How much does camping cost at River Hill?

Camping fees at River Hill range from $20-$40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is River Hill first-come first-served or reservation?

River Hill accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at River Hill before I book?

Yes! River Hill has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit River Hill?

River Hill is open May 23 to August 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at River Hill?

River Hill does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at River Hill?

Fire policies at River Hill: Campfires are permitted only in designated fire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does River Hill have?

River Hill has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at River Hill?

Yes, pets are allowed at River Hill. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at River Hill?

River Hill offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at River Hill?

Popular activities at River Hill include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

River Hill

4.82

149 reviews

FS 520, CREEDE, CO 81130, USA

Fishing

Featured in:Summer Camping Colorado#1 Desert Camping Colorado#3 Fall Camping Colorado#3 +12 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

9,200 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open season: May 23 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on PMC Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

9,200 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open season: May 23 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on PMC Parks Official Website

Get Directions

River Hill

$20.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $20 per night for single sites to $40 per night for double sites during peak season. Additional charges include $2 for weekends and...

Standard Site Fee$29.00

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

805-434-1996customerservice@pmcparks.com

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.82

Top-Rated

Based on 149 reviews

34 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlocation

"User reviews for River Hill Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the cleanliness of facilities, particularly the vault toilets, as well as the friendliness and helpfulness of the camp hosts, Felix and Edith. Wildlife viewing and fishing are frequent highlights, and the scenic location by the Rio Grande River is commonly described as 'beautiful' and 'peaceful.'"

Read all reviews

Campground Map

FS 520, CREEDE, CO 81130, USA

River Hill

FS 520, CREEDE, CO 81130, USA

Nearby places

Creede (approximately 30 miles, 40 minutes)

Lake City (approximately 65 miles, 2 hours)

Alamosa (approximately 100 miles, 2.5 hours)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies, including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials, are available in Creede, approximately 30 miles away. Additional options can be found in South Fork and Lake City for broader supply needs.

Driving directionsFrom Alamosa, CO, go west on Highway 160 to South Fork. Take Highway 149 southwest through Creede and continue on Highway 149 for about 20 miles to milepost 41 (Forest Road 520) and Rio Grande Reservoir Road. Travel about 10 miles on this gravel road to the campground.

The campground is accessible via Highway 149 and Forest Road 520, which is a gravel road. User reviews describe this gravel road as 'rough,' with comments including 'horrendous' and 'unmaintained,' while others note it is manageable if taken slowly. Seasonal grading has been mentioned, but the road's condition may vary.

Best Time to Camp at River Hill

Summer delivers the best conditions, with daytime highs around 60-75°F and nights dropping into the low 30s-40s. This is prime time for fishing, paddling, hiking into the Weminuche, and catching wildflower meadows at their peak. July and August bring afternoon thunderstorms and heavier weekend crowds. Winter dumps snow and sends temperatures well below freezing, limiting access.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in CO

Open May 23–Aug 31; described as an 'outdoor paradise' in summer; peak season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23 to August 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 23 to August 31 for reservations. Reservations can start June 24, 2025.
Current Alerts: Potential seasonal road closures or unmaintained road conditions may impact accessibility.

About River Hill

River Hill Campground sits along the Rio Grande River in south-central Colorado's Rio Grande National Forest, about 9,200 feet up. The 15 sites accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers, with several positioned right on the river. Fees run $20-$40 per night. Reservations open six months in advance and fill quickly, especially for waterfront spots.

River Hill Campground provides a mix of camping accommodations. Individual sites accommodate tents, RVs, and travel trailers. Group camping and cabin lodging are not mentioned, and primitive camping aspects are highlighted in user reviews.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions, with daytime highs around 60-75°F and nights dropping into the low 30s-40s. This is prime time for fishing, paddling, hiking into the Weminuche, and catching wildflower meadows at their peak. July and August bring afternoon thunderstorms and heavier weekend crowds. Winter dumps snow and sends temperatures well below freezing, limiting access.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 9,200 feet above sea level, River Hill offers a true high-country camping experience. This lofty elevation gifts visitors with delightfully cool summer nights perfect for sleeping under the stars, while afternoon temperatures remain comfortable for hiking and exploring. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-covered wonderland, where frigid temperatures and pristine powder create a dramatically different but equally beautiful landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryA willow-fringed meadow frames the Rio Grande as it cuts through the valley, with forested hills rising to rock bluffs beyond. The campground provides sweeping views of the river and surrounding terrain. Mature trees shade most sites. The Weminuche Wilderness borders the area, showcasing rugged peaks and numerous fourteeners. The 2014 wildfire scorched hillsides around the campground but spared the sites themselves. Visitors now see charred slopes alongside new growth pushing through.

