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Uncompahgre/Silver Jack
Overview
The Silver Jack area within the Uncompahgre National Forest offers a rugged and immersive high-country escape for RVers who value solitude over luxury. Situated near the base of the stunning Cimarron Range, this area features several campgrounds like Silver Jack and Beaver Lake. Unlike commercial resorts, this destination provides a primitive experience where the natural landscape takes center stage. It is a place for disconnecting from the digital world and reconnecting with the pristine Colorado wilderness in a quiet, secluded setting.
Location & Surroundings
Located roughly an hour from Montrose, the park is nestled at an elevation of nearly 9,000 feet. The surroundings are defined by dense aspen groves and towering spruce trees that create a vibrant canopy, particularly during the autumn months. The jagged peaks of the Uncompahgre Wilderness provide a dramatic backdrop for the Silver Jack Reservoir, a centerpiece of the area known for its turquoise waters and tranquil atmosphere. Travelers should prepare for winding mountain roads that offer breathtaking views of the Cimarron Ridge.
Amenities & Park Features
As a National Forest site, the amenities are focused on dry camping essentials rather than modern conveniences. Visitors will find vault toilets and seasonal potable water from hand pumps, but there are no electrical or water hookups available for RVs. Each site typically includes a picnic table and a heavy-duty fire ring. It is important to note that there is no trash service, requiring a strict pack-it-in, pack-it-out approach. Cell service is virtually non-existent, making it a true off-grid destination.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is the Silver Jack Reservoir, where visitors enjoy non-motorized boating and fishing for brook and rainbow trout. Hikers can access numerous trails, including the Alpine Trail, which offers challenging terrain and expansive vistas of the surrounding peaks. The area is also a haven for photographers and nature watchers, as the local wildlife and vibrant fall foliage are among the best in the state. For a day trip, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is within driving distance.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for self-contained RVers who enjoy boondocking and primitive settings. It is a perfect fit for outdoor enthusiasts, such as trout fishers and backcountry hikers, who want to be steps away from the trailhead. Because of the narrow access roads and lack of hookups, it is best suited for smaller campers, vans, or those experienced with mountain driving. If you seek silence and star-filled skies away from the crowds of more developed parks, this is the place for you.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Carolyn Stifflear
Clean Camping under the stars, tree cover under the whisping aspen trees, clean bathrooms with TP (no flush), fresh water available, take a hike in any direction, paddleboaord in the nearby reservoir, fish, take in the beauty in perfect isolation. 60 campsites, most are 1st come 1st serve. Absolutely relaxing. Please be responsible, leave no trace and never trust the fire is out until you can touch the coals. This ensures beauty for future generations.
Johnnie Gains
You could not find a more beautiful place to go camping. Great atmosphere and environment. Really cannot go wrong. If if you go a little later at the end of summer, usually the bugs have been frozen off.
K.A. Mason
Lovely secluded camping with trails leading to beautiful vistas. Well maintained vault toilets and a pump for water access.
James Craig
Great place to camp during the week but I heard it can be crowded during the weekend. Camp host are very nice. Make sure you have a way to level your trailer. There is water to fill your trailer and the toilets are clean Don't try to fish in Beaver or the Res. No bites and a steep walk to the Res.
Denielle Nadeau
gorgeous magical aspen forest. we arrived early in the week and were only one of maybe three other campers. the camp host was off for the week so we had a very quiet stay. cows roaming all over which made it kind of fun. the road in was a nice change from highway driving. the road out and over owl creek pass into ridgway was incredible.
Colorado Wanderer
Although the reservoir was half way full (or empty), the whole area is fantastic.
Frozenrocketfuel Studios
A beautiful campground, we only walked through it so if you're planning on coming here to camp check before you come.
Shannon Dizmang
Beautiful campground. For some reason i thought I could walk to lake easily..... not the case, quite a trek.
Janice Poirot
Nicely spaced campsites in thick aspen groves but no scenic views from the sites. The kiosk map at the campground entry show 3 loops but one is a group site. The campsites are located very high above the reservoir so no lake side sites but there is a trail down to the lake. Silver Jack reservoir is extremely low in August 2021 with many side bays compltely dry. Not nearly as beautiful as it must be in early summer. Be sure to walk to the observation site for a high view of reservoir. Directly across from the road turnoff to the Observation-Day Use Area is a road to Rowdy & Clear Lakes - rough road but pretty spot to hike-fish. When we camped there was heavy smoke from California's wildfires. Silver Jack campground hosts were very friendly, kept clean (vault) bathrooms. Campground had water, no bear boxes unfortunately, easy fire wood collection from the ground and hosts also sold firewood bundles for $10.
Trisha Spear
The fall colors are amazing! Clean well kept campground. The hosts were awesome. So beautiful!