Anglers and boaters find Lowry Campground well-positioned for Lake Dillon access, with the reservoir less than a mile downhill from this Forest Service facility. The campground sits in White River National Forest at 9,100 feet elevation, where mountain views stretch across the surrounding peaks and valleys even in summer months.
The circular layout places sites close together, creating a community atmosphere that some campers appreciate while others find limiting for privacy. Matthew G. notes that "site 12 was nice because it was a bit more secluded than the others," though he mentions occasional odors from the nearby vault toilets depending on wind direction. Walk-in tent sites provide more separation, positioned about 100 yards from the parking area with bear lockers, fire rings, and picnic tables.
Electric hookups accommodate RVs up to 55 feet, though the campground lacks water and sewer connections. Several reviewers comment on water quality issues from the campground spigots. The facility includes vault toilets that campers consistently describe as clean and well-maintained. A bike path circles Lake Dillon, connecting to Frisco, Dillon, and Breckenridge for supplies and dining. RV drivers should note the one-way traffic pattern around the lake.
Wind exposure can be significant at this elevation, with multiple campers mentioning caution needed for awnings and tent setups. The campground operates from late May through September, with reservations recommended during peak summer months. Lauren M. found success with first-come sites on weekends, noting helpful camp hosts who check on guests regularly.
For those exploring the Summit County area, this location provides convenient access to Breckenridge skiing and hiking trails while serving as a base for lake activities and mountain recreation.
Description
Overview
At an elevation of 9,320 feet, Lowry Campground is located between Summit Cove and Breckenridge, Colorado in the White River National Forest. This campground is in close proximity to Dillon Reservoir and a handful of trails, making it an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation. Due to the pine beetle infestation and removal of hazard trees, there is little or no shade in the campground.
Recreation
Dillon Reservoir, often referred to as Lake Dillon, is the greatest draw to this campground, offering 26.8 miles of shoreline. It is an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and sailing. Anglers will find that the reservoir supports a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout, with an occasional cutthroat trout finding its way into the lake from feeder streams. Opportunities for hiking and biking include more than 7 paved miles of the 50-mile Summit County trail system. From the reservoir, the Old Dillon Reservoir trail is a favorite. This short, easy trail has spectacular views of the Tenmile Range and the Continental Divide. The Old Dillon Reservoir was built in the 1930s to supply water to the original town of Dillon, which is now covered by the new Dillon Reservoir.
Facilities
Lowry Campground has 27 sites able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Three tent-only campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sites 2-24 have electric hookups. There is an extra fee for the electrical service at these sites. The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, drinking water and vault toilets. All campsites are allowed 10 people and two vehicles only, with a maximum vehicle length of 32 feet. Firewood is for sale from hosts at the campground. Boat ramp access is available in the marinas located in the nearby towns of Frisco and Dillon.
Natural Features
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Described as being more vertical than horizontal, the nearby Eagles Nest Wilderness, designated in 1976, is a playground of craggy cliffs, sheer rock faces, alpine lakes, and deep, forested valleys. Visitors will find foot travel across this pristine area challenging and often strenuous, but will be rewarded with spectacular scenery. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.
Nearby Attractions
Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain ski resorts are all located within 10 miles from Dillon Reservoir. These resorts stay open year round.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundLowry Campground is located in Colorado
Directions
From I-70, take exit 205. Travel east on Highway 6 towards Keystone, Colorado, for approximately 3 miles. Turn right on Swan Mountain Road and proceed 1.5 miles to the Lowry Campground sign. Turn left and proceed a half mile to the campground.
Coordinates
39.5986111 N
106.0344444 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 4/4/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 45 usersLast on 4/4/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 4/4/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 4/4/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 45 usersLast on 4/4/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 4/4/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 20 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 30 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 6 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 2 hrs 8 min from Colorado Springs, CO