Geological RegionRiver Hill Campground claims a spectacular position within south-central Colorado's Rio Grande National Forest, where mountain meadows meet rushing rivers and towering peaks. The campground's willow-fringed meadow provides sweeping views of the Rio Grande River as it carves its ancient path through the landscape. Surrounding forested hills give way to dramatic rock bluffs, while the neighboring Weminuche Wilderness showcases some of Colorado's most rugged and awe-inspiring terrain, including numerous fourteeners that pierce the sky and challenge even the most ambitious mountaineers.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Check-out is by 11:00 AM.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights is allowed. A total of 14 nights within any rolling 30-day period is enforced.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Single sites allow up to 6 guests per site. Additional people (maximum of 8 total) are charged $10 per person per night.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground splits into two sections: a smaller forward area and a larger riverside loop where the camp hosts stay. Sites are spacious enough for travel trailers and well-spaced for privacy.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or the contact center. In-person bookings may also be available.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available but not guaranteed, especially during holiday weekends.

Cancellation PolicyIf canceled before the reservation start date, a $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations incur the first night's fees along with the $10 fee. Same-day changes or cancellations depend on facility-specific rules.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.

Site SizeSites are spacious and can accommodate travel trailers, tents, and RVs. Several sites are located right on the river, offering scenic views.

PrivacySites are nicely spaced, offering quiet and privacy. User reviews highlight the secluded nature of sites while still allowing easy access to shared areas.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose riverside sites for the best views and fishing access. Avoid site #7, described in reviews as having no shade and poor conditions.

Need help booking River Hill?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

River Hill offers a variety of recreational activities suitable for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing and river kayaking are popular, with opportunities for catching trout in the Rio Grande River and nearby Rio Grande Reservoir. Hiking routes like the Squaw Creek and Weminuche Creek trailheads lead into the Weminuche Wilderness and connect to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Wildlife viewing is highly rated, with frequent sightings of deer, marmots, and even moose. Other activities include rock climbing, biking, and interpretive programs.

Hiking

Climbing

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as moose and bears, as well as rough road conditions leading to the campground.

Active AlertsPotential seasonal road closures or unmaintained road conditions may impact accessibility.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted only in designated fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced between 10 PM and 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest hospital and emergency medical services are located in Creede, approximately 30 miles away. Ranger stations are available within the Rio Grande National Forest management area.

Trash & RecyclingGarbage cans are provided throughout the campground for trash disposal.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on the Rio Grande River, the campground offers river access for fishing and kayaking. The Rio Grande Reservoir is nearby.

Camp HostCamp hosts Felix and Edith are frequently mentioned in reviews as friendly, accommodating, and diligent in maintaining cleanliness and order.

Weather at River Hill

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.8

149 reviews

Top-Rated

River Hill is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for River Hill Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the cleanliness of facilities, particularly the vault toilets, as well as the friendliness and helpfulness of the camp hosts, Felix and Edith. Wildlife viewing and fishing are frequent highlights, and the scenic location by the Rio Grande River is commonly described as 'beautiful' and 'peaceful.'

Review Summaries

Based on 149 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews universally praise the cleanliness of facilities, especially the vault toilets, which are described as 'immaculate.' The camp hosts receive exceptional feedback for their friendliness and...

Based on 149 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers note the rough gravel road leading to the campground, describing it as 'horrendous' or poorly maintained. One user also reported discomfort due to a camp host enforcing firewood size...

Based on 149 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend booking reservations 6 months in advance due to high demand, especially for waterfront sites. Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing and prepare for a remote experience with limited...

Based on 149 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground is busiest during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), with quieter stays during weekdays. Some campers note mosquito presence in summer months.

Based on 149 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Best national forest service campground we've stayed at, thanks to campground hosts Felix and Edith.' 2. 'The cleanest vault toilets I've ever used - no small feat in the wilderness!' 3. 'Sites...

Based on 149 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #011: Highly praised for its location right on the river and the scenic views. Site #005: Frequently mentioned for privacy and proximity to the river. Site #014: Described as spacious and ideal...

Based on 149 reviews