Palisade Campground runs along the Rio Grande River in Rio Grande National Forest, with 12 sites that include electric hookups and pull-through options suited to rigs up to 30 feet. Rates run $29 on weekdays and $31 on weekends, which several campers have noted feels steep given that water service is sometimes shut off and facilities are limited to pit toilets. Access can be rough, so drivers with larger vehicles should account for road conditions before arrival.
River proximity is the defining factor here. Several sites sit directly on the Rio Grande, and those spots tend to fill first. lucas C. describes site 4 as having "two big shade trees awesome river and Mountain View's," and reviewers consistently confirm that water-adjacent sites offer the most shade and the best sightlines toward the surrounding terrain. A set of railroad tracks runs through the campground, though multiple visitors report seeing no train traffic in recent years.
Daytime road noise is a recurring mention across reviews. Campers who secure a riverside site find that the sound of the water offsets much of it, and noise drops off considerably after dark. Cell service is reportedly reliable. The campground is pet-friendly camping near Rio Grande National Forest, and flat parking areas near the water give anglers easy access to the river. Cottonwood Cove Guest Ranch offers a different setup a few miles to the west for campers who want more amenities.
Description
Located right on the Rio Grande River, this is the only campground in the canyon between Creede and South Fork. It is located adjacent to Colorado Highway 149 for easy access to travelers passing through. Active railroad tracks bisect the campground. Highway 149 runs along the northeast side of the campground and there is no screening between the two. There is some highway traffic year-around and occasionally a scenic railroad excursion passes through the campground. Some of the 12 sites are out in the open, while other sites are screened with cottonwoods/aspen/spruce/fir. There is a vault type toilet with lights that is accessible to the handicapped. Firewood is not provided but may be gathered on Forest lands in the area. There is ample overflow parking near the entrance sign. A host is usually stationed at the campground. Fishing, and rafting are popular on the river. This is a popular area and heavily used in the summer. It tends to stay full from mid-June through August. Early afternoon arrival is recommended. The Rio Grande is considered a Trophy Fishing River and is very popular with rafters.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPalisade is located in Colorado near Rio Grande National Forest
Directions
From South Fork, CO, take Hwy 149 west 7.3 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground. Directions from Creede, Colorado: Travel 12.1 miles southeast on Colorado Highway 149 to campground entrance.
Coordinates
37.75100027 N
106.76500075 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 54 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 33 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 4 hrs 22 min from Farmington, NM
- 4 hrs 23 min from Grand Junction, CO
