Camping at Molas Lake

   **This blog has moved! Please check out https://www.foxintheforest.net for more adventures like Camping at Molas Lake!

  I know I've been probably the worst blogger out there since I've started working, but who could blame me? I spend 8 hours a day on a computer, and when the weather is this amazing, it's tough to be indoors, much less on a computer. Needless to say I've been out and about. Not to mention we've recently moved and (as life would have it) are beginning to look for a house (eeek!!).

     Life has taken me to some crazy places lately and I haven't had as much time to DIY. Instead I've been filling out my time with new activities, spending time outdoors, and getting ready for the summer recital at my dance studio. I'll report back on all of that later, but it's time I returned to my original purpose for this blog, travel. Unfortunately (and whoa is me and my first world problems) I cannot afford to leave the country this year. However, that hasn't stopped me from seeking adventure right here in the beautiful US of A.

     As many of you may know the Fourth of July is my all-time favorite holiday. This year, MB and I did the most American thing to do on the 4th of July, go camping. Now, going camping over the 4th of July is like trying to find a hotel in Jogjakarta after Ramadan; impossibly crowded and usually not all that great, but I've found a place. Granted, in true M and MB fashion, it isn't the most obvious place on the map, the nearest town is hardly a blip on the radar. Welcome to Molas Lake, Colorado.

     Molas Lake is a hidden(-ish) gem in the San Juan Mountains of South West Colorado. Located at whopping elevation of 10,515ft above sea level, it is North America's highest established camp site. I guess this means things like base camps for Mt. McKinley don't count. Molas Lake itself is off of US Highway 550 as a stop along what is known as the San Juan Skyway, or more specifically, the Million Dollar Highway. It is absolutely STUNNING. I've posted some pictures, but honestly, nothing compares to the real thing.

Approaching the San Juans

Looking down on the Million Dollar Highway

     As a Denverite, you have to work to get there, traveling through mainly mountain roads and smaller highways for 7 hours, but it's worth it. I would recommend skipping the I-70 route (unless you are in some type of hurry, or like sitting in weekend warrior traffic) and take the scenic route instead. Trust me, it starts out beautiful and just keeps getting better. The beginning is your typical Colorado mountain landscape and the route then crescendos to a beautiful ribbon of black tarmac playfully making its way up steep mountain passes, no guardrails, hairpinning around the majestic San Juans. The area is sprinkled with fragments of the past, old rickety wooden tracks and zig-zagging tree lines remind you that this was mining country. As you zip (or tip toe) up the pass there are bright splashes of rusty, red-capped mountains that look like something from another planet.

     A note about altitude. 10,000ft above sea level is high up. I've lived at altitude for quite some time (Tahoe and now Denver) and if you aren't used to it, you might feel a little weird your first few days. Even if you are used to the altitude, you can still get altitude sickness. I've been living up high for a while and I got altitude sickness once while staying at a house in Breckenridge, CO and actually had to leave early in order to get better. It was NOT fun. My suggestion would be to limit your alcohol intake, drink plenty of water, and relax your first few days.

     The campsite itself is extremely well run. It isn't owned by the state or the national park service which actually works in its favor. The campsites themselves are HUGE by national park standards. You could have easily fit three larger tents on our site. We had one backpacking tent and a 4 person tent on our site with PLENTY of room, although only space for two cars, but there is a gravel lot in the front of the campsite. We also had a site right on the lake (If you plan on fishing a lot, or want constant privacy lakeside I would recommend paying the extra few dollars for the upgrade). I, being the ADD freak I am, accidentally only booked us through Saturday. I quickly realized this and reserved a non-lakeside site for Saturday night and John (the camp host) ended up letting us stay on our original site for the whole weekend. There are showers for rent (we opted out and just stayed dirty), drinking water, and a lake stocked with fish that you are allowed to consume. Not to mention, this place had the CLEANEST pit toilets I have ever encountered.

