Anvil Dispersed Camping

We arrived on a Thursday afternoon and there was ample space available to us. We tucked in in the turnaround spot down the first pull off for Anvil. Our Durango rode smoothly over the whole way down. We had perfect views of the river and wildlife all in that last turnaround spot. Plenty of people do come down to check out the river and hike the little path near the spot, and there is traffic noise from the highway above. We never mind anyone wanting to have a look see at the open space near us and traffic noise we would rate on a scale of 5 being super noisy, probably a 2.5, it is noisy but not bothersome. There were a lot of spots available both right on the river and a little ways away from it. Lots of small hiking opportunities in the turnaround spot. We definitely loved this spot, especially being right on the river. Very spacious as well, it would have fit a large rig perfectly as well, we popped out two tents and had our "Rango" pointed out slightly so other campers knew the spot was taken. We enjoyed this spot dearly and hope to visit again!

What an awesome dispersed camping site in the San Juan! Just minutes from Silverton, CO - South Mineral Campground has dozens of dispersed campsites for all size rigs. Newly laid gravel road in takes you all the way to Ice Lake Trailhead and campground. We have between 1-2 bars with Verizon (even when using our Weboost); however, as mentioned Silverton is just up the road. There is a variation of dispersed campground names off this road so do not let it confuse you; just search for South Mineral Campground in Apple Maps and you'll be on the right path to choose whichever campground you desire.

This was my families first boondocking experience. After reading reviews and you tube video watching we decided on Anvil, this place is amazing. Also being able to drive the million dollars highway to go to Ouray or on to Telluride. Silverton was a very nice town as well, but nothing beat the morning and night Views from our campsite.
The kids loved playing in the Creek and hiking around. Saw three moose within 350 yards if the campsite as well.

Would absolutely stay here again.

Parked right on creeks edge, really nice to just sit and listen to the water flow. Jeeped pass anvil to the pay sites dead end, went up the jeep trail and found some hidden gems, two herds of deer, we walked down to take closer pics and found a double water fall and just great views. There are so many things to do from this location the town of silverton has a laundry mat and if you are in the tourist stuff there are shops restaurants and bars.

Anvil is the smaller of the 2, Sultan is the other side of the creek and IMHO the better side. Anvil is smaller. Unfortunately this side was overrun by inconsiderate campers who took over campsites with canopies or their hammocks. Definitely park on the road and walk in and scope out the site first before you get yourself in a predicament. Probably after mid August is best, it wasn’t too crowded, although, like I said above, a very inconsiderate family took over several spots that others could have been in. I wish people were more considerate, but it is what it is.

We had great Verizon and TMobile service, no issues at all. It probably depends on the number of people around.

My 37 ft TT was the longest RV in all the 4 days we were there. If it’s not crowded then all is well. But it was crowded by the river. Away from the river there are basically two sites for big rigs. That’s the space needed to turn around. If it wasn’t there then you’d have to back up and out again. Some had to do that. Water was was. Area is spectacular. On the Weekdays there were lots of people here and along the road. But on Friday when we left, much more people there along side the road. Plenty of campgrounds along the main road. Sultan and Anvil were the more smaller areas. I wouldn’t recommend anything bigger than 30 ft. Unless empty. Get out and check first. Cell service was spotty.

Thank goodness we arrived when we did! We drove all the way to the last spot which only about a quarter of a mile down the road, with no problems at all. The camping areas are each tucked away and you have more privacy. The creek could be seen from our window and it was amazing. I highly recommend this peaceful campground. We would have stayed here the fourteen days allowed if we had the time.