their signatures into the mountainsides, creating a photographer's paradise and a naturalist's dream destination.

Scenic ViewsSpectacular views of Dillon Reservoir and mountain vistas from many sites, particularly Loop D. 'Some sites overlook the water directly,' and 'Spot 99 is a 5-minute walk from the trail to Dillon Lake.'

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel or luxury accommodations are available. This campground caters to tent and RV campers.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information on cultural or educational programs was provided.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 2 PM.

Check-out

Check-out required by noon.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay limited to 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One RV with tow per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites accommodate one extra vehicle.

Groups

Group campsites may accommodate multiple people and vehicles, but exact limits are not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutFive loops (A through E) on dirt roads. Standard to large sites, many fit RVs up to 30 feet. The open layout post-beetle kill means limited shade, so a canopy helps on sunny days. Spacing is decent in the outer loops, tighter closer to the entrance.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, app, or contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve sites are available but fill quickly, especially on weekends. Reviewers suggest early arrivals for open spots, particularly during peak season.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies include a $10 fee, forfeiting first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations. "Late" cancellations apply starting midnight 1 calendar day before scheduled check-in.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited but include large campsites and pathways to vault toilets. However, steep trails to water may be challenging for some.

Site SizeStandard to large sites available. Many can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet.

PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy, with some separated by young pines. Loops D and E provide more space and better views.

Total Campsites105 campsites

Recommended SitesLoop D has incredible views,' 'Site 58 has stunning views and direct trail access to the lake.' Many reviewers recommend bringing shade canopies due to lack of tree cover.

Best CampsitesLoop D has the lake view sites. Site 58 gets mentioned specifically for stunning reservoir and mountain views. Loops D and E generally offer more space and better views than the lower loops. Sites vary in privacy, with young pines providing separation in some areas but not all.

Need help booking Prospector?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Prospector Campground, located in White River National Forest at an elevation of 9,000 feet, offers basic yet functional amenities. The campground includes vault toilets, potable water spigots, picnic tables, and fire rings. Roads and spurs are unpaved. Visitors can purchase firewood on-site for $7 per bundle. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups. Cell service is decent with both Verizon and AT&T, though some specific user reviews note occasional issues with water availability.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Prospector Campground provides a range of outdoor activities. Visitors frequently enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to Dillon Reservoir offers opportunities for boating, though swimming is not allowed.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep trails down to the reservoir reported as treacherous and challenging. Bear activity requires food storage in vehicles. Washboard roads into the campground present limited access challenges.

Active AlertsWater source intermittently unavailable; potable water typically available but often locked due to drought or usage restrictions.

No Flush Toilets"Flush toilets are not available. Visitors highlight clean and well-maintained vault toilets."

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFire restrictions may be imposed due to dry conditions. Campfires allowed in designated rings unless wildfire risk restricts use.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM - 7 AM

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are in Silverthorne, CO, approximately 6 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available, but no recycling facilities are noted. Campers should prepare to pack out recyclables.

Water FeaturesDillon Reservoir within walking distance. Steep trails lead to the water. No swimming or body contact with water allowed.

Camp HostCampground hosts live onsite; reviewers frequently note helpful and friendly hosts. Firewood available for $7 from host site (#67).

Cell CoverageCell service is generally good, with Verizon and AT&T providing coverage. Multiple reviews confirm usability, but some users reported inconsistent water availability.

Weather at Prospector

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

901 reviews

Recommended

Prospector is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Prospector Campground enjoys an average sentiment of 4.3 among visitors. It is praised for its scenic views, cleanliness, and proximity to Dillon Reservoir, though some reviewers noted issues with noise and quiet hour enforcement.

Review Summaries

Based on 901 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean facilities, friendly hosts, and breathtaking views of Dillon Reservoir and surrounding peaks. The location is also described as convenient for accessing nearby towns and...

Based on 901 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints involve noise from other campers, lack of shade due to tree clearing, and occasional issues with water availability. Some users also criticized the lack of quiet hour enforcement.

Based on 901 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure better sites, especially in Loop D for lake views. Bring extra water, as on-site sources may be inconsistent. A shade canopy is recommended for sites without tree cover.

Based on 901 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the busiest season, with some complaints about overcrowding and noise. Fall offers quieter stays with cooler temperatures.

Based on 901 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "The cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever experienced." - "Amazing views of the Tenmile Range and Dillon Reservoir." - "Bring your own water; the taps were locked during our visit." - "Friendly hosts...

Based on 901 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 58 in Loop D is noted for its stunning lake views, while site 23 offers spacious accommodations. Site 99 in Loop E is a short walk from Dillon Reservoir.

Based on 901 reviews