Open Year-round
Yes
Reservations possible?
No
RV Hookups
No
Potable water
Yes
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South Mineral Campground, named after South Mineral Creek, is a small, 26-site campground surrounded by beautiful mountains, creeks and waterfalls in Colorado's San Juan Mountains. It offers access to the popular Ice Lake Trailhead, as well as other wonderful locations nearby.

All 26 sites are first-come, first-served, so it is recommended to come early or before the weekend during the summer. If the campground is full, there are a couple other campgrounds along NF-585, and camping is also allowed in some spots along the creek. Restrooms and potable water are available between May and September. 

The campground backs to Clear Creek and South Fork Mineral Creek, both of which form waterfalls worth exploring. The Ice Lake Trailhead is just across the road. The 8-mile hike with 3,000 feet in elevation gain offers wonderful views of beautiful alpine lakes and surrounded mountains. County road 12, just east of the campground, offers access to Clear Lake either by foot or four-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicles.

South Mineral Campground is a great summer destination in the San Juan Mountains. Come in the autumn as well to see Colorado fall colors in full display as aspen and willows turn to shades of yellow and red.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Beautiful lakes and waterfalls. Few people on weekdays. Beautiful fall colors.

Cons

Long drive from Denver. No reservations.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Managed by

Concessionaire

Features

Flushing toilets
Vault toilet
Potable water
Picnic tables
Horseback riding

Location

Comments

03/21/2019
We're doing our first RV adventure, totally fancy and totally excited! Does anyone know if there are spots at South Mineral for a 24ft RV?

Thank you!
05/29/2013
Some of the most amazing views you can find from a frontcountry campground.
06/26/2016
Here is an image of Clear Creek -just before it joins with South Fork Mineral Creek, taken frm campsite 10 at the South Mineral Campground
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