THISTLEDOWN

Amenities Weather Recreation


CAMPING COLORADO

Thistledown


April 24, 2024

Thistledown Camping Area is located in the beautiful San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. The campground is surrounded by stunning views of the mountains, as well as nearby streams and meadows. The area is known for its abundant wildlife, including elk, deer, and black bears.

There are several nearby points of interest, including the historic mining town of Silverton and the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Hiking trails and fishing opportunities are also abundant in the area.

The campground has 32 sites and amenities include drinking water, vault toilets, and fire rings. Reservations are available on Recreation.gov, but some sites are first-come-first-serve.

An interesting fact about the area is that it was once home to the Ute Native American tribe, who used the area for hunting and gathering. The Ute Trail, a historic trail used by the tribe, is accessible from the campground.

The best time to visit Thistledown Camping Area is from June to September, with average temperatures ranging from the 60s to the 80s Fahrenheit. However, visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes and cold nights, even in the summer months.




Weather Outlook



16 Day Long Term Forecast

Seasonal Comparison


Historical Data


Fishing Destinations

                                                       

Crystal Reservoir

Apache Trout Cutthroat Trout

Fruitgrowers Reservoir

Apache Trout Blue Catfish Kelp Bass Largemouth Bass Rainbow Trout

Morrow Point Reservoir

Apache Trout Cutthroat Trout

Ridgway Reservoir

Apache Trout Atlantic Salmon Brown Trout Kelp Bass Northern Pike Rainbow Trout Smallmouth Bass

Vallecito Reservoir

Apache Trout Atlantic Salmon Brown Trout Northern Pike Rainbow Trout

Silver Jack Fisherman Access

Almaco Jack Apache Trout Brook Trout Brown Trout Rainbow Trout

Crawford Reservoir

Apache Trout Brown Trout Northern Pike Rainbow Trout

Lemon Reservoir

Apache Trout Atlantic Salmon Brown Trout Cutthroat Trout Rainbow Trout

Chipeta Lakes SWA

Apache Trout Brown Trout Cutthroat Trout Rainbow Trout

Silver Jack Reservoir

Almaco Jack Apache Trout Atlantic Salmon Brown Trout Rainbow Trout

Beaver Lake Day Use Area/ Fishing Site

Andrews Lake SWA

Apache Trout Cutthroat Trout

Haviland Lake

Apache Trout Atlantic Salmon Brook Trout Brown Trout Rainbow Trout

Elbert Creek

Apache Trout Brown Trout

Sheep Corrals Fishing Site

Apache Trout Atlantic Salmon Black Sea Bass Brook Trout Brown Trout Cutthroat Trout Rainbow Trout

Gould Reservoir

Apache Trout Brook Trout Cutthroat Trout Rainbow Trout

Pastorius Reservoir

Apache Trout Brown Trout Rainbow Trout White Perch Yellow Perch

North Fork Animas River

Apache Trout Cutthroat Trout

Animas River

Apache Trout Cutthroat Trout
                                                                                                                       
                                               

Area Boat Ramps

US 50 GUNNISON COUNTY
Upper Gunnison Watershed, Colorado
US 50 SAPINERO
Upper Gunnison Watershed, Colorado
CHUKAR BOAT RAMP
Upper Gunnison Watershed, Colorado
CR 243 LA PLATA COUNTY
Animas Watershed, Colorado
RITO HONDO RESERVOIR BOATING SITE
Rio Grande headwaters Watershed, Colorado
PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND GUNNISON COUNTY
Upper Gunnison Watershed, Colorado
CR 10 HINSDALE COUNTY
Rio Grande headwaters Watershed, Colorado
DILLON PINNACLES TRAIL GUNNISON COUNTY
Upper Gunnison Watershed, Colorado
DEEP CREEK
San Miguel Watershed, Colorado
CR 11 HINSDALE COUNTY
Rio Grande headwaters Watershed, Colorado

Rafting & Kayaking

SOUTH SECTION LINE SEC 34, T1N, R83W TO CONFLUENCE WITH DECKER CREEK
Colorado headwaters Watershed, Colorado
HEADWATERS TO FLAT TOPS WILDERNESS BOUNDARY
Upper White Watershed, Colorado
YAMPA RIVER SEGMENT 1
Lower Yampa Watershed, Colorado
FLAT TOPS WILDERNESS BOUNDARY TO NF BOUNDARY
Upper White Watershed, Colorado
1/4 MILE BELOW HEADWATERS TO DEEP CREEK DIVERSION DITCH
Colorado headwaters Watershed, Colorado
COLORADO RIVER SEGMENT 7
Colorado headwaters Watershed, Colorado
NF BOUNDARY TO EAST END OF GLENWOOD CANYON
Colorado headwaters Watershed, Colorado
HEADWATERS AT DEEP LAKE OUTLET TO 1/4 MILE DOWNSTREAM
Colorado headwaters Watershed, Colorado
YAMPA RIVER SEGMENT 2
Lower Yampa Watershed, Colorado
COLORADO RIVER SEGMENT 6
Colorado headwaters Watershed, Colorado

Parks & Recreation

                                                       

Sopris Park

Paonia State Park

Grand Mesa National Forest

Confluence Park

Peach Valley Park

Vega State Park

Wilderness Raggeds

Sweitzer Lake State Park

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Olathe Community Park

                                                                                                                       
                                               
UNCOMPAHGRE OVERLOOK
The Uncompahgre Overlook is a beautiful scenic viewpoint located in the Upper Gunnison watershed of Colorado. The overlook is situated at an elevation of 11,312 feet, providing visitors with a ...
ROSES CABIN
Located in the Upper Gunnison watershed of Colorado, the Roses Cabin is a historic cabin that offers a unique and remote wilderness experience for visitors. The cabin is situated in ...
BURROWS PARK INTERPRETIVE SITE
Burrows Park Interpretive Site is a popular tourist destination located in the Upper Gunnison watershed of Colorado. The site is known for its beautiful scenery, wildlife, and educational opportunities. The ...
GATEVIEW SIGN
Gateview Sign Point of Interest is a spectacular spot situated in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado, USA. It is one of the most popular tourist ...
WHITMORE FALLS OVERLOOK
Whitmore Falls Overlook is a popular tourist destination located in the Upper Gunnison watershed of Colorado. The overlook is situated along the Kebler Pass Road which offers a scenic drive ...
CARR RANCH
Carr Ranch is a 1,700-acre conservation property located in the Upper Gunnison watershed of Colorado. This privately-owned land is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and nature enthusiasts ...
ASTRONOMY PROGRAM
The Astronomy Program at Colorado National Park is a popular point of interest for visitors. This program provides a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the night sky and ...
SOUTH RIM VISITOR CENTER
The South Rim Visitor Center is a must-see attraction in the Colorado National Park. The center offers a stunning panoramic view of the canyon, which is one of the most ...
ENGINEER PASS
The Engineer Pass is a 12,800 ft mountain pass in the Upper Gunnison watershed of Colorado, connecting the towns of Silverton and Lake City. It is a popular destination for ...
GATEVIEW REC. SITE
The Gateview Rec Site in the Upper Gunnison watershed of Colorado is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated along the Blue Mesa Reservoir, visitors can engage in a variety ...

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