Heaton Bay Campground

For us Coloradans, the Rocky Mountains are more than just a backdrop; they're our playground. And when it comes to finding that perfect balance between breathtaking natural beauty and convenient access to outdoor activities, Heaton Bay Campground near Silverthorne stands out as a true gem. Nestled in the heart of Summit County, this campground offers stunning views of Dillon Reservoir and the surrounding peaks, providing an idyllic setting for everything from quiet family getaways to active adventures on land and water.

Heaton Bay Campground is a popular choice for locals who appreciate the vibrant outdoor lifestyle of our state. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent under the vast Colorado sky, bring your RV for a comfortable stay, or simply enjoy a day by the lake, this campground provides a well-rounded experience. Its strategic location, coupled with a variety of amenities, makes it a favored spot for those seeking to immerse themselves in the high country. This guide will provide an in-depth look at what makes Heaton Bay Campground a suitable choice for your next Colorado camping trip, highlighting its accessibility, services, unique features, and why it's a local favorite.

Heaton Bay Campground is ideally situated on Dillon Dam Rd, Silverthorne, CO 80498, USA. This prime location places it right on the shores of Lake Dillon, making it an incredibly central basecamp for exploring all that Summit County has to offer. It's nestled within the expansive White River National Forest, providing a true mountain experience at an elevation of approximately 9,000 feet.

The campground's accessibility is a significant advantage. It's very close to the vibrant towns of Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne, which means easy access to "lots of restaurants, gas, groceries," and other conveniences. The Dillon Dam Road itself is well-maintained, ensuring a smooth approach to the campground. Once inside, the campground features several loops, each designed to accommodate different camping styles. While some loops have paved roads, be prepared for paved parking spurs at each site. The campground is designed to welcome tents, trailers, and RVs (up to 27 feet for RVs, 18 feet for trailers in some areas, though larger rigs have been noted to fit in many sites, especially those with hookups). Its central location also provides direct access to the extensive Summit County trail system, making it easy to hit the paths right from your campsite or after a very short drive.

• Campsites with Tables and Fire Rings/Grills: All 81 campsites are equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, perfect for cooking and enjoying a campfire (always check for current fire restrictions due to high fire danger in Colorado).
• Vault Toilets/Outhouses: Each loop in the campground has outhouses (vault toilets), providing essential restroom facilities. It's important to note that there are "no shower houses" available at the campground.
• Water Access: Potable drinking water is available throughout the campground, with water spigots located in various loops. While "Loop C has electricity n water sites," other loops have water access available but not necessarily at each individual site. Some tent-only loops (like T-loop) might require carrying water from a communal spigot.
• Electric and Water Hookups (Loop C): Loop C is the designated area for RV campers requiring hookups, offering both electricity and water at each site. This is a significant convenience for those with RVs.
• Bear Boxes for Food Storage: Given its location in bear country, bear boxes are provided at each campsite for secure food storage. This is crucial for visitor safety and wildlife protection.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available within the campground for convenient waste disposal from RVs and trailers.
• Camp Hosts: Campground hosts are typically on-site, providing assistance, selling firewood, and ensuring a smooth camping experience.
• Reservations Accepted: Campsites at Heaton Bay can be reserved through Recreation.gov, and it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, as sites fill up quickly. Reservations open on a six-month rolling basis.
• Good Cell Service: Unlike many mountain campgrounds, Heaton Bay boasts "good" cell service (e.g., AT&T 5G and T-Mobile LTE), which can be a convenience for some campers.

• Stunning Mountain and Lake Views: The campground offers "stunning views" of Dillon Reservoir and the majestic Tenmile Range, Gore Range, and Continental Divide. The open nature of many sites due to hazard tree removal (from pine beetle infestation) allows for unobstructed scenic vistas.
• Proximity to Lake Dillon: Heaton Bay's location directly on the shores of Lake Dillon provides unparalleled access to water-based activities. This includes "great for paddle boarding," fishing (rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout), boating, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. Marinas in nearby Frisco and Dillon offer boat ramps and rentals.
• Extensive Trail Access: The campground is an excellent basecamp for hikers and bikers. The "Old Dillon Reservoir Loop is a 10 min walk away," offering an easy trail with spectacular views. There are "miles of trails nearby for hiking and biking," including access to the extensive 50-mile Summit County trail system and the Ptarmigan Wilderness area for more solitude.
• Diverse Loop Options: With several loops (A, B, C, D, and Tent-Only Loop T), Heaton Bay caters to different preferences. Loop C is ideal for RVs needing hookups, while the Tent-Only loop provides a dedicated space for traditional camping.
• Close to Mountain Towns: The convenience of being just a "10 min drive away from town" (Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne) means easy access to groceries, restaurants, and other services, blending wilderness immersion with urban convenience.
• Spacious and Well-Maintained Sites: Sites are generally "spacious," "well-maintained," and offer "plenty of room for car, tent, or small self-contained RV camping." Some sites, like T01, offer "private water access," while others, like C29, provide "private with Mountain Views in all directions."
• Windy Conditions Possible: While generally beautiful, it's noted that "it can get windy so bring a jacket even in summer." This is an important consideration for comfort.

Address: Dillon Dam Rd, Silverthorne, CO 80498, USA

Phone: (877) 444-6777 (National Recreation Reservation System)

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777

Heaton Bay Campground is managed by the White River National Forest, and reservations are primarily handled through Recreation.gov. The phone number provided connects to the National Recreation Reservation System, where you can book sites up to six months in advance. For more specific, real-time information about the campground's status, conditions, or local alerts, it's advisable to check the White River National Forest's official website or contact the Dillon Ranger District directly if a local number is available.

For us Coloradans, Heaton Bay Campground embodies the very essence of a perfect mountain getaway. Its exceptional location on Lake Dillon, surrounded by the stunning vistas of the Tenmile Range and the Continental Divide, is unparalleled. We locals appreciate direct access to the beauty that defines our state, and Heaton Bay delivers this in spades, making it a highly sought-after destination for weekend escapes or longer vacations.

The versatility of the campground is a major draw. Whether you're a seasoned RVer looking for the convenience of electric and water hookups in Loop C, a tent camper seeking a dedicated, private space, or someone in between, Heaton Bay has a spot for you. The spacious and well-maintained sites, complete with picnic tables and bear boxes, reflect the high standards we expect from our National Forest campgrounds.

Beyond the camping itself, the sheer abundance of recreational opportunities right at your fingertips is what truly makes Heaton Bay suitable for local adventurers. Direct access to Lake Dillon means paddleboarding, fishing, and boating are just steps away. The extensive network of hiking and biking trails, including the popular Old Dillon Reservoir Loop, provides endless possibilities for exploration, catering to all fitness levels. The ability to easily bike or drive into Frisco, Dillon, or Silverthorne for groceries, a meal, or to simply browse charming local shops, adds an incredible layer of convenience that is highly valued.

While the high altitude and potential for windy conditions are typical Colorado mountain considerations, they are easily managed with proper preparation. The availability of cell service is an added bonus for those who need to stay connected, though many locals will appreciate the opportunity to unplug amidst the natural splendor. Heaton Bay Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a gateway to experiencing the best of Summit County, making it a consistently top choice for us Coloradans seeking memorable outdoor adventures.

Heaton Bay Campground

Dillon Dam Rd, Silverthorne, CO 80498, USA