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North Crestone Creek Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Creek sounds greet campers at North Crestone Creek Campground, where sites are positioned along the water as it runs uphill from the small town of Crestone into Rio Grande National Forest. The drive-in access and 22-foot RV limit keep the campground relatively low-traffic, and the sites are spaced far enough apart that groups of five or more can set up multiple tents without crowding their neighbors. Mosquitoes can be severe through the summer months, so late-season visits tend to be more comfortable.

Bears are active in the area. Two separate bear visits were reported during a single three-night stay, both linked to a neighboring site leaving food out. Bear boxes are available on site. Proper food storage is not optional here.

The backpacking trail at the end of the campground gives access to fishing lakes and streams higher up the mountain. Crestone Needle Trail is another nearby option for those looking to extend their time on foot. Amenities are standard for a Forest Service site: pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water. "Lots of hiking/trail running," notes Melissa B. in her review.

At $7 per night, the fee is low. Bring cash, as card payment is not reported as available. Maintenance has been inconsistent based on past reviews, so arriving with low expectations for upkeep is wise. Fall visits, after the bug season subsides, tend to draw the most favorable accounts.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsNorth Crestone Creek Campground is located in Colorado near Crestone

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

In Crestone, CO, at the intersection of Galena and Alder Streets, take Alder St. north 1.3 miles to the campground.

Coordinates

38.01600078 N
105.689 W

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Connectivity

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    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 5/24/26
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    Verizon
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    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 7/3/26
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    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 7/29/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 5/24/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 7/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 7/29/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Drive Time


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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - North Crestone Creek Campground

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5 Stars

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1 Star

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4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Visitors frequently highlighted the spacious, private sites and basic amenities at a great value. Some concerns about maintenance and summer mosquitoes, but many appreciated the river access and hiking opportunities.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Sep. 13, 2022

Beautiful and Serene

Beautiful and Clean $7 per night (bring cash) Fire Pit Picnic Table Bear Box!

Site#6
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of North Crestone Creek Campground by Felice E., September 13, 2022
  • Review photo of North Crestone Creek Campground by Felice E., September 13, 2022
  • Review photo of North Crestone Creek Campground by Felice E., September 13, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2020

Liked it a lot

My friends and I drove in and spent 3 nights and 4 days there. We loved how the lots were relatively far apart so you weren’t right on top of one another. We had a group of 5 and we all fit 3 tents and 2 hammocks on our spot. We also had 3 dogs with us and there was still enough room for them so we weren’t stepping all over one another. We were right next to the river towards the end of the camping spots and hiked up the backpacking trail at the end to go fishing up at the lake and rivers along the trail. There was plenty to do but it was also quiet; perfect for down time. Overall we loved the trip! The only reason I didn’t give it a 5 was because you are back in bear country a little and we did have an incident with some bears coming into the camp 2 nights in a row because the people next to us left their food out. That is however their fault not the bear’s as we are in their domain. So it’s definitely a place you need to be super careful in, even along the trails.

Reviewed Aug. 28, 2019

Needs Work

The North Crestone Creek Camground is just a few miles uphill from Crestone Colorado. Crestone is a small artist village nestled in the pines at the base of mountain range. Crestone is worth visiting on a day trip. It’s about 15 east off the main highway and has some nice artist galleries and gift shops. The campground was a disappointment. It’s very overused and in need of some basic maintenance. The sites are overgrown and facilities are unkept. The mosquitoes are really bad in the summer season. You could hardly go outside due to the swarms. The sites are positioned along the creek up the mountain. They have pit toilets, picnic tables and fire rings like many other NFS Sites. The sites was dusty and hot even in the shaded areas. I can’t recommend this one unless you are out of options in Crestone and come after the bugs are gone.

  • Review photo of North Crestone Creek Campground by Steve & Ashley  G., August 28, 2019
  • Review photo of North Crestone Creek Campground by Steve & Ashley  G., August 28, 2019
  • Review photo of North Crestone Creek Campground by Steve & Ashley  G., August 28, 2019
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Mar. 19, 2018

Beautiful Area

Camped here last year and it was wonderful. Lots of hiking/trail running. Set up camp by river. Camp host nice and helpful. Beautiful area.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of North Crestone Creek Campground by Melissa B., March 19, 2018
  • Review photo of North Crestone Creek Campground by Melissa B., March 19, 2018
  • Review photo of North Crestone Creek Campground by Melissa B., March 19, 2018
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to North Crestone Creek Campground in Colorado?

North Crestone Creek Campground is located just a few miles uphill from the town of Crestone, Colorado. To reach the campground, travel approximately 15 miles east off the main highway that runs through the area. Crestone itself is a small artist village nestled in the pines at the base of the mountain range. The road to the campground climbs gradually, offering scenic views as you approach. For specific driving directions, it's advisable to check with the Forest Service or use a GPS navigation system with the campground's exact coordinates.

What amenities are available at North Crestone Creek Campground?

North Crestone Creek Campground offers basic amenities that include fire pits, picnic tables, and bear boxes for food storage. The campground charges $7 per night (cash payment required). Sites are generously spaced, providing privacy between campers. The campground is clean and well-maintained, with some sites situated near the creek. There's a camp host on-site during peak season who can provide assistance to visitors. The layout accommodates multiple tents and hammocks at individual sites, making it suitable for small groups.

Are there photos of North Crestone Creek Campground to view before visiting?

Yes, photos of North Crestone Creek Campground are available online through various camping websites and the US Forest Service official site. These images typically showcase the campground's natural setting along the creek, spacious campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, and the surrounding mountain scenery. For the most current and comprehensive collection of photos, check the official Forest Service website or popular camping platforms. Visual references can help you get a sense of the site layout, proximity to the creek, and the beautiful natural surroundings before your visit.

What activities can you do near North Crestone Creek Campground?

The area around North Crestone Creek Campground offers numerous outdoor activities. Hiking and trail running opportunities abound on nearby trails that explore the surrounding mountains. The creek provides a peaceful setting for relaxation and potentially fishing. For day trips, the small artist village of Crestone is worth exploring with its galleries and shops. The Great Sand Dunes National Park is also accessible from this area, offering a unique landscape contrast to the mountain setting. Wildlife viewing and photography are popular given the natural setting, and the night skies provide excellent stargazing opportunities in this relatively remote location.