Morning coffee (our tent is in the trees behind me) and getting ready to cast a line

     Aside from the incredible beauty, privacy, and friendliness of the place is that it is quiet! It was the 4th mind you, and the atmosphere was always peaceful and relaxed. They claim to not allow alcohol on the site, but if you act responsibly and aren't obnoxious you can get away with it. We had 2 boxes of wine and a couple of flasks to last us the weekend. No one gave us any trouble, but we weren't raging either. Just sipping wine from a tin cup while fishing and watching the sun set.

Great company, boxed vino, and a whole lotta Colorado sunset

Watching the time pass never got old here

Views from the Colorado Trail

I really just can't get enough of this picture

     The hiking, off-roading, fishing, and other outdoor activities available around the area are some of the best in the state, and thus best in the country. There is access to the Colorado Trail and hundreds of other hikes that take you deep into mountain country. The fishing is excellent. If you aren't convinced, I caught my first fish here and I'm definitely not a pro angler. If that isn't your thing there are two towns nearby. Ouray, at the base of the mountain pass, is about an hour away. This picturesque mountain town has lots of restaurants and pubs and plenty of shops. It was a bit kitschy for my taste, but it's worth a walk around none the less. The closer town, at about 15 mins away is Silverton. Silverton is much smaller than Ouray, but is still beautiful and definitely has more of an authentic feel. Still your typical old west mining town, with a main street and all the old buildings still in tact, but the main street is the only paved road in the place. Life in Silverton is definitely more in your face and less touristy than Ouray and they have one of the best fire works displays in all of Colorado (surprisingly). Both boast a brewery so MB and I were happy to go to either. Everything you would need while camping is in Silverton, and people stare at you less if you haven't showered in a few days (or 5).

Ouray nestled at the base of the San Juans

A slice of Americana at the Silverton 4th of July Parade

     Overall I would recommend this entire area, not just Molas Lake, to just about anyone. Molas has been rated Colorado's most beautiful campground, and I will have to agree. I haven't seen much else more beautiful in this country than this region of Colorado.

Overall rating: MUST SEE

Pros: Clean toilets. Beauty. Great fishing. Spacious, private campsites. Friendly people. Quiet. Great access to outdoor activities. Dog friendly (they say your dog must be leashed, but when we were at our site and on the trails we didn't leash her, only when on the campground roads. Granted our dog is well trained). Can drink (it is most likely un-advised because of the altitude/to fend off crazy parties). Even campsites not on the water are a short walk (less than 2 mins) to the water. Reasonable fire policies (if it isn't windy, have at it). Virtually NO MOSQUITOS! Tons of dragon flies though, but they don't bother you. No bear issues.

Cons: Right off the Highway, although you don't really notice the cars and you RARELY hear them (never at night). Only source of drinking water is at the front of the site. No swimming (although I don't think you would want to). It can get cold and the weather can get crazy, we got pretty lucky.

Happy trails!
-M

   **This blog has moved! Please check out https://www.foxintheforest.net for more adventures like Camping at Molas Lake!

  I know I've been probably the worst blogger out there since I've started working, but who could blame me? I spend 8 hours a day on a computer, and when the weather is this amazing, it's tough to be indoors, much less on a computer. Needless to say I've been out and about. Not to mention we've recently moved and (as life would have it) are beginning to look for a house (eeek!!).

     Life has taken me to some crazy places lately and I haven't had as much time to DIY. Instead I've been filling out my time with new activities, spending time outdoors, and getting ready for the summer recital at my dance studio. I'll report back on all of that later, but it's time I returned to my original purpose for this blog, travel. Unfortunately (and whoa is me and my first world problems) I cannot afford to leave the country this year. However, that hasn't stopped me from seeking adventure right here in the beautiful US of A.

