303 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Unlike most towns of this size in southern Colorado, Creede sits in a narrow canyon with a distinct geographic character that limits how many campgrounds are within close range. Developed sites along the Rio Grande corridor have water, vault toilets, and defined sites, and the canyon setting means afternoon shade comes earlier than at open-valley locations. The Dyrt check-ins for this area run most heavily in July and August, and The Dyrt reviewers note that sites inside the canyon fill faster than the more open options further out on forest roads. Creede's dispersed camping gives the no-reservation alternative for those willing to drive the forest roads past the developed campground clusters.
South Fork is about 20 miles east and holds additional developed options with better cell service if connectivity matters for your stay.
"Kids area, river, bridge to trails super close, etc… The town nearby, Creede, was pretty closed down as well. But very fascinating little place."
"Fly fishing on the Rio Grande is just steps away. The restaurant there is very good! Reservations are recommended.
The town of Creed is cute and funky. I will definitely go back. Loved it there."
"It is also about a 5 minute drive to one of the bigger waterfalls in Colorado - North Clear Creek Falls. It has everything you need - picnic table, fire ring with grate, 2 restrooms, and water."
"Close to Creed, a bit of a drive, but beautiful. If going up to Lake City and Gunnison, it is filled with beautiful mountain views. Will be back!"
"Only come here if you plan of off-roading. Everybody has a side by side or rent one. Great views but can’t explore without it- great time!"
"Spot #7 was perfect as it has a picnic table and fire ring to the left of where you pull in and the campsite is to the right and gets you close to the river."
"Some sites are on the Rio Grande River and very little highway noise. A very pleasant place to stay."
from $26 - $56 / night
Check Availability"We got one steps from the water. However, it is not free as described. Must pay via Rec.gov app. $11"
"Every site was nice and had easy access to the river for fishing or a swim. Vault toilets were very clean. Come prepared since no trash or water available."
"Positioned trailer to optimize views."
"Great views and close to the mountain town of Creede."
"Beautiful location on the Rio Grande River. 12 spots, 26$ per night. Flat parking lots for fishing and overflow parking."
"I saw a large 5th wheel and a class A near the beginning. The last spot occupied was a capable Toyota 4Runner. Our 2-wheel drive made it to the top of the bald. 2bar for Verizon."
"Non motorized tent campers may want to look at nearby sites with some break and cover still only 5-10 mins from town. When i say busy, i mean it. Big coaches and rvs everywhere!"
"We were located right across from the vaulted toilets which were clean, sanitary and odorless. The campground is adjacent to the Rio Grand River and several campsites back right up to the river."
"It is next to the Rio Grande River which makes for some beautiful sounds. there are outhouse which are kept very clean. there is a host and are very nice and have some fire wood for sale."
from $26 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Highway 149 > Miner's Creek Rd > Left on 508 > Left on Shallow Creek Road to end
I got my 25ft Travel Trailer there with no issue. ""Traffic is a bit much on road at times with side by sides and OHVs zig zagging around but it calms down in evening. be careful to secure all food and vehicles."
GuideSlept like a baby in this lovely new tipi. Decorated so cute, with plenty of good vibes. Beautiful, spacious composting toilet, outdoor prep sink and milkbarn converted cookshack is awesome even for several nights stay. Del Norte is a quiet, charming little town with all the things I needed for a quick stopover!
TravelerOne of our new favorites. Remote, quiet, and great staff. Very welcoming. Spent a week there and absolutely loved it. Scenery is amazing.
GuideKendall is definitely a busy dispersed camping spot, with everything from tents to large RVs. I was still able to find a nice secluded spot tucked away for my Bronco and tent. Despite the crowd, it was surprisingly quiet overnight. There was some generator noise from the larger rigs during the busier hours, but nothing that really bothered me. Great location just outside Silverton, vault toilets available, and Verizon service was good enough for calls and texts. I’d definitely stay here again.
GuideBeautiful, quiet setting in San Juan National Forest with great mountain views. The drive in is easy enough, but it still feels nicely removed. Verizon coverage is pretty weak. Vault toilets onsite. There were two other campsites occupied during my stay and everyone was quiet and respectful. Would stay again.
