🌲⛺ Hidden Highland Oasis: Forest Road 585 Camping & Trails Near Silverton, Colorado 🏔️
- Switching Gears RV Diary
- Oct 6, 2024
- 4 min read
What if I told you that within minutes of Silverton—a quaint 🏘️ mountain town in southwest Colorado—you could find free dispersed camping 🆓, an Instagram-perfect hike 📸🥾, and off-road trails 🚜💨 to tackle—all without the crowds?
🌟 Welcome to Forest Road 585, also known as South Mineral Creek Road, just off the Million Dollar Highway (US 550). This 4-mile stretch may be short, but it’s absolutely packed with adventure and alpine beauty.
👉 Join us as we map out each campground, explore the off-road routes, and share why this hidden corner of the San Juan Mountains is a paradise 🏞️ waiting to be discovered.
🏕️ 1. Introduction: Your New Favorite Overnight Spot
Whether you're a tent camper 🎒, van lifer 🚐, or overlander with a big rig 🚛, Forest Road 585 is your new Colorado camping dream come true.
What You’ll Find Here:
🌊 Creekside dispersed camping
🥾 Trailhead access to Ice Lake & Island Lake
🚙 4x4 trails like Clear Creek
🏔️ San Juan Mountain views
🛣️ Just 4 miles from downtown Silverton
🚦 Look for the sign on US 550 and head west—you’re officially entering a land of rugged beauty and relaxation.
🏞️ 2. Campgrounds on Church-Quiet Repeat
🌲 A. Kendall Campground – Free & Tree-Hugger Friendly
📍 Just 0.5 miles in, Kendall is one of the first gems you’ll find.
✅ Free
🚻 Vault toilet only
🌳 Set among pines beside Mineral Creek
🛻 Perfect for tents, vans & big rigs
Imagine falling asleep to the sound of rushing water and waking up with misty mountains in view.
💎 B. Anvil & Sultan – Creekside Camping Gems
🌊 Twin dispersed spots right by the water.
🔥 Fire rings (but pack it in, pack it out!)
🛑 No amenities—true boondocking bliss
😌 Quiet midweek, busy on weekends
Tip: Locals often drop trailers midweek to save a spot!
🧭 C. Hidden Nook – A Secret 4×4 Detour
🔐 This one’s for the adventurous.
🛻 Requires high-clearance 4WD
🌲 Tiny & tucked near the South Fork
😌 Quiet, rugged, & perfectly remote
We've seen hammock campers, kayakers, and even stargazers loving this secluded gem 🌌.
🏕️ D. Green Horn Campground – Free With a View
📍 A bit farther in and slightly more open, but still peaceful.
🚻 Vault toilets
🎒 Great base for Clear Creek Trail
🌳 Creekside with tree cover
Don’t be surprised if you wake up to marmots whistling nearby!
💵 E. South Mineral Campground – Paid & Practical
⛺ At the very end of FR 585 lies the most developed campground.
💲 $15–25/night
✅ Vault toilets, trash bins, fire grates, picnic tables
🚰 Water available in summer
♿ Accessible sites
Perfect for families or anyone wanting extra comfort without sacrificing nature.
🛻 3. Off-Road Gems: Clear Creek Trail Adventure
📍 Trail begins near Green Horn Campground and heads up, up, up...
🌲 Winds through a burn scar
🚧 Switchbacks & rocky terrain
💦 Passes waterfalls & alpine lakes
🌄 Ends near 11,000 ft with epic views
This 4×4 trail is a hidden highlight of the Alpine Loop—less traffic, more wilderness.
🥾 4. Hiking: Ice Lake & Island Lake Trailhead
📍 Located directly across from South Mineral Campground.
📸 Ice Lake: Bright turquoise, steep hike, camera-worthy
🌿 Island Lake: Slightly quieter, equally stunning
🌺 Wildflowers, jagged peaks, alpine meadows
🔥 Pro Tip: Get there early! These trails are popular for good reason.
🧠 5. Practical Tips for Your San Juan Escape
✅ Arrive midweek to find prime campsites
✅ Pack bear-safe containers & trash bags
✅ Bring firewood—collection is limited
✅ Layers are key—it gets chilly even in July
✅ Download offline maps—no cell service 📵
🚐 6. Why Camp Here? The Overlanding Dream
🌄 Forest Road 585 offers:
No-fee dispersed camping 🆓
World-class hiking & 4x4 trails 🚵♀️
Close proximity to Silverton 🏙️
Stellar mountain views 🌤️
Low crowd levels—even in peak season 😎
It’s the perfect combo of wild and accessible.
👻 7. What’s Next: Ghost Town Trails & Off-Road Missions
🏚️ This stretch of forest road is only the beginning...
➡️ Continue past FR 585 to explore:
🧭 Burrows ghost town
🏔️ Animas Forks
🚂 Old mining cabins
🍂 Aspen groves and alpine lakes
Stay tuned—we're sharing off-road routes & turn-by-turn trail tips in our next guide.
✨ 8. Final Thoughts: Why Forest Road 585 Rocks
FR 585 is more than just a camping road—it’s an experience.
🌌 Starry nights
🔥 Cozy fires
🎒 Morning hikes
🚙 Dusty 4x4 switchbacks
📷 Memories made in motion
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, full-time RVer, or just craving solitude, this little slice of Colorado delivers it all.
📍 Take the Scenic Detour: Your Next Move
🎯 Ready to unplug and unwind in Colorado’s San Juan backcountry?
📅 Plan midweek stays for quieter vibes
🎒 Pack the essentials—layers, maps, snacks
🌄 Leave no trace—preserve this gem
📲 Share your adventure—tag #SanJuanCamping
Thanks for reading! Now grab your boots, hit the road, and let the mountains reset your soul. 🏞️🌟