🏕️ Discover Silver Jack Reservoir: Colorado’s Hidden Gem for Camping & OHV Adventures

January 3, 2024

Tired of crowded parks like Rocky Mountain National Park? 😫 Ready for solitude, epic mountain views, and unforgettable camping? 🌄 Welcome to Silver Jack Reservoir—a stunning, remote destination tucked into Colorado’s Uncompahgre National Forest. This little-known location offers boondocking, OHV trails, waterfalls, and peaceful riverside campsites—all without the crowds.

Here’s everything you need to know before your adventure begins.

🗺️ How to Get There (1:01)

Silver Jack Reservoir is located southeast of Montrose, Colorado, and can be accessed via Forest Road 858. Though the road is mostly well-maintained, some parts may require high clearance or 4WD, especially if you're towing a trailer or camper. Always check conditions before you go.

📍 Navigation Tip: Cell service can be spotty—download maps offline using Google Maps, Gaia, or onX.

🏕️ Best Campsites & Boondocking Spots (4:03)

The area near Middle Fork of the Cimarron River offers fantastic free dispersed camping, perfect for van lifers, overlanders, and tent campers. Whether you're looking for solitude in the trees or a site with river access, you'll find a wide range of options.

🛶 Top Features:

• No reservations needed

• Room for trailers and RVs

• Riverfront options

• Peaceful, pine-scented forest views

🔥 Camping Tip: Practice Leave No Trace—pack it in, pack it out, and use established fire rings when possible.

🛻 OHV Trails & Backcountry Exploring (6:50)

Adventure seekers, this one’s for you! 🎉 The Silver Jack area is filled with OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) trails that wind through forests, climb ridgelines, and connect to even more hidden gems.

🧭 What to Expect:

• Easy to moderate trails for side-by-sides and dirt bikes

• Narrow passes with epic overlooks

• Access to alpine meadows, wildlife viewing, and remote trailheads

🚧 Always check signage—some trails are motorized only, while others are shared with hikers or horseback riders.

🌊 Camping Next to the River (13:00)

For those who dream of falling asleep to the sound of rushing water, several dispersed sites lie just steps from the Middle Fork Cimarron River. These sites are perfect for tent campers or small rigs looking for a peaceful, scenic setup.

💡 River Camping Tip: Arrive early to snag a spot—riverside sites are popular and limited.

🌈 Hidden Waterfall & Scenic Trails (15:13)

A short hike from the main camping areas leads to a hidden waterfall, tucked into a grove of evergreens. 🥾 The trail is lightly trafficked and makes a perfect morning or evening hike.

🌿 Expect wildflowers in summer, cool temperatures even in July, and a chance to spot deer, marmots, and birds of prey.

📸 Bring your camera—you’ll want to remember this one!

🚙 Drive-Through Campgrounds Tour (16:27)

In addition to dispersed camping, there are also developed campgrounds in the area with vault toilets, picnic tables, and designated fire rings. These are ideal for RVs, families, or those wanting a bit more structure.

🏞️ Campgrounds to Check Out:

• Beaver Lake Campground

• Silver Jack Campground

• East Fork Campground

All are first-come, first-served, and generally very quiet compared to Colorado’s more well-known campgrounds.

💧 Silver Jack Reservoir: The Grand Finale (17:30)

Last but not least, your adventure should include a visit to Silver Jack Reservoir itself—a scenic alpine lake framed by dramatic rock formations and towering spruce trees. It’s perfect for:

• Paddleboarding 🚣

• Kayaking 🛶

• Picnicking 🧺

• Sunset views 🌅

🎣 Fishing Tip: Anglers can catch cutthroat and rainbow trout from shore or a non-motorized watercraft.

🧳 What to Pack for Silver Jack Adventures

🛻 Essentials:

• High-clearance vehicle (optional, but helpful)

• Bear-safe food storage

• Layers—it gets cold at night!

• Water jugs or filtration system (no potable water at dispersed sites)

• Bug spray and sunscreen

• Offline maps (onX, Gaia GPS, Google)

✅ Why You Should Visit Silver Jack Reservoir

🌲 No crowds🛻 OHV-friendly terrain🏕️ Free, scenic camping🌄 Waterfalls, rivers, trails, and alpine views🎣 Great fishing and wildlife

It’s a dream destination for boondockers, overlanders, hikers, OHV riders, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and experience real Colorado.

💬 Final Thoughts

If you're craving solitude, rugged beauty, and the freedom to explore off the grid, Silver Jack Reservoir delivers in a big way. Whether you're rolling in with a camper or just a backpack, this is a place where you can reconnect with nature and leave the crowds far behind. 🏞️

📌 Have you been to Silver Jack or planning your first visit? Drop a comment below or share your favorite campsite!🔔 Be sure to subscribe to our channel/blog for more hidden gems, travel tips, and outdoor adventures!