     As many of you may know the Fourth of July is my all-time favorite holiday. This year, MB and I did the most American thing to do on the 4th of July, go camping. Now, going camping over the 4th of July is like trying to find a hotel in Jogjakarta after Ramadan; impossibly crowded and usually not all that great, but I've found a place. Granted, in true M and MB fashion, it isn't the most obvious place on the map, the nearest town is hardly a blip on the radar. Welcome to Molas Lake, Colorado.

     Molas Lake is a hidden(-ish) gem in the San Juan Mountains of South West Colorado. Located at whopping elevation of 10,515ft above sea level, it is North America's highest established camp site. I guess this means things like base camps for Mt. McKinley don't count. Molas Lake itself is off of US Highway 550 as a stop along what is known as the San Juan Skyway, or more specifically, the Million Dollar Highway. It is absolutely STUNNING. I've posted some pictures, but honestly, nothing compares to the real thing.

Approaching the San Juans

Looking down on the Million Dollar Highway

     As a Denverite, you have to work to get there, traveling through mainly mountain roads and smaller highways for 7 hours, but it's worth it. I would recommend skipping the I-70 route (unless you are in some type of hurry, or like sitting in weekend warrior traffic) and take the scenic route instead. Trust me, it starts out beautiful and just keeps getting better. The beginning is your typical Colorado mountain landscape and the route then crescendos to a beautiful ribbon of black tarmac playfully making its way up steep mountain passes, no guardrails, hairpinning around the majestic San Juans. The area is sprinkled with fragments of the past, old rickety wooden tracks and zig-zagging tree lines remind you that this was mining country. As you zip (or tip toe) up the pass there are bright splashes of rusty, red-capped mountains that look like something from another planet.

     A note about altitude. 10,000ft above sea level is high up. I've lived at altitude for quite some time (Tahoe and now Denver) and if you aren't used to it, you might feel a little weird your first few days. Even if you are used to the altitude, you can still get altitude sickness. I've been living up high for a while and I got altitude sickness once while staying at a house in Breckenridge, CO and actually had to leave early in order to get better. It was NOT fun. My suggestion would be to limit your alcohol intake, drink plenty of water, and relax your first few days.

     The campsite itself is extremely well run. It isn't owned by the state or the national park service which actually works in its favor. The campsites themselves are HUGE by national park standards. You could have easily fit three larger tents on our site. We had one backpacking tent and a 4 person tent on our site with PLENTY of room, although only space for two cars, but there is a gravel lot in the front of the campsite. We also had a site right on the lake (If you plan on fishing a lot, or want constant privacy lakeside I would recommend paying the extra few dollars for the upgrade). I, being the ADD freak I am, accidentally only booked us through Saturday. I quickly realized this and reserved a non-lakeside site for Saturday night and John (the camp host) ended up letting us stay on our original site for the whole weekend. There are showers for rent (we opted out and just stayed dirty), drinking water, and a lake stocked with fish that you are allowed to consume. Not to mention, this place had the CLEANEST pit toilets I have ever encountered.

Morning coffee (our tent is in the trees behind me) and getting ready to cast a line

     Aside from the incredible beauty, privacy, and friendliness of the place is that it is quiet! It was the 4th mind you, and the atmosphere was always peaceful and relaxed. They claim to not allow alcohol on the site, but if you act responsibly and aren't obnoxious you can get away with it. We had 2 boxes of wine and a couple of flasks to last us the weekend. No one gave us any trouble, but we weren't raging either. Just sipping wine from a tin cup while fishing and watching the sun set.

