Park Creek Campground
4.1414 reviews13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132
Park Creek Campground
$12.00 - $54.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$27.00
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 unit campsites cost $27 for overnight use and $12 for day use. Double unit sites cost $54 for overnight use and $12 for day use. Both types of sites incur a $2 additional fee for weekends and holidays. The campground uses fee envelopes and a collection box near the entrance.
About this campground
Nestled along the melodic waters of the South Fork of the Rio Grande River, Park Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into Colorado's high country. This charming 12-site retreat beckons travelers with its gravel campsites, each thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables and steel fire rings for memorable evenings under the stars. The campground's mature canopy of towering spruce and cottonwood creates a natural cathedral, while modern amenities including two vault toilets, a centralized refuse station, and seasonal hand-pump water stations ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. Though conveniently accessible from US Highway 160, the dense forest buffer transforms occasional traffic sounds into distant whispers, preserving the tranquil atmosphere.
Park Creek Campground caters to a variety of camping experiences, primarily focused on tent and RV camping. It is also a popular stopover for travelers on US Highway 160.
Historical SignificancePark Creek Campground sits within lands that have captivated generations of outdoor enthusiasts, from early settlers drawn to the Rio Grande's legendary trout waters to modern adventurers seeking solace in these storied mountains. The area's rich fishing heritage lives on in the whispered tales of anglers who've cast lines in these pristine waters for over a century. These lush riverside meadows and forests have long served as gathering places, where stories are shared around campfires and traditions are passed from one generation to the next, creating a living tapestry of outdoor culture.
Weather and SeasonsSummer at Park Creek brings a delightful rhythm of crisp mountain mornings that warm into sun-dappled afternoons, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that nourish the verdant landscape. As autumn approaches, golden aspens herald the arrival of shoulder seasons, when snow begins to dust the peaks and transform the campground into a crystalline wonderland. Winter's embrace brings deep snows and freezing temperatures, while spring awakens the forest with rushing snowmelt and emerging wildflowers. Visitors should come prepared for mountain weather's quick changes and evening temperatures that can dip even in summer's peak.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 9,500 feet above sea level, Park Creek Campground offers visitors a true high-altitude experience where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and every breath connects you to the raw beauty of Colorado's mountain wilderness. This elevation places campers in the heart of the subalpine zone, where the landscape transitions between dense forests and alpine meadows.
Natural Features and SceneryA living gallery of Colorado's mountain splendor awaits at Park Creek, where ancient spruce sentinels and whispering cottonwoods create an enchanted forest setting. Select campsites offer coveted riverside positions, where the gentle murmur of the South Fork provides nature's soundtrack. The abundant understory vegetation weaves a tapestry of green that ensures each site feels like a private woodland sanctuary. Morning mist often dances through the trees, while dappled sunlight creates an ever-changing mosaic on the forest floor. Wildlife tracks crisscross the soft earth, and birdsong fills the canopy, creating an immersive natural experience.
Geological RegionPark Creek Campground rests within the majestic Rio Grande National Forest, where millennia of geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable diversity. The South Fork of the Rio Grande has carved its course through ancient volcanic deposits and sedimentary layers, creating the gentle valley that cradles the campground. The surrounding forest ecosystem thrives on rich alluvial soils deposited by centuries of spring floods, supporting the magnificent spruce and cottonwood giants that define the campground's character. This unique combination of riparian and montane habitats creates a geological crossroads where water, stone, and forest converge in perfect harmony.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no information on accessibility features for campers with disabilities at this campground.
Sites SizeSites are gravel and vary in size, with some wider sites accommodating larger RVs. Maximum spur length is 35 feet.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers a feel of spacious seclusion due to the heavy understory and mature trees separating sites. Reviews highlighted the privacy and calming sound of the nearby river.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy and views, choose sites adjacent to the creek.
Best CampsitesSites adjacent to the creek are highly rated for their views and proximity to water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
After 2:00 pm
Check-out
Before 11:00 am
Stay Limit
14-day camping limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Maximum spur length is 35 feet
- guest limits are not explicitly stated.
Groups
Group camping is not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 12 gravel sites arranged along Park Creek. Some sites are wider to accommodate larger RVs, and the parking aprons are gravel.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up only; no reservations can be made in advance.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are accepted; all sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Park Creek Campground offers a mix of recreational activities, including fishing, picnicking, and hiking. "Beautiful place with fun camping spots," noted one reviewer. The campground also provides opportunities for winter activities, scenic driving, and wildlife viewing.
Fishing
Fishing is available in the South Fork of the Rio Grande and Park Creek, with opportunities to catch rainbow trout. "My Dad grew up fishing here, so now I am teaching my son here as well," said a user. A Colorado fishing license is required.Wildlife viewing
The campground's secluded and natural setting offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. Specific species are not mentioned, but the area is rich in natural beauty.Winter Activities
Winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available nearby. Snowmobiling is also an option.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity is common in the area. Mosquitoes are also mentioned frequently in user reviews as a significant nuisance.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 85%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
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
Closest emergency services are in South Fork, CO, including police stations and a hospital. For ranger services, contact the Divide Ranger District.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling services are provided seasonally, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A centralized refuse bin is available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the South Fork of the Rio Grande River and Park Creek. Fishing is available nearby with a Colorado fishing license.
Common complaintsTraffic noise due to proximity to US Highway 160, lack of showers, and the inability to make reservations are commonly cited in reviews.
HostNo host is currently on-site; however, hosts occasionally check and maintain the bathrooms.
Campground Map
13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132
Driving directionsFrom South Fork, CO: Take US 160 west (toward Pagosa Springs) 7.8 miles to Park Creek campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
The campground is accessible via US Highway 160 west from South Fork, CO. Its proximity to the highway means that traffic noise is common day and night. The roads leading to the campground are paved and suitable for most vehicles.Nearby places
South Fork (7.8 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Pagosa Springs (approximately 40 miles, around 45 minutes), Del Norte (approximately 20 miles, 25 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in South Fork, CO, including Rainbow Grocery and other convenience stores.
Camper Reviews
4.1
14 reviews
Park Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is highly praised for its natural beauty, cleanliness, and peaceful atmosphere. Many reviewers appreciated the proximity to the river and the well-maintained facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Users loved the "beautiful" setting along the river, the "cleanest pit toilets," and the spacious sites with privacy. Many appreciated the fishing opportunities and the cool, shaded environment.
Based on 14 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users mentioned the lack of showers and the inability to make reservations as drawbacks. "You might show up and it's full, then you have to go hunt somewhere else," noted a reviewer. Traffic...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommended bringing mosquito spray due to high mosquito activity. "The mosquitoes are ridiculous but definitely worth putting up with," wrote one user. Firewood is available for purchase,...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Summer reviews frequently mention mosquitoes and the shaded, cool environment. Winter reviews highlight nearby snow-related...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Campground was well kept, and the restrooms are the cleanest I've ever seen." "The camping here was amazing because I was able to hear the creek from my tent, and I slept so good." "Sites right on...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites near the river are particularly appreciated for their scenic beauty and calming sounds of water. "We got a gorgeous spot right next to the river and plenty of shade," noted a user.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically mention accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are permitted but must be on a leash no longer than six feet. No reviews specifically address pet-related experiences.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025