Campsite evenings
Folding Camping Chair · Adult
For an outdoor sitting area at camp; check packed size against your vehicle storage.
RV & camping guide
Silverton by RV
1 h 33 min from DROCamping score 8/10Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- DRO
- Airport drive
- 1 h 33 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 2–4 days
Reservation demand- Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes- A high-clearance 4WD is strongly recommended for backcountry exploration; check rental contracts for specific off-road prohibitions.
Book in this order
Your route
DRO
Durango La Plata County Airport
Silverton
About 1 h 33 min · 65 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Vehicle & road notes
Which vehicle
A high-clearance 4WD is strongly recommended for backcountry exploration; check rental contracts for specific off-road prohibitions.
parking
Downtown and Trailhead Limits
Street parking in Silverton fills rapidly during the daily train arrival window. Trailhead lots for Ice Lakes have limited capacity and often fill before sunrise in peak summer.
signal
Remote Communication
Cellular service is generally unavailable once you leave the Silverton town limits. Carry a satellite messenger or paper topographic maps for any backcountry excursion.
fuel
Mountain Gateway Services
Silverton has limited fueling stations compared to Durango or Montrose. Ensure your vehicle is topped off before attempting long sections of the Alpine Loop.
Campground reservations
Limited Lodging in a High-Altitude Wilderness Environment
Silverton's historic hotels and RV parks are limited and frequently reach capacity months in advance for the summer and fall seasons. While the town itself does not require an entry permit, activities on surrounding public lands—such as driving the Alpine Loop or camping on BLM land—are subject to specific seasonal regulations and fire restrictions. Check with the Bureau of Land Management or the San Juan National Forest for the latest backcountry usage policies.
Official source2 · Choose a motorhome or campervan
Fleet rentals from established depots. Compare pick-up cities against your flight.
Prefer a car and campground trip?
- ✓ Compare suppliers at DRO
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at DRO
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at DRO
- ✓ Compare suppliers at DRO
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at DRO
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at DRO3 · Where to park the rig near Silverton
Private campgrounds and RV parks outside the park, plus overnight stops for members.
RV parks near Silverton on RoverPass
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Check campground availabilityCampsites near Silverton on Campspot
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Check campground availabilityTraveling by RV near Silverton?
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
Harvest Hosts membership: 5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
Your route
Day 1 · Mining History and Victorian Architecture
Silverton Historic District → Christ of the Mines Shrine
Day 2 · High Alpine Ghost Towns
Animas Forks Ghost Town → Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
Day 3 · Alpine Lakes and Mountain Rails
Ice Lakes Trail → Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Viator
Tours & experiences near Silverton
Explore guided activities around Silverton. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Silverton
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Cool-weather stops
Thermal Neck Gaiter · 2-pack
For cold or windy stops. Confirm fabric, fit and the two-pack variant at the store.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
Can I take an RV to Silverton?
Yes, Silverton is a good fit for camping trips. Check vehicle length limits on park roads and campgrounds before you book, and plan fuel stops on remote stretches.
Where do I pick up an RV for Silverton?
The nearest airport is Durango La Plata County Airport (DRO), about 1 h 33 min away by car. Rental depots are usually in larger cities, so compare pick-up points before booking flights.
Do campgrounds near Silverton need reservations?
Silverton's historic hotels and RV parks are limited and frequently reach capacity months in advance for the summer and fall seasons. While the town itself does not require an entry permit, activities on surrounding public lands—such as driving the Alpine Loop or camping on BLM land—are subject to specific seasonal regulations and fire restrictions. Check with the Bureau of Land Management or the San Juan National Forest for the latest backcountry usage policies.