Great company, boxed vino, and a whole lotta Colorado sunset

Watching the time pass never got old here

Views from the Colorado Trail

I really just can't get enough of this picture

     The hiking, off-roading, fishing, and other outdoor activities available around the area are some of the best in the state, and thus best in the country. There is access to the Colorado Trail and hundreds of other hikes that take you deep into mountain country. The fishing is excellent. If you aren't convinced, I caught my first fish here and I'm definitely not a pro angler. If that isn't your thing there are two towns nearby. Ouray, at the base of the mountain pass, is about an hour away. This picturesque mountain town has lots of restaurants and pubs and plenty of shops. It was a bit kitschy for my taste, but it's worth a walk around none the less. The closer town, at about 15 mins away is Silverton. Silverton is much smaller than Ouray, but is still beautiful and definitely has more of an authentic feel. Still your typical old west mining town, with a main street and all the old buildings still in tact, but the main street is the only paved road in the place. Life in Silverton is definitely more in your face and less touristy than Ouray and they have one of the best fire works displays in all of Colorado (surprisingly). Both boast a brewery so MB and I were happy to go to either. Everything you would need while camping is in Silverton, and people stare at you less if you haven't showered in a few days (or 5).

Ouray nestled at the base of the San Juans

A slice of Americana at the Silverton 4th of July Parade

     Overall I would recommend this entire area, not just Molas Lake, to just about anyone. Molas has been rated Colorado's most beautiful campground, and I will have to agree. I haven't seen much else more beautiful in this country than this region of Colorado.

Overall rating: MUST SEE

Pros: Clean toilets. Beauty. Great fishing. Spacious, private campsites. Friendly people. Quiet. Great access to outdoor activities. Dog friendly (they say your dog must be leashed, but when we were at our site and on the trails we didn't leash her, only when on the campground roads. Granted our dog is well trained). Can drink (it is most likely un-advised because of the altitude/to fend off crazy parties). Even campsites not on the water are a short walk (less than 2 mins) to the water. Reasonable fire policies (if it isn't windy, have at it). Virtually NO MOSQUITOS! Tons of dragon flies though, but they don't bother you. No bear issues.

Cons: Right off the Highway, although you don't really notice the cars and you RARELY hear them (never at night). Only source of drinking water is at the front of the site. No swimming (although I don't think you would want to). It can get cold and the weather can get crazy, we got pretty lucky.

Happy trails!
-M

   **This blog has moved! Please check out https://www.foxintheforest.net for more adventures like Camping at Molas Lake!

  I know I've been probably the worst blogger out there since I've started working, but who could blame me? I spend 8 hours a day on a computer, and when the weather is this amazing, it's tough to be indoors, much less on a computer. Needless to say I've been out and about. Not to mention we've recently moved and (as life would have it) are beginning to look for a house (eeek!!).

     Life has taken me to some crazy places lately and I haven't had as much time to DIY. Instead I've been filling out my time with new activities, spending time outdoors, and getting ready for the summer recital at my dance studio. I'll report back on all of that later, but it's time I returned to my original purpose for this blog, travel. Unfortunately (and whoa is me and my first world problems) I cannot afford to leave the country this year. However, that hasn't stopped me from seeking adventure right here in the beautiful US of A.

     As many of you may know the Fourth of July is my all-time favorite holiday. This year, MB and I did the most American thing to do on the 4th of July, go camping. Now, going camping over the 4th of July is like trying to find a hotel in Jogjakarta after Ramadan; impossibly crowded and usually not all that great, but I've found a place. Granted, in true M and MB fashion, it isn't the most obvious place on the map, the nearest town is hardly a blip on the radar. Welcome to Molas Lake, Colorado.

     Molas Lake is a hidden(-ish) gem in the San Juan Mountains of South West Colorado. Located at whopping elevation of 10,515ft above sea level, it is North America's highest established camp site. I guess this means things like base camps for Mt. McKinley don't count. Molas Lake itself is off of US Highway 550 as a stop along what is known as the San Juan Skyway, or more specifically, the Million Dollar Highway. It is absolutely STUNNING. I've posted some pictures, but honestly, nothing compares to the real thing.

