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Willow Creek Trail

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Rio Grande National Forest manages this free dispersed camping area along a forest road leading to the Willow Lake trailhead. Roughly 15 sites line the road, giving campers drive-in access without much effort. Restrooms are available at the trailhead parking lot. No fee applies, and pets are permitted throughout. Campers staging trips to places to camp near Crestone will find this a practical base, with cell service available on site. Bring your own water, as none is mentioned at the dispersed sites themselves.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsWillow Creek Trail is located in South Carolina near Crestone

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

37.9890705 N
105.6643695 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 7/26/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 7/6/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 7/26/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 7/6/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


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Reviews1 Camper Review - Willow Creek Trail

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1 Review

Reviewed Apr. 28, 2025

Dispersed camping at the base of Kit Carson peak

Approx 15 or so dispersed camp sites along the forest road up to the parking lot for Willow Lake trail. Easy access to sites, easy access to trail head. Restrooms also available at trailhead.

Sitedispersed site
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Willow Creek Trail by Silouan A., April 28, 2025
  • Review photo of Willow Creek Trail by Silouan A., April 28, 2025
  • Review photo of Willow Creek Trail by Silouan A., April 28, 2025
  • (11) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Willow Creek Trailhead in Crestone, Colorado?

The Willow Creek Trailhead is accessible via a forest road in Crestone, Colorado. You'll find approximately 15 dispersed campsites along this road leading up to the trailhead parking lot. The road is easily navigable for most vehicles, making access to both the campsites and the trailhead straightforward. For specific driving directions from your location, it's advisable to check with the local Forest Service office for the most current route information, especially during winter months when conditions may change.

Is Willow Creek Lake near the Willow Creek Trailhead campground?

Yes, Willow Creek Lake (also known as Willow Lake) is accessible via the trail that begins at the Willow Creek Trailhead. The lake is a hiking destination from the trailhead, not immediately adjacent to the camping area. The approximately 15 dispersed campsites are situated along the forest road leading to the trailhead parking lot, making them a convenient base for hikers planning to visit the lake. The trail to the lake is well-established and offers beautiful scenery throughout the journey.

What hiking trails are accessible from Willow Creek Trailhead?

From the Willow Creek Trailhead, the primary trail is the Willow Lake Trail, a popular hiking route in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This trail offers access to high-altitude terrain with scenic mountain views. The trailhead serves as an excellent starting point for day hikes or backpacking trips into the surrounding wilderness. Restrooms are available at the trailhead for hikers' convenience. For detailed trail maps and current conditions, check with the local Forest Service office before your trip.