2gypsies wrote:
Mineral Creek has a campground (for a fee but if you have the SR Pass it's 1/2) but before you get to it there a large area of BLM land on Mineral Creek itself. That's free and that's where we usually stayed.
There are several different places up South Mineral Creek before the NFS CG where there is dispersed camping. They have even installed pit toilets in some places to try to keep things a little more sanitary. Kendall camping area (picture above): 37.819586, -107.714469 Golden Horn Camping area: 37.812655, -107.743676 Sullivan and Anvil Camping area: 37.820818, -107.719826
There's another CG up at the old townsite of Eureka. Used to be just wall to wall people. The county has cleaned it up and now charge. But a nice spot nonetheless.
info here The managers used to be a doctor here in GWS and is truly committed to trying to preserve the area.
On the way to Eureka, there are sites just past the mill where Maggie Gulch comes out. 37.855416, -107.574018 One has to be careful in a lot of places around Silverton as much of the property is private. You'll know, it's marked.
On US 550 north out of town toward Red Mountain Pass, there are some boondocking locations at the turnoff here: 37.847441, -107.724874
For the fireworks, the best place we've found is in the big pull off on the first hairpin turn heading out of town on US 550 toward Durango. You'll almost be at eye level with them. Kind of neat. They put on a good show with all the money they bring in from the tourist traffic.
If you want to be in the area for the 4th of July, you'll need to arrive by the end of June. Otherwise, wait until the 5th of July (Sunday) and a lot of people will head home that day.
We usually camp five to seven days in the Silverton area every year. Great place, although mountain biking is pretty tough as everything goes steep up and down. Lots of great hiking trails, though. Head up Cunningham Creek and hike up to the Highland Mary Lakes. Get on a high spot above the lakes and look off into the heart of the Needle Mountains. Amazing view from there. Drive over Cinnamon Pass to American Basin. Park and hike up there. Great wildflowers in that drainage. We've hiked up Handies Peak several times, not for the thrill of conquering one of the 14er's, but because the wildflowers are so wonderful on the approach. It is a nice view from the top however!