Silver City Idaho

Silver City, Idaho

Silver City, Idaho, nestled at 6,200 feet in the rugged Owyhee Mountains of northwestern Owyhee County, is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the United States, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972. 

Founded in 1864 after silver was discovered at nearby War Eagle Mountain, it became a bustling mining hub in the 1880s, with a peak population of around 2,500 and over 75 businesses, including six general stores, eight saloons, and Idaho’s first daily newspaper, The Owyhee Avalanche. 

As the county seat from 1866 to 1934, Silver City thrived on silver and gold mining, producing over $60 million in ore before the mines depleted around 1912, leading to its decline. 

Today, about 70 historic buildings remain, privately owned by descendants of original miners, with the Idaho Hotel serving as a seasonal hub for tourists. 

Accessible only from May to October due to rough dirt roads, Silver City offers RVers a step back into the Old West, surrounded by stunning high-desert scenery.

Unique Activities in Silver City

Exploring the Idaho Hotel and Historic District

The Idaho Hotel, originally built in 1863 in Ruby City and relocated to Silver City in 1866, is the heart of this ghost town, offering a glimpse into the 19th-century mining era. Open seasonally from Memorial Day to early October, the hotel provides guided tours of its restored interiors, featuring hand-grained woodwork, antique furnishings, and a reportedly haunted ambiance. Visitors can explore the Silver City Historic District, encompassing about 70 structures like the 1892 Standard School, Our Lady of Tears Catholic Church, and the Masonic Hall, all dating from the 1860s to early 1900s. The open house, held the second weekend after Labor Day, allows limited access to private buildings. RVers should park at the designated lot near the hotel, as streets are narrow and private property signs are common. A Discover Pass is required for parking, and the hotel’s dining room offers snacks and meals, enhancing this immersive historical experience.

Hiking to War Eagle Mountain Lookout

War Eagle Mountain, towering at 8,065 feet above Silver City, offers a rewarding 4-mile round-trip hike with panoramic views of the Owyhee Mountains and the ghost town below. The trailhead, accessible via a dirt road off Jordan Street, winds through sagebrush and past old mine shafts, with moderate elevation gain suitable for most hikers. The summit provides a stunning vantage point for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset, and a chance to reflect on the mining frenzy that built Silver City. RVers should bring water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes, as the trail can be rocky, and check road conditions with the Owyhee County Dispatch (208-495-1154) before heading out. A Discover Pass is required for parking, and the remote, rugged setting makes this hike a perfect blend of history and high-desert adventure.

Visiting the Pioneer Cemetery

The Pioneer Cemetery, located just south of Jordan Street above Slaughter House Gulch, is a haunting yet fascinating stop for RVers, offering a tangible connection to Silver City’s past. This historic burial ground includes graves of early miners, Chinese workers (many of whose remains were repatriated), and pioneers, with weathered headstones dating back to the 1860s. A short, 0.5-mile walk from the town center leads to the cemetery, where interpretive signs detail its history. The serene, windswept setting, surrounded by the Owyhee Mountains, invites reflection on the hardships of mining life. RVers should respect private property boundaries, avoid touching gravestones, and bring a camera for the evocative scenery. The cemetery is accessible during the town’s open season (May–October), and a Discover Pass is needed for nearby parking. This activity pairs well with a visit to the nearby Chinese and Protestant cemeteries for a deeper historical perspective.

Restaurants in or Near Silver City

1. Idaho Hotel Dining Room (Silver City, ID)

• Cuisine: American comfort food with a historical twist
• Ambiance: The Idaho Hotel’s dining room, open seasonally from May to October, offers a rustic, Old West experience with uneven wooden floors, wavy-paned windows, and antique decor. Located in the heart of Silver City, the casual, cozy atmosphere evokes the town’s mining heyday, with a touch of reported ghostly charm. The menu features hearty dishes like homemade chili, sandwiches, and pies, served with cold drinks from propane-powered refrigerators. Open for breakfast (8:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m.) and lunch (11:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.), the dining room is a unique stop for RVers, though reservations are recommended (208-583-4104). The small, historic setting and lack of electricity add to its authentic vibe, perfect for a meal steeped in history.

H & M Meats and Catering (Murphy, ID, ~25 miles from Silver City)

• Cuisine: American barbecue and deli
• Ambiance: Located in Murphy, the closest town to Silver City, H & M Meats and Catering is a no-frills, family-run spot with a welcoming, small-town feel. The deli-style interior features simple tables, local memorabilia, and a counter showcasing fresh meats and homemade sides. The menu includes smoked brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, and hearty sides like baked beans, ideal for RVers seeking a filling meal. The casual, friendly ambiance makes it a great stop after a dusty drive from Silver City, with outdoor picnic tables available. Accessible via ID-78 off the Silver City turnoff, the parking lot accommodates RVs, though larger rigs should maneuver carefully. Call 208-495-2533 for hours, as they vary seasonally.

