Kendall Campground

For us Coloradans, the San Juan Mountains are not just a mountain range; they are a realm of majestic peaks, historic mining towns, and unparalleled outdoor adventures. Tucked away in this breathtaking corner of Southwest Colorado, near the charming historic town of Silverton, lies Kendall Campground. It’s a destination that perfectly embodies the rugged beauty and serene escape that so many of us seek when heading into the high country. If you’re a local looking for an authentic mountain camping experience that offers both convenience and a strong connection to nature, Kendall Campground is an excellent choice.

Kendall Campground, situated on Forest Rd 585, Silverton, CO 81433, USA, is a U.S. Forest Service campground that provides a solid base for exploring the rich recreational opportunities of the San Juan National Forest. Unlike some more primitive sites, Kendall offers a balance of essential amenities within a stunning natural setting. Its location close to Silverton means easy access to town services while still feeling immersed in the wilderness. Whether your passion is hiking, off-roading, fishing, or simply relaxing amidst towering pines and crisp mountain air, Kendall Campground is well-positioned to facilitate a memorable Colorado mountain getaway. It’s a place where the history of the mining frontier meets the timeless grandeur of the San Juans, inviting locals to create their own mountain memories.

Kendall Campground is conveniently located on Forest Rd 585, just outside the historic mining town of Silverton, CO 81433, USA. This places it directly within the San Juan National Forest, nestled amidst the stunning peaks of the San Juan Mountains in Southwest Colorado. Silverton itself is a popular hub for outdoor recreation, situated along the famous "Million Dollar Highway" (US-550) between Durango and Ouray.

Access to Kendall Campground is generally straightforward. Forest Road 585, which leads to the campground, is typically a well-maintained gravel road that is suitable for most vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and RVs of varying sizes. While it's a forest road, it's not usually a challenging 4x4 track, making it accessible for a wide range of campers. The short distance from the paved US-550 to the campground means less time navigating rough terrain and more time enjoying your destination. Due to its high elevation (typically around 9,000 to 10,000 feet), Kendall Campground is primarily a seasonal operation, open from late spring (after significant snowmelt, usually late May or early June) through early fall (often closing by late September or early October due to snow). It's always crucial for locals planning a trip to check the current road conditions and opening/closing dates with the San Juan National Forest. Its accessibility combined with its proximity to Silverton makes it an ideal and convenient basecamp for exploring this magnificent region.

Kendall Campground, being a U.S. Forest Service facility, provides a selection of essential services designed to offer a comfortable yet authentic outdoor experience. It caters to both tent campers and RVs, though amenities are not as extensive as a private RV park.

• Campsites: The campground offers a number of individual campsites, each typically equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill grate. These sites are suitable for both tents and smaller to medium-sized RVs or trailers. Specific site dimensions and length limits for RVs should be verified with the Forest Service.
• Potable Drinking Water: A significant convenience, potable water is usually available at central spigots within the campground. This means campers don't need to haul in all their water supplies.
• Vault Toilets: The campground is equipped with vault toilets (also known as pit toilets), providing basic but clean and functional restroom facilities. These are typically maintained regularly.
• Bear-Resistant Containers: Given the presence of wildlife in the San Juan Mountains, bear-resistant food storage lockers or trash containers are often provided at campgrounds like Kendall. This helps campers safely store food and dispose of waste, minimizing human-wildlife conflicts.
• Host On-Site: During the operational season, U.S. Forest Service campgrounds often have a campground host. The host is a valuable resource for information about the area, local regulations, and can assist with minor issues.
• No Hookups: It is important to note that Kendall Campground does not typically offer utility hookups (electricity, water, or sewer) for RVs. Campers should plan to be self-sufficient in this regard, relying on their vehicle's internal systems or primitive camping methods.
• Fee-Based Camping: Camping at Kendall Campground incurs a nightly fee, which contributes to the maintenance and services provided. Reservations can often be made in advance through platforms like Recreation.gov.

These services ensure a pleasant stay while maintaining the natural feel of a national forest campground.

Kendall Campground's appeal lies not just in its practical amenities but in its prime location and the natural wonders it offers access to.

