Rio Grande National Forest holds this small, free campground along the upper Rio Grande River, managed by the US Forest Service and open from May through December. Seven first-come, first-served sites sit directly on the riverbank, with the end spots offering the most room. The road in has some steep sections and small holes, so AWD or better is recommended when conditions are wet.
Fishing draws a steady crowd here. The river is within steps of every site, and the area serves as a drift boat put-in and take-out, which can bring some activity during peak season though it does not tend to overwhelm the campground. Chipmunks, rabbits, birds, and butterflies are regular company, and the surrounding terrain is open with sightlines toward the surrounding mountains and river corridor. Nearby, Marshall Park and Rio Grande National Forest Marshall Park Campground offer additional options along this stretch of river.
Amenities are minimal but functional. Vault toilets are on-site and have drawn consistent praise from visitors for cleanliness. One important note: despite the listing indicating drinking water, at least one reviewer advises coming prepared with your own supply, as water and trash services may not always be available. Campers with pets are welcome, and sites accommodate RVs up to 25 feet. This campground makes the most sense for anglers, paddlers, and self-sufficient campers who want direct river access at no cost, and who are comfortable with a no-frills setup in a working forest environment.
Description
This is a small, developed camping area in a grassy meadow, right on the banks of the Rio Grande River. It is not recommended for large RVs or long/wide trailers because the access road going down into the site is narrow and steep. The area offers fishing access to the Rio Grande River, and is a put in – take out point for summer rafting. Even though the grounds sit next to State highway 149, there is little highway noise as the campsites sits down below the road in the river bottom. The river is very near the campground and is a safety hazard to children if unsupervised. Be careful. The area has 7 camp sites with picnic tables and fireplace rings. Three sites are gravel pull-throughs and four sites are dead-end gravel spurs. No trash facilities, you must Pack Out all Trash. No potable water. No Toilets availabe.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRio Grande Campground is located in Colorado near City of Creede
Directions
From Creede, go 8.5 miles west on CO 149, then follow signs to Rio Grande Fisherman's Area
Coordinates
37.76313464 N
107.01103897 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/27/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/27/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Rio Grande Campground needs a permit.
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 44 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 4 hrs 40 min from Pueblo, CO
- 5 hrs 1 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 5 hrs 53 min from Farmington, NM
