Rio Grande Campground

Star4.59
28 reviews
13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132

Quick Facts

9,300 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Divide Ranger District site

Official Website
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Rio Grande Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single/Double campsite overnight/day use fee is $10. Additional 50% discount available for Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders for...
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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

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Provider
719-657-3321
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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 28 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietclean

"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."

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Campground Map

13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132

Rio Grande Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Rio Grande Campground

Experience 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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer is most popular; reviewers cite warm July visits, clear skies and excellent stargazing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn 'paints the meadow in golden hues' per seasonal notes; scenery remains a draw.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring can include road closures and variable access; scenery returns but access uncertain.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but access may be limited by snow; winter visits are possible but constrained.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; may be inaccessible during snow levels or spring road closures.

About Rio Grande 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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
After 2:00 pm
Check-out
Before 11:00 am
Stay Limit
14-day camping limit.

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.
HikingThe campground provides access to hiking trails, but detailed information about trail lengths or difficulty levels is not available.
FishingFishing 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.
BoatingThe Rio Grande River near the campground is a put-in/take-out point for summer rafting, indicating opportunities for non-motorized boating.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe Rio Grande River poses a safety hazard to children if unsupervised. Bear encounters are possible.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Rio Grande Campground

Reviews

4.6
28 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
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 28 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...
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Based on 28 reviews

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...
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Based on 28 reviews

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 28 reviews

Seasonal 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...
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Based on 28 reviews

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." -...
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Based on 28 reviews

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 28 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility issues for people with disabilities are not specifically mentioned.
Based on 28 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be leashed (not longer than six feet). No specific reviews address pet-related experiences.
Based on 28 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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