Rio Grande - Creede

Located in South-central Colorado, the Rio Grande National Forest has a rich and interesting local history and culture. The area is home to ancient Native American ruins, remnants of the Spanish Conquistadors, and gold rush ghost towns. Ringed by the Sangre de Cristo (Christ's Blood) and San Juan Ranges, this cradle of the mountains is crossed by rapid rivers and dotted with beautiful lakes. Hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers will find numerous trails. Campers come from all over the country in appreciation of the rich natural beauty and intriguing history of this remote corner of our nation's forestlands.

American Land & Leisure runs seven different facilities at Creede.

Bristol Head Campground is located 21 miles west of Creede at an altitude of 9500 ft. The campground is situated in a grassy meadow on South Clear Creek, only a 1/4 mile from a gorgeous waterfall (see picture above), with views of Bristol Head Peak. Campers come here to fish in the stream, hike, boat, and enjoy the varied local wildlife. The campground has 16 single sites. There is a hand pump for water. Hours are between 15 to 18 hours per week per couple. The campground is open from the end of May to the beginning of September.

Marshall Park Campground is located 6 1/2 miles southwest of Creede at an elevation of 8800 feet. The campground is situated in an open meadow on the Rio Grand River with views of Bristol Head Peak and the La Garita Mountains. Campers come here to fish for trout in the river, boat, hunt, and enjoy the diverse wildlife. The campground has 15 campsites. There is a hand pump for water, and black water can be pumped into the toilet. Caring for this campground takes approximately 17 to 20 hours per week per couple. The campground is open from the end of May to the beginning of September.

River Hill Campground is located 27 miles west of Creede at an elevation of 9200 feet. The campground is situated in a meadow surrounded by willows on the banks of the Rio Grande River. Campers come here to fish for trout, hunt, and enjoy the beautiful views of the forested hills and rock bluffs. The campground has 20 campsites. Water, phone service and electricity are available. The area managers for Creede live and work at this location. It is is a salaried position. The campground is open from May to September.

Silver Thread Campground is located 22 miles West of Creede. Situated in an open meadow near an Aspen Forest, Silver Thread is within easy walking distance of South Clear Creek and the waterfalls. Campers come here to fish for trout, hike, and enjoy the wildlife and beautiful views. The campground has 11 sites, and the hosts care for Spring Creek Fishing and Picnic Area. Water hookups are available. Hours are 15 to 18 per week per couple. The campground is open from late May to early September.

Thirty Mile Campground is located 30 miles from Creede at an altitude of 9340 ft. Situated in a meadow near the Rio Grande River, this campground has 35 single sites. Campers come here to fish, boat, hike, raft, ride horses, and enjoy the beautiful view. Water and electric hookups are available. Hours are 20 to 30 hours per week per couple. The campground is open from late May to early September.

North Clear Creek Campground is located about 23 miles outside of Creede at an elevation of 9900 feet. Situated in a meadow with scattered aspens along North Clear Creek, this campground has 23 sites. Campers come here to fish, boat, hike, and enjoy the beautiful views. The hosts at North Clear Creek also care for North Clear Creek Falls Day Use Area. Caring for this facility takes between 18 to 20 hours a week. The campground is open from late May to early September.

Palisades Campground is located 13 miles from Creede at an elevation of 8300 feet. Set on the banks of the Rio Grande River, this campground has 12 campsites. Campers come here to fish, boat, hike, and enjoy the local wildlife. Water and electric hookups are available. Hours are between 18 to 20 a week. The campground is open from late May to early September.