ScoutWe were initially going to only spend a night, but ended up staying 2. The 360 Mountain View’s are stunning, easy walking distance to everything Silverton has to offer. Cleanest bathrooms we’ve seen in a campground, and staff was super friendly. There is a stream behind the campground, and I’m told there’s a beaver that lives 100 yds away. Other campers report seeing moose and bears wandering through. We will definitely return!
GuideCame a few days before the ground closes for winter so it was nice and mostly empty. Some sites are very close to a road, country road so not tons of traffic but not super private.
GuideBe aware all the prices you see on line are wrong. . So holidays fri and sat are 15.50/31 The other days it is 14.50/29. NO WATER AND NO DUMP STATION. OH AND beaver creek campgrounds are overrun with locals who "trash the place". According to the host and he will not return here. He has to go get his own water. So Republicans cut the forest service to the bone and concessions leach off the money.
ScoutI set up camp across the creek from the campground. Over a bridge there’s a fire ring and a picnic table. Plenty of room for tents and small RV.
ScoutVery nice campsites. We got one steps from the water. However, it is not free as described. Must pay via Rec.gov app. $11
Creede, Colorado sits at 8,852 feet elevation in the San Juan Mountains, offering camping experiences in dense pine forests and alpine terrain. The Rio Grande River flows through this former mining community, providing natural boundaries for many camping areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 40-75°F with afternoon thunderstorms common from July through August.
Fishing the Rio Grande: Access prime fishing spots directly from Marshall Park Campground, where campsites back up to the river. "Marshall park campground is a nice out of the way place to stay. It is dry camping. It is next to the Rio Grande River which makes for some beautiful sounds," notes reviewer Robin K.
Waterfall viewing: North Clear Creek Falls, one of Colorado's largest waterfalls, is just minutes from North Clear Creek Campground. "It is also about a 5 minute drive to one of the bigger waterfalls in Colorado - North Clear Creek Falls," shares Karl G., adding that "What's great about this campground is that it is not crowded and quiet!"
Off-road exploring: The mountains around Creede contain numerous forest service roads for OHV enthusiasts. "Only come here if you plan of off-roading. Everybody has a side by side or rent one. Great views but can't explore without it," advises Jared T. about Mountain Views RV Park.
Riverside camping: Many campers choose spots along the Rio Grande for natural white noise and easy fishing access. "Have camped here for almost 2 weeks now with the river about 10 paces from our rig. End spots of the 7 along the river here are most spacious," notes Michele A. about Rio Grande Campground.
Elevated views: The dispersed camping areas on Forest Road 504.1C provide panoramic vistas. "We took FR504-1D to the top of the hill and it was really worth the effort. Wide open area with room for 4 to 6 camps... Outstanding views of Creede and the long valley towards Lake City," reports John H. from Forest Road 504.1C.
Wildlife encounters: The forests around Creede offer regular wildlife sightings. "We have had bears around the campground and even woke up to mama and baby moose walking through the campsite," shares Jennifer C. about North Clear Creek Campground.
Weather variability: Mountain conditions change quickly year-round. "It rained each day but, only for a short time and watching the storms move across the peaks and valleys was definitely cool. Nights were in the low 40's and daytime highs of 75-ish," observes John H. about camping near Creede.
Pit toilets only: Most forest service campgrounds offer basic amenities. "Vault toilets were very clean. Come prepared since no trash or water available," advises Karin S. about Rio Grande Campground.
Seasonal openings: Most campgrounds operate May through September/October. "The gates go this campground were locked!" reports Marilyn S. about Shallow Creek, highlighting the importance of checking seasonal closures.
Road conditions: Some camping areas require higher clearance vehicles. "The access from 504-1C was a moderately steep with a tight squeeze halfway up," notes John H., while PJ M. says about Shallow Creek: "Road is a little tight when it turns at Sawmill Gulch and has a decent incline, but definitely doable."