Approaching the San Juans

Looking down on the Million Dollar Highway

     As a Denverite, you have to work to get there, traveling through mainly mountain roads and smaller highways for 7 hours, but it's worth it. I would recommend skipping the I-70 route (unless you are in some type of hurry, or like sitting in weekend warrior traffic) and take the scenic route instead. Trust me, it starts out beautiful and just keeps getting better. The beginning is your typical Colorado mountain landscape and the route then crescendos to a beautiful ribbon of black tarmac playfully making its way up steep mountain passes, no guardrails, hairpinning around the majestic San Juans. The area is sprinkled with fragments of the past, old rickety wooden tracks and zig-zagging tree lines remind you that this was mining country. As you zip (or tip toe) up the pass there are bright splashes of rusty, red-capped mountains that look like something from another planet.

     A note about altitude. 10,000ft above sea level is high up. I've lived at altitude for quite some time (Tahoe and now Denver) and if you aren't used to it, you might feel a little weird your first few days. Even if you are used to the altitude, you can still get altitude sickness. I've been living up high for a while and I got altitude sickness once while staying at a house in Breckenridge, CO and actually had to leave early in order to get better. It was NOT fun. My suggestion would be to limit your alcohol intake, drink plenty of water, and relax your first few days.

     The campsite itself is extremely well run. It isn't owned by the state or the national park service which actually works in its favor. The campsites themselves are HUGE by national park standards. You could have easily fit three larger tents on our site. We had one backpacking tent and a 4 person tent on our site with PLENTY of room, although only space for two cars, but there is a gravel lot in the front of the campsite. We also had a site right on the lake (If you plan on fishing a lot, or want constant privacy lakeside I would recommend paying the extra few dollars for the upgrade). I, being the ADD freak I am, accidentally only booked us through Saturday. I quickly realized this and reserved a non-lakeside site for Saturday night and John (the camp host) ended up letting us stay on our original site for the whole weekend. There are showers for rent (we opted out and just stayed dirty), drinking water, and a lake stocked with fish that you are allowed to consume. Not to mention, this place had the CLEANEST pit toilets I have ever encountered.

Morning coffee (our tent is in the trees behind me) and getting ready to cast a line

     Aside from the incredible beauty, privacy, and friendliness of the place is that it is quiet! It was the 4th mind you, and the atmosphere was always peaceful and relaxed. They claim to not allow alcohol on the site, but if you act responsibly and aren't obnoxious you can get away with it. We had 2 boxes of wine and a couple of flasks to last us the weekend. No one gave us any trouble, but we weren't raging either. Just sipping wine from a tin cup while fishing and watching the sun set.

Great company, boxed vino, and a whole lotta Colorado sunset

Watching the time pass never got old here

Views from the Colorado Trail

I really just can't get enough of this picture

     The hiking, off-roading, fishing, and other outdoor activities available around the area are some of the best in the state, and thus best in the country. There is access to the Colorado Trail and hundreds of other hikes that take you deep into mountain country. The fishing is excellent. If you aren't convinced, I caught my first fish here and I'm definitely not a pro angler. If that isn't your thing there are two towns nearby. Ouray, at the base of the mountain pass, is about an hour away. This picturesque mountain town has lots of restaurants and pubs and plenty of shops. It was a bit kitschy for my taste, but it's worth a walk around none the less. The closer town, at about 15 mins away is Silverton. Silverton is much smaller than Ouray, but is still beautiful and definitely has more of an authentic feel. Still your typical old west mining town, with a main street and all the old buildings still in tact, but the main street is the only paved road in the place. Life in Silverton is definitely more in your face and less touristy than Ouray and they have one of the best fire works displays in all of Colorado (surprisingly). Both boast a brewery so MB and I were happy to go to either. Everything you would need while camping is in Silverton, and people stare at you less if you haven't showered in a few days (or 5).

Ouray nestled at the base of the San Juans

A slice of Americana at the Silverton 4th of July Parade

     Overall I would recommend this entire area, not just Molas Lake, to just about anyone. Molas has been rated Colorado's most beautiful campground, and I will have to agree. I haven't seen much else more beautiful in this country than this region of Colorado.