• Stunning San Juan Mountain Setting: The most significant highlight is the campground's picturesque location within the San Juan Mountains. Campers are surrounded by towering peaks, dense forests of pine, spruce, and aspen, and the crisp, clean air of the high Rockies. This provides an incredibly scenic and refreshing environment.
• Proximity to Silverton: Being just a short drive from Silverton is a major advantage. This historic mining town offers unique shops, restaurants, museums, and provides a convenient spot to resupply, grab a meal, or experience a piece of Colorado's rich history, including the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
• Access to Hiking and Backpacking: The campground serves as an excellent base for accessing numerous hiking trails within the San Juan National Forest. Trails of varying difficulty levels, from leisurely walks to challenging alpine ascents, are accessible nearby, leading to high mountain lakes, passes, and incredible viewpoints.
• Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and ATV Access: The Silverton area is a renowned destination for OHV and ATV enthusiasts. Kendall Campground is often conveniently located near trailheads or routes that lead to the extensive network of scenic backcountry roads and trails, including portions of the famous Alpine Loop.
• Fishing Opportunities: Nearby rivers and high-alpine lakes offer excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for trout. The Dolores and Animas Rivers, as well as numerous alpine lakes, are within reasonable reach for anglers.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse ecosystems around the campground provide opportunities to observe various wildlife, including deer, elk, marmots, pikas, and a variety of bird species.
• Cool Summer Temperatures: Due to its high elevation, Kendall Campground offers a welcome respite from the summer heat found in lower elevations, providing comfortable daytime temperatures and cool, refreshing nights.
• Photography Opportunities: The stunning mountain landscapes, historic remnants, and abundant wildlife make the area around Kendall Campground a paradise for photographers.

As Kendall Campground is a U.S. Forest Service managed facility within the San Juan National Forest, direct contact for the campground itself might be limited. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding conditions, availability, fees, and particularly seasonal opening/closing dates and fire restrictions, it is crucial to contact the relevant Forest Service Ranger District.

Address: Forest Rd 585, Silverton, CO 81433, USA (This is the physical location of the campground)

For specific inquiries related to Kendall Campground and the surrounding areas within the San Juan National Forest, the primary point of contact would be the Columbine Ranger District or the main office for the San Juan National Forest:

Columbine Ranger District (nearest administrative office for the Silverton area)

P.O. Box 439, 367 South Pearl Street, Bayfield, CO 81122

Phone: (970) 884-2512

It is highly recommended to call this number or visit the San Juan National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/sanjuan) and Recreation.gov for reservations and the most current details before planning your trip, especially concerning seasonal access and fire danger levels.

For Colorado locals, Kendall Campground near Silverton offers an authentic and accessible high-country experience that perfectly encapsulates the allure of our magnificent San Juan Mountains. It's a highly suitable destination for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, providing a balanced blend of natural beauty, recreational access, and convenient amenities.

Firstly, its prime location within the San Juan National Forest means direct immersion in some of Colorado’s most breathtaking scenery. For those of us who live here, escaping to towering peaks, alpine forests, and crisp mountain air is a fundamental part of the Colorado lifestyle. Kendall Campground places you right in the heart of this splendor, offering spectacular views and a true sense of being in the wilderness.

Secondly, Kendall Campground serves as an exceptional basecamp for a multitude of local outdoor pursuits. Whether your passion is conquering challenging hiking trails to high mountain lakes, exploring the vast network of OHV routes, or simply enjoying some quiet fishing in a scenic stream, this campground provides the perfect starting point. Its proximity to both wilderness access and the charming town of Silverton means you can easily transition from rugged adventure to enjoying local history and amenities, a balance highly valued by active Coloradans.

Furthermore, the essential services provided, such as potable water and vault toilets, offer a comfortable level of convenience for a Forest Service campground. This makes it an approachable option for families or those newer to mountain camping, while still retaining the rustic feel that experienced outdoor enthusiasts appreciate. The absence of full hookups encourages a more traditional camping experience, fostering a deeper connection with the natural surroundings.

Finally, its accessibility via a well-maintained forest road, combined with its high-elevation escape from summer heat, makes it a desirable and practical choice for a weekend or extended trip from various parts of Colorado. Kendall Campground isn't just a place to stay; it's an invitation for locals to fully embrace the unparalleled beauty, history, and adventure that awaits in the heart of our beloved San Juan Mountains. It truly is a quintessential Colorado outdoor destination.

Kendall Campground

Forest Rd 585, Silverton, CO 81433, USA