The Buffalo Grill (Nampa, ID, ~45 miles from Silver City)

• Cuisine: American steakhouse and pub fare
• Ambiance: The Buffalo Grill in Nampa, about a 45-mile drive from Silver City via ID-78 and I-84, offers a lively, Western-themed atmosphere with rustic wood paneling, buffalo decor, and a cozy bar area. The family-friendly restaurant serves juicy steaks, burgers, and local favorites like Idaho potato skins, paired with craft beers from the region. The spacious dining room and outdoor patio create a relaxed vibe, perfect for RVers unwinding after exploring the Owyhees. Ample parking accommodates larger RVs, and the location near I-84 makes it a convenient stop en route to or from Silver City. Reservations are suggested for weekends (208-466-4745), ensuring a seamless dining experience.

Three RV Parks Near Silver City

Silver City BLM Dry Camping Area (Silver City, ID, ~0.5 miles from town center)

The Silver City BLM Dry Camping Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, offers primitive camping just outside the ghost town, ideal for RVers seeking an off-grid experience. 

Located off Silver City Road, this dispersed camping area has no designated sites or hookups, requiring RVers to bring all necessities, including water and generators. 

The rocky, high-desert terrain accommodates RVs up to 30 feet, with level spots for smaller rigs, though larger motorhomes should check road conditions due to the 12.5-mile gravel stretch from ID-78.

 No fees are required, but a Discover Pass is needed for parking in nearby state-managed areas. 

Activities include hiking to War Eagle Mountain and exploring the ghost town, with stunning night skies for stargazing. 

Open May to October, the site is pet-friendly but lacks amenities like restrooms or dump stations, so plan accordingly. Contact Owyhee County Dispatch (208-495-1154) for road updates.

Givens Hot Springs (Givens Hot Springs, ID, ~30 miles from Silver City)

Givens Hot Springs, located along the Snake River off ID-78, is a historic RV park and hot spring resort about 30 miles from Silver City, offering a blend of relaxation and history. The campground features 20 RV sites with full hookups (30/50 amp, water, sewer), accommodating rigs up to 40 feet, with pull-through options. Amenities include access to natural hot spring pools, a bathhouse, restrooms, showers, and a small store for essentials. The lush, riverfront setting provides fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching, with a playground for families. Open year-round, reservations are recommended (208-495-2000), especially in summer. The park is pet-friendly (leashed pets only), and a dump station is available for guests. Its proximity to Silver City via ID-78 makes it a comfortable base for exploring the ghost town, with the added bonus of soaking in mineral-rich waters after a day of adventure.

Country Corners RV Park (Caldwell, ID, ~40 miles from Silver City)

Country Corners RV Park, located off I-84 in Caldwell, is a well-maintained campground about 40 miles from Silver City, offering modern amenities for RVers exploring the Owyhee region. The park features 50 sites with full hookups (30/50 amp, water, sewer), including pull-throughs for rigs up to 60 feet. Amenities include WiFi, clean restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a dog run, and a convenience store. The flat, grassy sites are surrounded by farmland, providing a peaceful setting with easy access to Nampa’s dining and shopping. Activities include biking along nearby trails and visiting the Owyhee County Museum in Murphy. Open year-round, the park is pet-friendly (leashed pets only) and requires reservations during peak seasons (208-453-8797). Its location off I-84 exit 29 makes it a convenient stop for RVers heading to or from Silver City, blending rural charm with modern comforts.

RV Propane Fill-Up Stations Near Silver City

Murphy General Store (Murphy, ID, ~25 miles from Silver City)

• Directions: From Silver City, take Silver City Road east for 12.5 miles to ID-78. Turn left onto ID-78 N and continue for 4.3 miles to Murphy. The Murphy General Store is at 21427 ID-78, Murphy, ID 83650, on the right.
• Details: The Murphy General Store offers propane refills for RV tanks, handling ASME and DOT cylinders, open Monday–Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., and Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Pricing is per gallon (call 208-495-2828 for rates), and staff are trained for safe refills. The lot accommodates most RV sizes, but larger rigs should call ahead due to limited space. The store sells RV supplies, snacks, and local maps, making it a practical stop before or after Silver City’s rough roads. Check road conditions via Owyhee County Dispatch (208-495-1154), as winter closures may affect access. This is the closest propane option for Silver City visitors.

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Nampa (Nampa, ID, ~45 miles from Silver City)

• Directions: From Silver City, take Silver City Road east for 12.5 miles to ID-78. Turn left onto ID-78 N, then merge onto I-84 E toward Nampa. Take exit 38, turn right onto ID-45 S/12th Ave Rd, then left onto 2nd St S. The U-Haul is at 1620 N Franklin Blvd, Nampa, ID 83687, on the right.
• Details: U-Haul Moving & Storage of Nampa provides propane refills for RV tanks, open Monday–Saturday, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., and Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The facility handles ASME and DOT tanks, with competitive pricing (call 208-465-5460 for rates). The spacious lot is RV-friendly, accommodating larger rigs, and staff ensure safe handling. The location also offers RV storage and supplies, ideal for RVers exploring the Owyhees. Its position off I-84 makes it a convenient stop, but confirm availability during peak summer months, as demand can be high. Bring adapters for non-standard tanks to ensure compatibility.