Overall rating: MUST SEE

Pros: Clean toilets. Beauty. Great fishing. Spacious, private campsites. Friendly people. Quiet. Great access to outdoor activities. Dog friendly (they say your dog must be leashed, but when we were at our site and on the trails we didn't leash her, only when on the campground roads. Granted our dog is well trained). Can drink (it is most likely un-advised because of the altitude/to fend off crazy parties). Even campsites not on the water are a short walk (less than 2 mins) to the water. Reasonable fire policies (if it isn't windy, have at it). Virtually NO MOSQUITOS! Tons of dragon flies though, but they don't bother you. No bear issues.

Cons: Right off the Highway, although you don't really notice the cars and you RARELY hear them (never at night). Only source of drinking water is at the front of the site. No swimming (although I don't think you would want to). It can get cold and the weather can get crazy, we got pretty lucky.

Happy trails!
-M

   **This blog has moved! Please check out https://www.foxintheforest.net for more adventures like Camping at Molas Lake!

  I know I've been probably the worst blogger out there since I've started working, but who could blame me? I spend 8 hours a day on a computer, and when the weather is this amazing, it's tough to be indoors, much less on a computer. Needless to say I've been out and about. Not to mention we've recently moved and (as life would have it) are beginning to look for a house (eeek!!).

     Life has taken me to some crazy places lately and I haven't had as much time to DIY. Instead I've been filling out my time with new activities, spending time outdoors, and getting ready for the summer recital at my dance studio. I'll report back on all of that later, but it's time I returned to my original purpose for this blog, travel. Unfortunately (and whoa is me and my first world problems) I cannot afford to leave the country this year. However, that hasn't stopped me from seeking adventure right here in the beautiful US of A.

     As many of you may know the Fourth of July is my all-time favorite holiday. This year, MB and I did the most American thing to do on the 4th of July, go camping. Now, going camping over the 4th of July is like trying to find a hotel in Jogjakarta after Ramadan; impossibly crowded and usually not all that great, but I've found a place. Granted, in true M and MB fashion, it isn't the most obvious place on the map, the nearest town is hardly a blip on the radar. Welcome to Molas Lake, Colorado.

     Molas Lake is a hidden(-ish) gem in the San Juan Mountains of South West Colorado. Located at whopping elevation of 10,515ft above sea level, it is North America's highest established camp site. I guess this means things like base camps for Mt. McKinley don't count. Molas Lake itself is off of US Highway 550 as a stop along what is known as the San Juan Skyway, or more specifically, the Million Dollar Highway. It is absolutely STUNNING. I've posted some pictures, but honestly, nothing compares to the real thing.

Approaching the San Juans

Looking down on the Million Dollar Highway

     As a Denverite, you have to work to get there, traveling through mainly mountain roads and smaller highways for 7 hours, but it's worth it. I would recommend skipping the I-70 route (unless you are in some type of hurry, or like sitting in weekend warrior traffic) and take the scenic route instead. Trust me, it starts out beautiful and just keeps getting better. The beginning is your typical Colorado mountain landscape and the route then crescendos to a beautiful ribbon of black tarmac playfully making its way up steep mountain passes, no guardrails, hairpinning around the majestic San Juans. The area is sprinkled with fragments of the past, old rickety wooden tracks and zig-zagging tree lines remind you that this was mining country. As you zip (or tip toe) up the pass there are bright splashes of rusty, red-capped mountains that look like something from another planet.

     A note about altitude. 10,000ft above sea level is high up. I've lived at altitude for quite some time (Tahoe and now Denver) and if you aren't used to it, you might feel a little weird your first few days. Even if you are used to the altitude, you can still get altitude sickness. I've been living up high for a while and I got altitude sickness once while staying at a house in Breckenridge, CO and actually had to leave early in order to get better. It was NOT fun. My suggestion would be to limit your alcohol intake, drink plenty of water, and relax your first few days.

