Crosscreek Campground

Hello, fellow Coloradans! If you're passionate about experiencing the true essence of our state's vast wilderness, with boundless opportunities for outdoor adventure, then Crosscreek Campground is a name you absolutely need to know. Nestled within the breathtaking Rio Grande National Forest, in the scenic vicinity of Lake George, this campground is a gateway to some of Colorado's most exhilarating activities, from world-class fishing to thrilling ATV rides.

This article is crafted specifically for you, the local Colorado adventurer, providing a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Crosscreek Campground. We'll explore its unique location, the essential services it provides, and the remarkable features that make it a standout choice for those who crave active outdoor pursuits in a stunning mountain setting. Whether you're planning a fishing trip, a hiking excursion, or an ATV adventure, prepare to discover why Crosscreek Campground is about as "badass as possible," offering unforgettable experiences right here in our incredible state.

Crosscreek Campground is a picturesque camping destination located within the vast Rio Grande National Forest, with its general address being Colorado 80827, USA, placing it near the South Fork and Lake George areas. Specifically, it is often referenced as being in the Beaver Creek drainage, southwest of South Fork, and just above the Beaver Reservoir inlet. This puts it at an elevation of approximately 8,800 feet, offering crisp mountain air and a truly immersive high-country experience.

The campground itself is known for its natural setting, with campsites "scattered on both sides of the creek" and often shaded by "beautiful Douglas Fir" trees. It offers a more rustic experience compared to developed RV parks, making it popular with those who appreciate a genuine connection to the wilderness. As a national forest campground, Crosscreek provides a less structured environment than state parks, with some sites available on a "first-come, first-served" basis. This fosters a sense of spontaneity and discovery for campers. It's a place where you can hear the sounds of the creek and the wind through the trees, truly disconnecting from urban distractions and embracing the tranquility of the Colorado mountains.

Accessibility to Crosscreek Campground involves navigating forest roads, which is typical for national forest campgrounds in Colorado. From the South Fork area, at the intersection of Highway 149 and US 160, you would take US 160 west approximately 1.4 miles to the Beaver Creek Road sign (Forest Road 20). Turning left onto Beaver Creek Road, you would continue for about 6.4 miles until you see the campground sign and turn left into the campground. It's important to note that Forest Road 20 becomes a gravel road after about 4 miles.

While the campground can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, visitors should be prepared for unpaved roads and potentially limited turn-around space for larger vehicles in some areas. It's always advisable to check road conditions, especially during or after periods of heavy rain or snow, as accessibility can vary. The campground is generally open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, but the main access road is plowed in the winter, allowing for year-round access and winter recreation opportunities like snowmobiling and ice fishing. Its location provides convenient access to Beaver Reservoir and Beaver Creek for fishing, as well as the Cross Creek Trail for hiking and ATV riding, making it an excellent basecamp for exploring the Rio Grande National Forest.

Services Offered:

• Campsites: 12 campsites available, accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs.
• Individual Site Amenities: Each campsite typically includes a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill. Firewood is not provided, so campers should bring their own supply.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available for guest use.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available.
• No Hookups: As a primitive campground, there are generally no electric, water, or sewer hookups at individual sites.
• First-Come, First-Served: Some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, while others might be reservable through recreation.gov (always check official sources).
• Trash Cans: Provided for waste disposal, though "pack it in, pack it out" is always a good practice.
• RV Dump Station: A public RV dump station is located at the intersection of US Route 160 and State Route 149 in South Fork, a short drive from the campground.

Features / Highlights:

• Abundant Recreation Opportunities: Crosscreek Campground is a hub for diverse activities, including:
  • Fishing: World-class fishing in nearby Beaver Reservoir and Beaver Creek for rainbow trout and kokanee salmon.
  • Hiking: Access to the Cross Creek Trail for day hikes and backpacking.
  • ATV/OHV Riding: ATV use is permitted on the Cross Creek Trail for registered machines 50 inches wide or less; UTVs must stay on the road system.
  • Boating: Motorized and non-motorized boating are allowed on Beaver Creek Reservoir (no wakes).
  • Wildlife Viewing: Excellent opportunities to observe local wildlife.
  • Horseback Riding: Trails are suitable for horseback riding.
  • Hunting: Big game hunting is a popular activity in the surrounding national forest.
  • Winter Sports: Open year-round, offering snowmobiling and ice fishing during the colder months.
• Stunning Natural Setting: Located within the Rio Grande National Forest, surrounded by beautiful Douglas fir trees (some of the biggest in the forest) and the sounds of the creek.
• High Elevation Experience: At 8,800 feet, enjoy cooler temperatures and true mountain air, perfect for roasting marshmallows on cool nights.
• First-Come, First-Served Sites: Offers flexibility for spontaneous trips, though checking availability is always recommended.
• Proximity to Beaver Reservoir: Just a quarter-mile north, providing easy access to lake activities.
• Peaceful and Rustic Atmosphere: Ideal for those seeking a genuine outdoor experience away from the hustle and bustle of more developed campgrounds.
• Family-Friendly: Despite its primitive nature, the variety of activities makes it suitable for families looking for an adventurous getaway.

Contact Information:

Address: Colorado 80827, USA (referring to the general area within Rio Grande National Forest near South Fork)

Specific location: Crosscreek Campground, within Rio Grande National Forest, near Beaver Creek Reservoir, southwest of South Fork.

Phone: While no direct phone number for Crosscreek Campground itself is widely advertised, for information regarding national forest campgrounds in this area, Colorado locals should contact the Rio Grande National Forest Supervisor's Office or the local Ranger District (e.g., Saguache Ranger District or Conejos Peak Ranger District) as they manage the campground. Their general inquiry phone numbers are typically found on the U.S. Forest Service website.

For reservations for national forest campgrounds, including Crosscreek if it becomes reservable (some sites are first-come, first-served), please check Recreation.gov. It is crucial to check the U.S. Forest Service website for the Rio Grande National Forest (fs.usda.gov/riogrande) for the most up-to-date information on operating seasons (typically Memorial Day weekend - Labor Day weekend for full services), road conditions, current fire restrictions or bans, and any specific regulations for recreational activities like ATV use or fishing licenses.

For us Coloradans, Crosscreek Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination because it embodies the adventurous spirit and rugged beauty that defines our state's outdoor culture. Unlike more developed campgrounds, Crosscreek offers an authentic national forest experience where the focus is on raw nature and diverse activities. This appeals directly to locals who appreciate primitive camping and want to actively engage with the environment, rather than just passively observe it. The sheer range of "activities" available, from "lake, pond, river, and stream fishing" to "ATVing" and "big game hunting," means there's truly something for every type of Colorado outdoor enthusiast.

The fact that it's located within the Rio Grande National Forest, with its "beautiful Douglas Fir" trees and crisp mountain air at 8,800 feet, provides that quintessential Colorado high-country feel that we all seek. It's a place where you can escape the summer heat and enjoy cooler temperatures, even roast marshmallows on "cool nights." The availability of "first-come, first-served" sites offers a welcome spontaneity for last-minute weekend getaways, a common occurrence for Coloradans itching to hit the trails. Even in winter, the plowed access road opens up opportunities for snowmobiling and ice fishing, making it a truly year-round playground. Crosscreek Campground is more than just a place to set up camp; it's a basecamp for endless exploration and adventure, making it an ideal choice for any Coloradan eager to dive deep into the heart of our state's magnificent wilderness.

Crosscreek Campground

Colorado 80827, USA