Dump Stations Near Silver City

1. Givens Hot Springs Dump Station (Givens Hot Springs, ID, ~30 miles from Silver City)

• Directions: From Silver City, take Silver City Road east for 12.5 miles to ID-78. Turn left onto ID-78 N and continue for approximately 15 miles. Turn right onto Givens Hot Springs Rd, following signs to the campground at 11309 ID-78, Melba, ID 83641.
• Details: The dump station at Givens Hot Springs is free for registered guests and $10 for non-guests, open year-round during campground hours (8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.). It supports gray and black water dumping, with potable water for rinsing nearby. The station accommodates most RV sizes, accessible via paved roads, but larger rigs should check clearance. RVers should bring their own hoses and follow disposal guidelines. Call 208-495-2000 to confirm availability, especially in winter, when hours may vary. The nearby hot springs add a relaxing bonus to this practical stop.

Country Corners RV Park Dump Station (Caldwell, ID, ~40 miles from Silver City)

• Directions: From Silver City, take Silver City Road east for 12.5 miles to ID-78. Turn left onto ID-78 N, merge onto I-84 E, and take exit 29 toward Caldwell. Turn right onto Franklin Rd, then left onto Simplot Blvd. The RV park is at 17671 Oasis Rd, Caldwell, ID 83607.
• Details: Country Corners RV Park’s dump station is free for guests and $8 for non-guests, open year-round from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. It supports gray and black water dumping, with a potable water spigot for rinsing. The station is RV-friendly, accommodating rigs up to 60 feet, with easy access via paved roads. RVers must bring their own hoses and follow park rules to avoid spills. Call 208-453-8797 for seasonal hours, as winter may limit access. The park’s proximity to I-84 and nearby amenities in Caldwell makes it a convenient stop for Silver City explorers.

Books About Silver City’s History

1. Owyhee Outpost: The History of Silver City, Idaho by Patricia Hart and Ivar Nelson

• Summary: Published in 1995 by the Owyhee County Historical Society, Owyhee Outpost is a definitive history of Silver City, tracing its rise and fall as a mining boomtown. The book details the town’s founding in 1864 after silver discoveries at War Eagle Mountain, its peak in the 1880s with 2,500 residents and 75 businesses, and its decline by 1912 as mines depleted. Authors Hart and Nelson, drawing on local archives and oral histories, describe key landmarks like the Idaho Hotel, which moved from Ruby City in 1866, and the Owyhee Avalanche, Idaho’s first daily newspaper. The book explores the social fabric of the town, from Chinese miners to the Wells Fargo silver shipments, and its role as county seat until 1934. With rare photographs and maps, it offers RVers a vivid account of Silver City’s Wild West legacy, perfect for understanding the ghost town’s enduring allure.

Silver and Gold: Mining Camps of the Owyhee Country by Arthur A. Hart

• Summary: Published in 1988, Silver and Gold by Arthur A. Hart, a noted Idaho historian, chronicles the mining history of Owyhee County, with a significant focus on Silver City. The book covers the 1863 silver discovery by the Jordan party, the town’s rapid growth into a major Idaho Territory hub, and its technological advancements, like the 1874 telegraph and early electricity. Hart details the rivalries over War Eagle and Florida Mountain mines, including the famous 500-pound silver crystal from the Poorman Mine, displayed at the 1867 Paris Exposition. The narrative includes stories of pioneers, outlaws, and the Chinese community, alongside the town’s decline after 1912 and its preservation as a historic district in 1972. Rich with archival images and firsthand accounts, this book is an engaging resource for RVers seeking to connect with Silver City’s mining heritage and the Owyhee’s rugged past.

Conclusion

Silver City, Idaho, is a time capsule of the Old West, where the echoes of a booming silver town resonate through its weathered buildings and high-desert trails. RVers can wander the historic Idaho Hotel, hike to War Eagle Mountain’s stunning vistas, or reflect at the Pioneer Cemetery, all while soaking in the Owyhee Mountains’ rugged beauty. Savor hearty meals at the hotel’s dining room or nearby spots like The Buffalo Grill, and rest comfortably at RV parks like Givens Hot Springs or Country Corners. With propane and dump stations nearby, your journey to this remote ghost town is both practical and unforgettable. Deepen your experience with books like Owyhee Outpost and Silver and Gold, and let Silver City’s storied past inspire your next RV adventure. Pack your rig, navigate the dusty roads, and discover why this uncommercialized gem remains a must-visit in Idaho’s wild heart!