Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) -- Have an unanswered question or comment about Molas Lake Park & Campground? Email Us
GENERAL FAQs
Q. Can you give me directions on how to get to Molas Lake Park and Campground?
Molas Lake Park & Campground is located between mile markers 65 & 66 on U.S. Highway 550, approximately 5 miles south of Silverton in San Juan County, Colorado. Here is a map, driving directions, and info on the nearest airports: --> Getting to Molas Lake Park and Campground
Q. What is the best way to contact the Molas Lake Office and Store?
Email is the best way to reach us: info@molaslake.com.
Always include your PHONE NUMBER in your email so we can call you if we need to.If you are contacting us about a camping reservation, also include your RESERVATION CONFIRMATION ID that was emailed to you. The Molas Lake Office and Store are open during camping seasons, June 1st - September 30, 7 days a week from 7 AM to 7 PM. If you need additional assistance during camping season, AM7 AM - 7 PM, you can call the office at: 970-880-2982. Email is always the best and fastest way to get assistance with reservations. During the off-season we will post a different phone number.
Q. How big is Molas Lake Campground?
137 wooded acres, including 25-acre Molas Lake. Our 58 campsites are completely surrounded by the San Juan National Forest and other public lands, including the Weminuche wilderness area.
Q. Is there a fee to use the Day Use Picnic Areas?
No. Four (4) day use areas are available free of charge, first-come, first-serve. Each area has a BBQ grill and picnic table.
Q. Can I swim in Molas Lake?
No. Swimming is not permitted in Molas Lake.
Q. Can I fly a drone at Molas Lake Park and Campground?
No. Drones are not permitted.
Q. Can I bring my dog or cat to the Molas Lake Park and/or Campground?
Pets are welcome. All dogs must always be on leash when in the park and never left unattended. Owners are responsible for picking up after their pets to ensure a clean campground, campsite, and surrounding trails.
Q. What do I need to fish at Molas Lake?
Everything you need to know about Molas Lake fishing is on our fishing web page -->FISH.
Q. Is there a lake or camp store? What supplies can we buy at the Molas Lake Store?
Yes. The Molas Lake Store is co-located with the campground office and is open every day from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM, seven days a week during the camping season (June 1st – September 30th), and has basic fishing and camping supplies, souvenirs, snacks, ice cream, and drinks. Molas Lake Store also rents kayaks, SUPs, and a rowboat.
Q. Do you sell firewood?
Yes, Molas Lake Store sells firewood during business hours, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Due to ecological concerns and the appearance of invasive species, campers are strictly prohibited from bringing firewood from out-of-state. NO CUTTING OF TREES IN THE CAMPGROUND IS PERMITTED. VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED TO THE FULL EXTENT OF THE LAW AND WILL BE INVITED TO LEAVE WITHOUT REFUND.
Q. Are there hiking and mountain biking trails close?
Yes. There are amazing hikes for all abilities directly from the campground. Many other hiking trails are a short drive from the campground. Our hiking and links web pages provide more information on trails in the area. You can mountain bike directly from the campground on the Colorado Trail towards Durango. (No bikes are allowed in the Weminuche Wilderness.) Note that this section of the Colorado trail is strenuous due to the elevation gain. World-class mountain bike trails are close by in the Durango and Cortez area.
Q. Can I bring and ride my ATV in the campground and surrounding trails?
No. ATVs cannot be ridden in the campground and surrounding trails. Federal public lands and wilderness areas surround Molas Lake Campground. ATVs must be placed on a trailer from the campground and driven to the allowed areas outside of the Town of Silverton and many other surrounding OHV staging areas. Town of Silverton ATV info and regulations.
Q. What animals live in the Molas Lake area?
Many species live in the San Juan Mountains, including mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, wolves, coyotes, black bears, bobcats, and lynx. Although you will probably see some of these species on your trip, deer, elk, coyotes, and sheep are frequently seen, while bear- and big cat (mountain lion) sightings are rarer.
CAMPGROUND FAQs
Q. What is the best way to contact Molas Lake Campground about my reservation?
Email is the best way to reach us: info@molaslake.com.
Always include your PHONE NUMBER in your email so we can call you if we need to.If you are contacting us about a camping reservation, also include your RESERVATION CONFIRMATION ID that was emailed to you. The Molas Lake Office and Store are open during camping seasons, June 1st - September 30, 7 days a week from 7 AM to 7 PM. If you need additional assistance during camping season, AM7 AM - 7 PM, you can call the office at: 970-880-2982. Email is always the best and fastest way to get assistance with reservations. During off-season we will post a different phone number.
Q. Are there electrical outlets in the campground bathrooms? Where do I get water?
There are no electrical outlets in the campground bathrooms. Outlets only located in the shower facilities. The bathrooms are clean, vault-style toilets without electricity or running water. A central water pump provides clean, potable water for guests.
Q. Does the campground have showers?
Yes, they cost $5.Hot water shower facilities (with electrical outlets) are available for $5.00 per token. Most campers will buy one token per shower. The campground bathrooms do not have any running water. Shower availability is not guaranteed from September 15th to the season's close.
Q. Does the campground have a dumping station?
No. Molas Lake Campground no longer has a dump station. Dump stations are available within the Town of Silverton, just 10 minutes away. The fee is typically around $10.
