Road Canyon Campground
05 reviews13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132
Road Canyon Campground
$10.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$26.00
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
Fees vary by season. During the concessionaire season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), single unit day use is $12, overnight use is $26, with additional weekend and holiday fees of $2 each. Shoulder season fees drop to $10 for day or overnight use. Fee envelopes and collection boxes are located near the entrance.
About this campground
Nestled in a sprawling alpine meadow, Road Canyon Campground offers an authentic high-country camping experience where endless skies meet rolling grasslands. This intimate campground features just six well-spaced sites, each thoughtfully equipped with a parking spur, picnic table, and fire ring for evening gatherings under the stars. While the open setting means you'll share views with the occasional passerby on Rio Grande Reservoir Road, it also ensures unobstructed mountain vistas and easy access for larger RVs and trailers. A convenient vault toilet serves the campground, and when peak season brings more adventurers, an overflow area across the road welcomes additional campers. What Road Canyon lacks in shade trees, it makes up for with its strategic location—serving as your basecamp for exploring multiple pristine mountain lakes just a short drive away.
Road Canyon Campground offers basic camping options tailored for self-sufficient campers. The campground has 6 camping units and provides an undeveloped overflow area across the road. It accommodates both RV and tent camping, but does not offer cabins, glamping, or group-specific sites.
Historical SignificanceThe stories of Road Canyon remain unwritten in official records, leaving visitors to imagine the generations of travelers who have paused in this high meadow—from indigenous peoples following ancient hunting routes to modern adventurers seeking solitude in the San Juan Mountains.
Weather and SeasonsAt Road Canyon, Mother Nature writes a dramatic story across the seasons. Summer transforms the meadow into a verdant paradise where wildflowers dance in warm breezes and afternoon thunderstorms paint rainbows across the peaks. These are the golden months for fishing and hiking, though smart campers always pack rain gear for those refreshing mountain showers. When winter arrives, it does so with authority—bringing fierce winds, deep snows, and temperatures that plummet well below freezing. Only the most prepared and self-sufficient adventurers venture here during these months, when the campground becomes a frozen wilderness playground demanding respect and proper cold-weather gear.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 9,300 feet above sea level, Road Canyon Campground places you firmly in Colorado's alpine zone. At this elevation, the air is crisp and thin, sunlight feels more intense, and weather can shift from sunshine to snow even in summer months. Nights are refreshingly cool year-round, perfect for sleeping but requiring warm layers even in July. The high altitude means spectacular star-gazing opportunities and the chance to wake up above the clouds.
Natural Features and SceneryRoad Canyon's wide-open meadow setting creates a natural amphitheater surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Rio Grande National Forest. Without trees to obstruct your view, the campground offers 360-degree vistas of Colorado's high country, where morning mist rises from nearby lakes and evening alpenglow paints the mountains in shades of rose and gold. The surrounding landscape hosts a remarkable array of wildlife—from curious chipmunks that might visit your picnic table to black bears that occasionally lumber through the meadow at dawn or dusk. Multiple pristine mountain lakes dot the nearby valleys, their mirror-like surfaces reflecting sky and peaks while harboring populations of eager trout.
Geological RegionSituated at the head of Road Canyon Reservoir within the vast Rio Grande National Forest, this campground occupies a unique geological niche where ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving created today's dramatic landscape. The open meadow sits like a natural bowl among the surrounding peaks, formed over millennia as snowmelt and mountain streams carved gentle valleys between volcanic ridges. This prime location in the San Juan Mountains places campers at the heart of one of Colorado's most geologically diverse regions, where crystal-clear lakes fill glacial basins and weathered peaks tell stories written in stone spanning millions of years.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo explicit mention of accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeMaximum spur length is 50 feet. Not all sites will fit vehicles of this length.
Sites PrivacySites are located in an open meadow without tree coverage, so privacy between sites is limited.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTall trailers are accommodated due to the lack of tree obstructions.
Best CampsitesNot specified.
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
- Not specified
- likely varies by site size.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout6 individual sites arranged in an open meadow with overflow camping directly across the road.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round but may be inaccessible due to snow levels or spring road closures. Concessionaire operations occur from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsNot specified; reservations cannot be made in advance.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve availability applies to all sites. Overflow camping area is available directly across the road.
Cancellation PolicyNot specified
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Road Canyon Campground provides access to various recreational activities, most focusing on outdoor and water-based experiences. Activities include fishing (lake, pond, and ice fishing), boating (motorized and non-motorized), hiking (backpacking and day hikes), picnicking, snowmobiling, and wildlife viewing. Hunting and shooting opportunities are also mentioned. User reviews highlight fishing and hiking as popular activities.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available, including options for day hikes and backpacking. The proximity to lakes adds appeal for nature enthusiasts.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include lake and pond fishing, as well as ice fishing during the winter. Some user reviews highlight successful fishing experiences, such as "Caught lots of fish" and "very good place for...good fishing."Boating
Boating is allowed on Road Canyon Reservoir, including motorized options with no wakes and trolling motors. A primitive boat ramp is available.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is mentioned as an activity. User reviews include instances of bear sightings, emphasizing the importance of being 'Bear Aware.'Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowmobiling and ice fishing, making the campground usable even during the cold months.Water Sports
Water activities include motorized and non-motorized boating on the reservoir.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country; proper food storage is required to avoid wildlife encounters. Winter conditions may include heavy snow and freezing temperatures.
Active alertsNone reported.
Weather forecast
50
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 67%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 1.3 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 (Contact: 719-657-3321).
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Trash and recyclingTrash service is available only during the summer season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). During the off-season, campers must pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located at Road Canyon Reservoir and provides fishing access and a primitive boat ramp.
Common complaintsFees are considered high for the minimal amenities provided. Complaints about the lack of trash service during off-season.
HostNo on-site hosts; fees are collected by hosts from nearby campgrounds.
Campground Map
13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132
Driving directionsTravel southwest from Creede on Highway 149 (toward Lake City) for about 20 miles, to the intersection of Highway 149 and Forest Road 520 (Rio Grande Reservoir Road), then drive almost 6 miles west on FR 520.
Road access is maintained (well-maintained roads), but it is subject to seasonal closures or snow levels. Forest Road 520 is the main access point.Nearby places
Creede - 26 miles / approximately 45 minutes
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Creede, 26 miles away, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Road Canyon Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally highlight the scenic beauty and simplicity of the campground. Positive aspects include good fishing access and the campground's proximity to lakes and hiking trails. Negative sentiments focus on the lack of amenities and increased fees. Seasonal experiences vary, with some users encountering wildlife such as bears.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground's scenery, access to lakes for fishing, and simplicity are praised by users. One review mentions, 'Road Canyon was so green and beautiful this year,' emphasizing the natural beauty of...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of amenities, such as potable water and trash receptacles, and the increased fees during peak seasons. One user noted, 'Really not worth it anymore' due to the high...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend being self-sufficient and bringing all necessary supplies, including water and firewood. The proximity to fishing and hiking opportunities is highlighted as a key reason to visit.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During the summer, the campground is green and accommodating for fishing and hiking, but fees are higher. In the winter, activities like ice fishing and snowmobiling are possible, but accessibility...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Road Canyon was so green and beautiful this year. We have gone often because it is centralized to several lakes to fish.' 2. '4 stars for scenery! Out of the way non-supervised campground on the...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
User reviews do not specify site numbers or preferences for individual sites.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are permitted, and dogs must be on a leash not longer than six feet. No additional comments or reviews regarding pet experiences are available.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025