Park Creek Campground, near South Fork, Colorado, is a charming spot that offers a refreshing escape right alongside the South Fork of the Rio Grande. With its shady trees and proximity to the river, it’s a great place to set up camp, whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV.

The campground features about ten sites, many of which are right next to the water, providing a soothing soundtrack of flowing water that drowns out the nearby highway noise. Visitors have noted that sites 6, 8, and 9 are particularly desirable for their privacy and level ground. As one camper put it, “The sound of the running water put me to sleep quickly,” highlighting the peaceful ambiance here.

For those who enjoy fishing, this area is a hotspot for trout, with many campers casting their lines right from the banks. The campground is equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, ensuring you have the essentials for a comfortable stay. Just remember to bring your own water and firewood, as there aren’t any markets nearby.

If you’re looking for a place to unwind in nature, Park Creek Campground is a fantastic choice. With its beautiful riverside setting and friendly atmosphere, it’s no wonder that many campers return year after year.

Park Creek Campground

Rio Grande National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Rio Grande National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Colorado camping adventure.

Rio Grande National Forest

The Best Camping Near Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado

Spent one very restful night here.  Slept right alongside the river.  The sound of the running water put me to sleep quickly.
The campground was very clean and all the important information was clearly posted.
A very beautiful spot and will definitely return here.

Beautiful by the Rio Grande

This site is awesome. Dog friendly easy to access but still out of range of the normal weekenders from Denver, etc.  The campground is right off highway 160 and is tucked away down a small hill and some tall pines. Vaulted toilet and brand new bear lockers at each plot. Fire pit and picnic table too. We slept 10 yards from what we see as an offshoot of the Rio Grande and got in the river in the morning to wake up. It runs pretty loud (late May) so be ready to hear that all night. We found it relaxing though. Check out county road 380 for some good views and hiking as well nearby. There's not really a town close though so bring your water and firewood and snacks. 1 hour drive from Sand Dunes park too.

Cozy riverside camping. New go-to spot

Showed up on a Friday evening and there were still several spots to choose from alongside the river. Satellite toilets are nearby each campsite and theres plenty of trees in each site for putting up tarps. The campground is a hot spot for trout fishing with a continuous stream of people pulling in and going over the river to cast for some of the big browns and rainbows on this section of the Rio Grande.

Solitude on the Rio Grande

Went through the camp on foot this week, looking for a picnic spot on our road trip. This was an awesome campsite and I would love to come back. Campground was closed this late in the season. Great picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, water available, and clear info signs. River running through campground which was awesome for the dogs! 

Awesome riverside camping

The site is a high elevation site along the highway 160 between Durango and Del Monte in South Central Colorado.  The site is like many NFS sites with basic facilities.  They have about 10 sites located along the small river equipped with picnic tables, fire rings and and bear lockers.  The highlight here is camping in a wooden site along a beautiful mountain stream.  We camped here in October before the closure and had the place to ourselves.  I would highly recommend if you are in the Wolf Creek area and traveling across Colorado.  

Great River Campsite 

Beautiful sites and right next to the water! Unfortunately closed now. Our dogs enjoyed running around though and they have clean pit toilets!

Beautiful but closed now for winter

It will surprise you to know the campground is next to a creek (kinda gave it away in the name), which thankfully drowns out the noise of the highway. Sites 6, 8, and 9 are the best sites in my opinion thanks to proximity to the creek, privacy, and levelness of the sites. This place is popular with the fishing crowd. Only about 10 sites total. I was pleasantly surprised there was a campground manager, but then again, I never saw hide nor hair of him. Must have been fishing.

Popular with the fishing crowd. 

Park Creek Campground Rio Grande National Forest

Elevation: 8500

Directions: In South Fork, Colorado, at intersection of State 149 and US 160, take Road 160 west 7.8 miles to Park Creek campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.

This small campground, stretches along the banks of the South Fork of the Rio Grande River among mature shade trees. Many sites are adjacent to the river. US Highway 160 is very close by so will have some traffic noise. The campground has the feel of spacious seclusion and is very cool and shady. Accessible, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Toilets , Drinking water.

Park Creek Campground, Rio Grande National Forest

I have not been camping here in years until recently. As a kid my whole family (grandparents, aunt and uncles, and cousins would all go here for a week at a time. I recently took my family for an overnight on our way up into the mountains for in the woods camping. They loved it and it was just as I remembered it being. Yes you hear 160 but it’s not horrible. If you get a site next to river that’s definitely all you are goi g to hear. Great spots for tents and campers. 

Photos of Park Creek Campground

Real photos from real campers