     The campsite itself is extremely well run. It isn't owned by the state or the national park service which actually works in its favor. The campsites themselves are HUGE by national park standards. You could have easily fit three larger tents on our site. We had one backpacking tent and a 4 person tent on our site with PLENTY of room, although only space for two cars, but there is a gravel lot in the front of the campsite. We also had a site right on the lake (If you plan on fishing a lot, or want constant privacy lakeside I would recommend paying the extra few dollars for the upgrade). I, being the ADD freak I am, accidentally only booked us through Saturday. I quickly realized this and reserved a non-lakeside site for Saturday night and John (the camp host) ended up letting us stay on our original site for the whole weekend. There are showers for rent (we opted out and just stayed dirty), drinking water, and a lake stocked with fish that you are allowed to consume. Not to mention, this place had the CLEANEST pit toilets I have ever encountered.

Morning coffee (our tent is in the trees behind me) and getting ready to cast a line

     Aside from the incredible beauty, privacy, and friendliness of the place is that it is quiet! It was the 4th mind you, and the atmosphere was always peaceful and relaxed. They claim to not allow alcohol on the site, but if you act responsibly and aren't obnoxious you can get away with it. We had 2 boxes of wine and a couple of flasks to last us the weekend. No one gave us any trouble, but we weren't raging either. Just sipping wine from a tin cup while fishing and watching the sun set.

Great company, boxed vino, and a whole lotta Colorado sunset

Watching the time pass never got old here

Views from the Colorado Trail

I really just can't get enough of this picture

     The hiking, off-roading, fishing, and other outdoor activities available around the area are some of the best in the state, and thus best in the country. There is access to the Colorado Trail and hundreds of other hikes that take you deep into mountain country. The fishing is excellent. If you aren't convinced, I caught my first fish here and I'm definitely not a pro angler. If that isn't your thing there are two towns nearby. Ouray, at the base of the mountain pass, is about an hour away. This picturesque mountain town has lots of restaurants and pubs and plenty of shops. It was a bit kitschy for my taste, but it's worth a walk around none the less. The closer town, at about 15 mins away is Silverton. Silverton is much smaller than Ouray, but is still beautiful and definitely has more of an authentic feel. Still your typical old west mining town, with a main street and all the old buildings still in tact, but the main street is the only paved road in the place. Life in Silverton is definitely more in your face and less touristy than Ouray and they have one of the best fire works displays in all of Colorado (surprisingly). Both boast a brewery so MB and I were happy to go to either. Everything you would need while camping is in Silverton, and people stare at you less if you haven't showered in a few days (or 5).

Ouray nestled at the base of the San Juans

A slice of Americana at the Silverton 4th of July Parade

     Overall I would recommend this entire area, not just Molas Lake, to just about anyone. Molas has been rated Colorado's most beautiful campground, and I will have to agree. I haven't seen much else more beautiful in this country than this region of Colorado.

Overall rating: MUST SEE

Pros: Clean toilets. Beauty. Great fishing. Spacious, private campsites. Friendly people. Quiet. Great access to outdoor activities. Dog friendly (they say your dog must be leashed, but when we were at our site and on the trails we didn't leash her, only when on the campground roads. Granted our dog is well trained). Can drink (it is most likely un-advised because of the altitude/to fend off crazy parties). Even campsites not on the water are a short walk (less than 2 mins) to the water. Reasonable fire policies (if it isn't windy, have at it). Virtually NO MOSQUITOS! Tons of dragon flies though, but they don't bother you. No bear issues.

Cons: Right off the Highway, although you don't really notice the cars and you RARELY hear them (never at night). Only source of drinking water is at the front of the site. No swimming (although I don't think you would want to). It can get cold and the weather can get crazy, we got pretty lucky.

Happy trails!
-M