Q. We are a large group. Can you accommodate us?
For groups of 15 or more, please email your details to us. We recommend groups reserve in the Small RV/Tent Sites as not all waterfront sites are close enough together to accommodate a group gathering. We can accommodate large groups of students and scouts. It is also common for large families and friend groups to reserve adjacent campsites. When you email your group's details to us we will work with you and let you know what options match your needs.
Q. We may arrive later in the evening after the office closes at 7:00 PM. What do we need to do to get a late check-in?
Our office is open daily from 7:00 AM -7:00 PM. If you plan on arriving after 7:00 PM, your site number and last name will be listed and marked on a map on the office's front door. Just come back in the morning to grab your paperwork!
Q. We haven't camped at Molas Lake before, what is the best campsite for us?
All sites have different characteristics, topography, views, and sizes. Each individual camper or group will like something different, so it is difficult to answer, "What is the best campsite for us?"
We recommend reading the descriptions of the individual campsites on our Camping web page for an understanding of what fits best and the general location/views. It is important to note that we are a developed campground, and while we have relatively spacious campsites, campers do not have unlimited space for longer trailers or multiple ultra-large tents. Some campsites work better for RVs, some for small tents, and others for cabin/wall tents. Most sites accommodate two normal-size, 3-person to 4-person tents. Our sites do not generally fit two huge tents. Sites are developed for 6-8 people maximum with two reasonable-sized tents. Most sites do NOT allow generators. Only the Lake-View Ultra RV and Standard RV (Rock Cliff Area) campsites allow generators and they must be "reasonably quiet" generators.
We provide detailed campsite descriptions to note the maximum trailer length and number of tents (and guests) for every campsite # on our camping and reservation web pages. Please look at our campsite map, each campsite description, and reservation policies before making a reservation.
 Campground Map | Campsite Descriptions and Rates
Reservation, Cancellation, Refund, and Other Policies
* PLEASE be sure you book an appropriate campsite for what you are bringing. IF YOU INCORRECTLY BOOK A CAMPSITE THAT IS NOT APPROPRIATE, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT WE CAN ACCOMMODATE A DIFFERENT CAMPSITE AT CHECK-IN - we do sell out for most of the summer. Please email us with any questions and put your phone number in the email.
Q. What is the cancellation policy?
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY - OUR CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. You can find our current policies on our camping and reservations web page and here:  BOOKING INFORMATION, CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICIES
* To cancel or change your reservation, please Email Us (include your phone number) and specify that you booked your reservation online with the reservation identification code provided in your booking confirmation email.
Q. I camp at Molas Lake often but can never reserve the site I want. Why?
Reservations for the season open on January 1st. People who book and request campsites on January 1st get the best chance to book the site they want. We recommend reserving as soon as you plan on coming out to visit. Although our waterfront campsites are highly desirable, many other great sites may be more spacious in the Small RV/Tent Site area.
Q. Do bears visit Molas Lake Campground?
Although there have not been any bear-human contact incidents in recent memory, black bears have visited the campground occasionally. Because of the remoteness of the campground and the bears' limited interactions with humans, the bears in the area tend to have a natural fear of people. However, you should play it safe and avoid storing food in your tent.
THROUGH-HIKER INFO
Q. I am hiking to Colorado Trail and need to send a resupply package. Can I send one to the Molas Lake Office or Store?
YES! We are conveniently located right off the Colorado Trail (Segment 24).
Packages can be picked up (see fee info below) during campground office/store hours, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM.
ONLY SHIP BOX(S) WITHIN 30 DAYS OR LESS OF YOUR ETA. YOU MUST LABEL YOUR BOX(S) WITH YOUR ETA DATE. Boxes that have not been asked to be returned or have not been picked up within 30 days of the ETA will be donated to our hiker box for fellow CT hikers to enjoy. Boxes that are NOT clearly marked with an ETA will be stored for 30 days maximum from the date we receive them. If unclaimed after 30 days, then they will be donated to the hiker box after 30 days.
You can send your package by UPS to the following address:
Molas Lake Campground
C/O *your name here*
65560 US Hwy 550 N
Silverton, CO 81433
Please label your box(s) clearly with your name, estimated time of arrival, and mark it with something that differentiates it from the other boxes (stickers, colorful duct tape, ect).
If you send your boxes via USPS General Delivery (NOT RECOMMENDED!), you will incur an additional fee based on the size of your package(s) and cost of transportation from the Silverton Post Office to Molas Lake Campground.
STORAGE & RETURN SHIPPING FEES: We receive a large number of boxes and storage costs are increasing. There is a $10 pick-up fee that helps cover basic storage costs. Oversized packages may be charged an additional storage fee. If you want your packages shipped back to you, the minimum fee is $30 plus actual shipping costs.
CHANGE OF PLANS? If your plans change, contact the store as soon as possible to tell us what to do with your package(s) and free up space for other hikers' supplies. You can donate your package to our hiker box or arrange to have your package(s) shipped back to you. If you want your packages shipped back to you, the minimum fee is $30 plus actual shipping costs.
Boxes that haven’t been asked to be returned or have not been picked up within 30 days of the ETA will be donated to our hiker box for fellow CT hikers to enjoy.
Don’t forget we also have a store filled with drinks, snacks, and ice cream! You can also purchase a hot shower token for $5. Happy Hiking!
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