Palisade Campground

Star4.55
64 reviews
13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132
Scenic ViewsFishing

Quick Facts

8,300 ft

Price

$10 - $29/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Divide Ranger District site

Official Website
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Palisade Campground
$10.00 - $29.00 / night
Campsite Fees
During the concessionaire season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), single-unit overnight use costs $29.00 plus additional weekend and holiday fees of...
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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

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Provider
719-657-3321
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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 64 reviews

55 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanlocationfriendly

Some mention

noisetrain

"User reviews for Palisade Campground are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the scenic setting along the Rio Grande River, clean facilities, and friendly campground hosts. Many reviewers praise the overall maintenance and cleanliness of the campground."

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Campground Map

13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132

Palisade Campground

13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132

Driving directionsFrom South Fork, CO, take Hwy 149 west (toward Creede) 7.3 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground. Directions from Creede, Colorado: Travel 12.1 miles southeast on Colorado Highway 149 (toward South Fork) to campground entrance.
Located adjacent to Colorado Highway 149 for easy access. Active railroad tracks bisect the campground, and Highway 149 runs along the northeast side with no screening. Road conditions may vary during snow levels or spring closures.
Nearby places
South Fork, 7.3 miles (~10 minutes)
Creede, 12.1 miles (~15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies can be found at Rainbow Grocery, located at the intersection of US Hwy 160 and State Hwy 149 in South Fork (~7.3 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Palisade Campground

Summer transforms Palisade into a sun-drenched paradise from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with warm days perfect for riverside relaxation and cool nights ideal for campfire gatherings. As autumn arrives, the canyon becomes a kaleidoscope of gold and crimson before winter's dramatic entrance. Snow blankets the landscape from late fall through spring, often closing access roads and wrapping the canyon in pristine silence. Winter adventurers should prepare for bone-chilling temperatures and challenging conditions that make this season best suited for the most intrepid explorers.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Peak season Memorial Day–Labor Day; sunny, warm days and full services; very popular in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Aspens in autumn and cooler nights are appealing; some services reduced off-peak.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Should be good for off-season fishing/quiet visits but services and trash/water may be limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but no full services in winter; colder at 8,300 ft and limited amenities.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; concessionaire operates Memorial Day to Labor Day with full services.
  • Current Alerts: Snow levels or spring road closures may impact accessibility.

About Palisade Campground

Tucked into a dramatic river canyon between the mountain towns of Creede and South Fork, Palisade Campground offers a rare riverside escape along Colorado's legendary Rio Grande. This intimate 12-site campground delivers an authentic Rocky Mountain experience where anglers cast lines into trophy trout waters and rafters launch adventures right from camp. Some sites bask in sunny meadows while others nestle beneath protective canopies of ancient trees. The rhythmic rumble of passing trains and the distant hum of highway traffic remind visitors they're still connected to civilization, even while immersed in this rugged canyon sanctuary.
Palisade Campground offers versatile camping options for different preferences.
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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

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides opportunities for various recreational activities centered around its location along the Rio Grande River.
FishingFishing is a popular activity on the Rio Grande, which is known as a Trophy Fishing River. Rainbow trout fishing is specifically highlighted.
BoatingNon-motorized boating activities such as kayaking and rafting are popular. The campground serves as a put-in point for rafters and kayakers.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is not explicitly mentioned, but the natural environment may provide opportunities for observing local species.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsActive railroad tracks bisecting the campground can pose risks. Bears are present; proper food storage is required.
Active AlertsSnow levels or spring road closures may impact accessibility.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers available; campers must bring their own padlocks.

Weather at Palisade Campground

Reviews

4.6
64 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Palisade Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Palisade Campground are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the scenic setting along the Rio Grande River, clean facilities, and friendly campground hosts. Many reviewers praise the overall maintenance and cleanliness of the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 64 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the beautiful riverside location, exceptionally clean vault toilets, and friendly and helpful hosts. Many campers mentioned enjoying fishing, rafting, and the peaceful...
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Based on 64 reviews

Common Concerns

Some complaints include the proximity to Highway 149, which results in traffic noise for certain sites, and strict enforcement of quiet hours. A few users mentioned the campground being full during...
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Based on 64 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early in the afternoon, especially during the busy summer months, to secure a site. They also suggest being prepared for potential traffic noise due to the highway's...
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Based on 64 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular in the summer, when it tends to stay full from mid-June through August. Off-season visits may be less crowded, but there is no water or trash service available during...
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Based on 64 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful campground. The views of the Rio Grande River are superb.' - Eric, 2018 2. 'Cleanest outdoor facility I have ever used.' - Alexis St. Amand, 2023 3. 'They had the cleanest, best...
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Based on 64 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites along the river are highly praised for their scenic views. However, some sites closer to the highway are noted for traffic noise. The campground features 12 combined sites, with varying levels...
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Based on 64 reviews

Accessibility Features

The vault toilets are wheelchair accessible and include lighting, which is appreciated by users with disabilities.
Based on 64 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. No specific pet-friendly amenities are mentioned, but the overall environment is suitable for pet owners.
Based on 64 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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