Silver Lake Campground

Closed — Closed for the season due to snow. Opens in late June or early July depending on snow depth and operates through September, weather permitting. Reservations available via Recreation.gov.

Notify on Availability Reserve

Winter Weather Advisory issued March 2 at 12:23AM MST until March 3 at 5:00PM MST by NWS Cheyenne WY

12:23 AM — 5:00 PM

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 10 inches. Locally higher amounts in the peaks possible. * WHERE...Sierra Madre Range and Snowy Range. * WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 5 PM MST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Outdoor recreation could become dangerous to those caught unprepared for hazardous winter conditions. Hunters, hikers, and snowmobilers may become disoriented and lost due to low visibility in falling and blowing snow.

About

Silver Lake Campground sits at just under 10,500 feet elevation, making it the highest campground on the Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District of Medicine Bow National Forest. Positioned directly on Silver Lake along the scenic Highway 130, the campground provides unparalleled access to the rugged alpine environment of the Snowy Range. The campground offers 17 campsites, including three pull-through sites suitable for RVs and trailers under 32 feet. Each site includes a picnic table and fire grate. Two trailheads located at the campground offer immediate access to the extensive trail network in the area. The Silver Lake Trail loops around the 17-acre lake, which has a maximum depth of 25 feet and is stocked with brook trout. Nearby attractions include Lake Marie Falls, Mirror Lake, the Medicine Bow Peak Trail (reaching over 12,000 feet), French Creek Canyon Trail, and the Miners Cabin Trail with its interpretive signs about early mining and logging history. The Snowy Range area features over 100 lakes, stunning wildflower displays, and views of peaks exceeding 12,000 feet. The 29-mile Snowy Range Scenic Byway passes directly by the campground, offering spectacular alpine vistas. The area transitions from sagebrush and lodgepole pine at lower elevations to spruce-fir forests and alpine tundra in the high country, providing excellent wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities.

Directions

From Saratoga, travel south on Highway 130 for 8 miles to the 130/230 intersection. Turn left and travel 24 miles up Highway 130 to Silver Lake Campground. From Centennial, stay on Highway 130 for 18 miles to reach the campground.