Silver Thread Campground

Area Status: Closed
West of Creede on highway 149

This small single loop campground has eleven sites. Six are gravel pull through sites and five are dead end gravel spurs. There is a beautiful waterfall within a few hundred feet that you can hike to easily from the south end of the campground. The campground elevation is 9,500 feet. 

This campground, just off the side of Colorado State Highway 149, is well suited for overnight stays and picnics with many level, pull-through camping sites. The area offers fishing in South Clear Creek and Brown Lakes. A short easy trail leads to the beauty of South Clear Creek Falls. Aspen provides shade for some of the campground sites while spruce trees abound on the surrounding hillsides. This is bear country and you will be required to practice safe food storage techniques.

This facility is located adjacent to State Highway 149 for easy access to through travelers on the Silver Thread Scenic Byway. It is located approximately ½ way between Creede, Colorado and Lake City Colorado. It has a freshwater system of centrally located spigots.

Scroll down to the Information Center to see individual campsite descriptions.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Concessionaire operations ended September 30, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Operational Hours: Campground is open year-round - unless deep snow blocks access. During the period from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, there is water and trash service and a fee. After Labor Day weekend shoulder seson fees apply there is no water and trash must be packed out.
Reservations: First come, first served.
Rentals & Guides: Usually, a campground host resides in site 10 from Memorial Day until Labor Day to help guide and advise campers.
Area Amenities:
  • Camping trailer
  • Picnic tables
  • Tent camping
  • Toilets
  • Drinking water
Fees: Single site - $26 to $28/night.
Day use - $12/day (picnicking).
Shoulder Season - $10/night (Sometime after Labor Day weekend).  
Fee envelopes and a collection box are provided near the entrance.
Permit Info: Ten campsites, including some double sites, near south Clear Creek Falls. Double sites can accommodate up to 2 RVs/ 16 people.
Usage: Light
Best Season: June through September
Busiest Season: July
Restrictions:  There is a 14-day camping limit. Must have a Colorado fishing license to fish in nearby creeks and lakes.
Closest Towns: Creede, Colorado
Water: Potable Water
Restroom: 1 Vault Toilet
Operated By: Concessionaire
Information Center: Click here for site descriptions. Call 719-657-3321 or 719-658-2556 for real time information on weather and conditions.

General Information

Directions:

DIRECTIONS:  From Creede, Colorado, take State Highway 149 south (toward Lake City) 23 miles to the campground sign.  Turn right at sign into campground.

 If coming from Lake City, take the same State Highway 149  south over Slumgullion Pass and Spring Creek Pass  for 29 miles and turn left at the campground sign. 


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

10 sites

RV Camping

A few sites can accommodate up to a 40 ft. unit.

Lake and Pond Fishing

1 1/2 miles west to Browns Lakes State Wildlife Area on forest road 515
Fish Species Brook Trout
Water Temperature cold
Fishing Method flies, lures and bait where allowed
Water/Flow Level seasonal

River and Stream Fishing

Trout fishing on South Clear Creek
Fish Species seasonal
Special Designations Flies, lures \& bait where allowed
Fishing Mode Brook Trout
Water Temperature Easy
Fishing Method bank
Water/Flow Level cold

Day Hiking

Short hike from campground to view South Clear Creek Falls
Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate

Backpacking

Grizzly Creek trail #814 & Weminuche trail #818 access the Weminuche Wilderness & Continental Divide Trail

Elevation desc #818-9,400' to 10,600'
Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Big Game Hunting

Open during hunting season - see Colorado Division of Wildlife regulations. Unit 76
Species deer, elk
Difficulty Level: Easy

Viewing Wildlife

Wildlife viewing
Species deer, elk, moose and waterfowl
Special Feature excellent moose habitat
Difficulty Level: Easy

Picnicking

Right along Hwy 149, Silver Thread Scenic Byway
Difficulty Level: Easy

Scenic Driving

Silver Thread Scenic Byway, highway 149. Improved forest roads (# 509, 510 \& 513) in area for sidetrips to North Clear Creek falls, Rito Hondo reservoir.
Pavement Type for Parking gravel
Vehicle Clearance good

Boating - Motorized

1 1/2 miles west to Browns Lakes State Wildlife Area
Water/Flow Level seasonal
Difficulty Level: Easy

Boating - Non-Motorized

1 1/2 miles west to Browns Lakes State Wildlife Area
Water/Flow Level seasonal
Difficulty Level: Easy

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Current Conditions

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
45 foot camper parking slots and pull throughs

  Latitude : 
37.82918

  Longitude : 
-107.15764

  Elevation : 
9400 - 9500