Best Campgrounds near City of Creede, CO

The Rocky Mountains surround Creede, Colorado, where campers can find several spots with mountain views and river access. Big Meadows Reservoir Campground sits 23 miles from town, with good fishing in its clear, cold waters. North Clear Creek Campground is closer at just 12 miles away, putting campers near North Clear Creek Falls, one of the bigger waterfalls in Colorado. If you need hookups, Antlers Rio Grande Lodge and RV Park is only 4 miles from Creede with full RV services and spots close to the Rio Grande River. Many campers take day trips to Great Sand Dunes National Park to see landscapes that look completely different from the mountains. Hiking trails run through forests and along rivers in the area, and wildlife sightings are common. The campgrounds have different levels of amenities - some just have vault toilets and picnic tables while others include showers and laundry rooms. Some sites feel private with trees around them, but others are more open with better views. Most spots have decent shade, though bringing sun protection is still smart. Most people camp here from late spring through early fall when the weather stays fairly mild, but mountain weather can change quickly. Winter camping works too, but you'll need extra gear for the cold and snow. Some access roads get rough, so higher clearance vehicles work best. Creede's camping areas give you both quiet and adventure, depending on what you're looking for.

Best Camping Sites Near City of Creede, Colorado (284)

    1. Antlers Rio Grande Lodge and RV Park

    5 Reviews
    City of Creede, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 658-2423

    "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."

    2. Mountain Views RV Park

    4 Reviews
    City of Creede, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 658-2710

    "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!"

    3. North Clear Creek

    7 Reviews
    City of Creede, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 658-2556

    "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."

    "We have had bears around the campground and even woke up to mama and baby moose walking through the campsite. Down the road are the beautiful North Clear Creek Falls."

    4. Palisade

    7 Reviews
    Rio Grande National Forest, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 658-2556

    "Beautiful location on the Rio Grande River. 12 spots, 26$ per night. Flat parking lots for fishing and overflow parking."

    5. Marshall Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    City of Creede, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 658-2556

    $26 - $56 / night

    "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."

    "We stayed here 7 nights and explored Creede, Lake City, South Fork It’s a small campground, paved sites, no water, pit toilets In Creede you can get water from the Visitor center hydrant It’s good water"

    6. Forest Road 504.1C

    3 Reviews
    City of Creede, CO
    1 mile

    "Positioned trailer to optimize views."

    "Great views and close to the mountain town of Creede."

    7. Rio Grande Campground

    4 Reviews
    City of Creede, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 657-3321

    "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."

    "A nice little spot near Creede with one of the nicest two seater pit toilet I've experienced. Seven spots total, all first come first serve."

    8. Rio Grande National Forest Marshall Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    City of Creede, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 658-0829

    $26 - $30 / night

    "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."

    9. Creede, CO Overlook

    1 Review
    City of Creede, CO
    1 mile

    "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."

    10. Shallow Creek

    2 Reviews
    City of Creede, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 657-3321

    "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. "

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 284 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near City of Creede, CO

1038 Reviews of 284 City of Creede Campgrounds


  • Jane M.
    Oct. 2, 2025

    The Last Resort RV Park & Campground

    Beautiful spot

    We are usually dispersed or National or state park campers We needed a spot on our way east and selected this RV park It was beautiful About 10 miles outside of PS We had a riverside site and could hear the stream it was quiet and in a lovely place I hiked the dirt road and it was like a trail

  • Chris S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Forest Road 37

    Quiet, easy access.

    Even coming in well after dark was smooth. Quiet, not another vehicle has been threw by 8am the next day.

  • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

    Barely made it to the entrance

    The uphill to get to the camping in a 2WD van was not easy. It’s very steep and with the sun setting we couldn’t see the road and just floored it hoping we’d make it to the top without crashing… turned around and left immediately. Van lifers beware. We came when it was dry. Definitely do not come in the rain or snow.

  • Vinny D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Red Creek Rd Dispersed Camping

    Great camping spot

    Several great spots and good scenery. Aspens were bright, about a mile or so back on the right was a perfect spot with a creek running right next to the campsite. Had a fire ring as well.

  • Chris S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Silverton Lakes RV Resort

    Convenient stop

    Great stop to do laundry, fill up water, and just conveniently located near Silverton, during our visit it was quiet, we were told it does get very busy in summer. Definitely recommend.

  • Sean G.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Capote Campground

    CLEAN AND SERENE

    We found Capote on the fly, while leaving West Fork Campground.

    Turned out to be a beautiful site, spacious, needled sites, surrounded by lodge pole pines.

    There are many comfortable tents sites, and water and power hookups at several RV sites.

    There's also a shower house with a dump and fill station nearby for getting back on the road again!

  • Hans V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Molas Lake Park & Campground

    Nice lake

    Nice spots, trees and the lake make for beautiful place with the autumn colors. Just one pit toilet for a group of spots, but was fine

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Angel Creek Campground

    Gorgeous and sloping

    Picturesque in a large clearing, surrounded by mountains. I’ve stayed twice, in August and last Sept and the place filled up both times. I stayed in site 7 and 22, both were good, 7 much bigger. The only downfall is the pit toilets are some of the foulest I’ve ever seen and it’s not because they aren’t getting cleaned bc I saw the cleaning crew on both of my stays, maybe proximity to the town brings novice campers with disgusting potty manners.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Palisade

    On the Rio Grande

    I’ve stayed a couple of times both in and out of season. Love this CG, only downside is road noise but if you can nab a site on the river that’ll drown it out and at night there are few cars.


Guide to City of Creede

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.

What to do

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.

What campers like

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.

What you should know

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."

Tips for camping with families

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.

Tips from RVers

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.