Rio Grande Campground
4.5714 reviews13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132
Rio Grande Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Single/Double campsite overnight/day use fee is $10. Additional 50% discount available for Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders for single campsites only.
About this campground
Tucked away in a serene grassy meadow where the Rio Grande River whispers past your tent, this intimate campground offers an authentic Rocky Mountain escape. The journey here winds down a steep, narrow access road that filters out the big rigs and motorhomes, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for tent campers and small RVs. Cast your line into the legendary Rio Grande waters, launch your raft for downstream adventures, or simply unwind in one of the quiet campsites nestled below State Highway 149, where the sounds of the river replace the noise of everyday life.
Rio Grande Campground offers primitive and basic camping options with no modern hookups or facilities. The sites cater to tent camping and smaller RVs due to access road limitations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the campground's dramatic seasonal transformations throughout the year. Summer brings crystalline blue skies perfect for stargazing, while autumn paints the meadow in golden hues. Winter transforms this riverside retreat into a snow-dusted wonderland, though frigid temperatures and potential road closures challenge only the hardiest adventurers. Spring's arrival can be unpredictable, with melting snow occasionally limiting access, but those who time it right are rewarded with wildflower blooms and rushing waters.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 9,300 feet above sea level, this high-altitude haven offers naturally air-conditioned camping even during summer's warmest days. The thin mountain air creates spectacular sunrise and sunset displays, while cool evenings invite cozy campfires and warm sleeping bags year-round.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to panoramic mountain vistas reflected in the Rio Grande's flowing waters, where this enchanting meadow campground creates a natural amphitheater of wilderness beauty. The lush grasses sway in alpine breezes while the river provides a constant soundtrack to your outdoor adventure. Towering peaks frame the horizon, creating postcard-worthy views from every campsite.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast Rio Grande National Forest, this riverside meadow represents a unique geological pocket where ancient glacial activity carved out a perfect camping sanctuary. The Rio Grande, one of North America's great rivers, has shaped this landscape over millennia, creating the gentle meadow that now cradles campers in natural comfort while providing direct access to one of the continent's most storied waterways.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo accessibility features for campers with disabilities are explicitly mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campground includes 7 campsites, with three gravel pull-throughs and four dead-end gravel spurs. Maximum spur length is 25 feet.
Sites PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy. Some reviewers note that sites are close together, providing limited privacy. "Sites do not have much privacy but it still worked out great," said one user.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites #1, #4, and #7 are noted for their river access. Site #7 offers privacy and space for several tents.
Best CampsitesSite #7 is highly recommended by users for its privacy, shade, and proximity to the river.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
After 2:00 pm
Check-out
Before 11:00 am
Stay Limit
14-day camping limit.
Groups
Group camping is not specifically mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThree gravel pull-through sites and four dead-end gravel spur sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; may be inaccessible during snow levels or spring road closures.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served, no reservations accepted.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Rio Grande Campground offers activities that take advantage of its scenic riverside location. Fishing is a primary draw, with the Rio Grande River providing opportunities for river and ice fishing. The campground also serves as a put-in/take-out point for summer rafting and boating. Other recreational pursuits include hiking, picnicking, and scenic driving.
Hiking
The campground provides access to hiking trails, but detailed information about trail lengths or difficulty levels is not available.Fishing
Fishing in the Rio Grande River is a key activity. A Colorado fishing license is required. User reviews highlight the proximity of campsites to the river as a major advantage for fishing enthusiasts. "Good fishing spot it seems," noted one reviewer.Boating
The Rio Grande River near the campground is a put-in/take-out point for summer rafting, indicating opportunities for non-motorized boating.Winter Activities
Ice fishing is explicitly mentioned, which could be a draw during winter months.Water Sports
Non-motorized boating and summer rafting are available on the Rio Grande River.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires permitted only in designated fire rings. Restrictions may apply during heightened wildfire risk.
Hazards
General hazardsThe Rio Grande River poses a safety hazard to children if unsupervised. Bear encounters are possible.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 77%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Divide Ranger District, 13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132. Phone: (719) 657-3321
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo trash facilities are available. All campers must pack out their garbage.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly adjacent to the Rio Grande River, offering fishing access and rafting points.
Common complaintsNo potable water available; pack out all trash. Some sites lack shade or privacy as noted by user reviews.
HostA volunteer host is on-site.
Campground Map
13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132
Driving directionsFrom Creede, CO go 8.5 miles west on CO Highway 149 (toward Lake City), then follow signs to Rio Grande Fisherman's Area.
The access road is narrow and steep, not recommended for large RVs or long/wide trailers.Nearby places
Creede (8.5 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Lake City (approximately 1 hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Creede, CO, approximately 8.5 miles away, offers access to groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.6
14 reviews
Rio Grande Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of the Rio Grande Campground highlight its riverside location, quiet environment, and the limited number of sites (which adds to the tranquility). Most reviewers appreciate the basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and clean vault toilets, while emphasizing the importance of bringing potable water.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praise the campground's riverside setting, cleanliness of facilities, and quiet atmosphere. "The views of the Rio Grande and the mountains all around were astounding," said one...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The lack of potable water and trash facilities are the most common complaints. "Bring water because there is none at the site," advised a user. Some reviewers also pointed out the uneven privacy...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring plenty of potable water and prepare for a pack-it-out experience for trash. Site #7 is highly recommended for its shade, privacy, and direct river access, as shared by reviewers.
Based on 14 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open year-round, but access may be limited by snow during winter or spring. Summer visits seem most popular, with one reviewer spending the 4th of July weekend and enjoying the...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Camped right by the river. So peaceful. Highly recommend." - Leslie. "BEST SITE is #7; it is away from other sites, has shade and places for several tents, has direct river view and access." -...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #7 is consistently identified as the best site for its privacy, shade, and riverfront access. Sites #1, #4, and #7 also have good river access.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility issues for people with disabilities are not specifically mentioned.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed (not longer than six feet). No specific reviews address pet-related experiences.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025