Choose established campgrounds: Kids appreciate some basic amenities. "The amenities are really nice. Large community kitchen and dining area for games or eating or just hanging out! Coffee and ice cream shop is also a small are for games or visiting indoors," recommends kathleen R. about Mountain Views RV Park.
Consider riverside sites: The sound of water provides natural entertainment. "Every site was nice and had easy access to the river for fishing or a swim," shares Karin S. about Rio Grande Campground.
Plan for variable temperatures: Mountain nights get cold even in summer. "Winter camping works too, but you'll need extra gear for the cold and snow," advises Robin K., noting that families should "bring layers even in summer."
Check site spacing: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. "Absolutely beautiful, quiet and peaceful campground... I would stay at site #1 because it has a more secluded atmosphere because it is separated from the other sites and the trees and vegetation screen it from the other campsites," recommends Leslie N. about North Clear Creek Campground.
Hookup availability: Full-service options are limited near Creede. "We prefer boondocking but this was a nice stop for us for a few days. Laundry and showers very clean," notes Brenda about Antlers Rio Grande Lodge and RV Park, one of the few locations with full hookups.
Size limitations: Many forest service roads have tight turns and clearance issues. "I got my 25ft Travel Trailer there with no issue. Road is a little tight when it turns at Sawmill Gulch and has a decent incline, but definitely doable. Significantly larger rigs should scout it first," advises PJ M. about Shallow Creek.
Dump station locations: Plan for waste management. "As a bonus, Creede, just up the road about 6 miles has a dump station with potable water for a donation fee! The dump station is located about 1/4 mile from the visitors center, same side of road," shares Don L.
Route planning: Consider approach roads carefully. "Wish they had warned us to stay on 149 through Creede!" cautions Dana S., who accidentally took a rough dirt road to their destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best season for camping in Creede, Colorado?
Summer (June through August) is the prime camping season in Creede, with comfortable daytime temperatures typically ranging from 65-75°F. This period offers the most reliable access as snow has melted from most roads and trails. Late spring (May) can be beautiful with wildflowers beginning to bloom, but expect cooler nights and possible lingering snow at higher elevations. West Fork Campground is particularly scenic during this time with easy river access. Early fall (September) brings spectacular color as aspens turn golden, and Buffalo Pass Campground offers a great location to enjoy this spectacle while avoiding weekend crowds. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically closing by mid-October as winter weather approaches. Always check current conditions before traveling.
What amenities are available at Creede Colorado campgrounds?
Campgrounds around Creede typically offer a range of amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Antlers Rio Grande Lodge and RV Park provides comprehensive facilities including reservable sites, water hookups, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Rio Grande Campground offers free camping with basic amenities like water and toilets. Most developed campgrounds in the area feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Some sites offer river access for fishing and recreation. While cell service can be limited in this mountainous region, many campgrounds are located close enough to Creede for occasional connectivity. Remember that amenities vary by season, with some facilities closing during winter months.
Is North Clear Creek Campground close to the City of Creede?
Yes, North Clear Creek Campground is conveniently located close to the City of Creede. This drive-in campground sits along the banks of North Clear Creek and provides easy access to Creede's amenities and attractions. The campground offers basic facilities including water and toilets, making it a practical base for exploring the historic mining town. For those seeking alternatives nearby, Rio Grande National Forest Marshall Park Campground is another excellent option within a short distance of Creede. When staying at these campgrounds, you'll be well-positioned to enjoy both the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and the charming downtown area with its shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Where are the best campgrounds near Creede, Colorado?
The Creede area offers excellent camping options for those seeking natural beauty and recreation. North Clear Creek Campground is a top choice with drive-in access and essential amenities including water and toilets. For those preferring more established facilities, Marshall Park Campground offers reservable sites with water, toilets, and big-rig accessibility. If you're looking to avoid crowds, venture a bit further to Park Creek Campground in Rio Grande National Forest, situated at 8,500 feet elevation with beautiful riverside sites. These campgrounds provide convenient access to Creede's charming downtown and the surrounding natural attractions of the Rio Grande National Forest.
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