Marshall Park Campground

For Coloradans, the allure of the high country, with its crisp mountain air, pristine rivers, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, is undeniable. Nestled in the heart of the Rio Grande National Forest, just a short drive from the historic mining town of Creede, Marshall Park Campground offers a quintessential Colorado camping experience. This is a place where the Rio Grande River flows right by your campsite, offering soothing sounds and excellent fishing, making it a beloved spot for locals seeking a true escape into nature.

Marshall Park Campground strikes a balance between accessibility and a genuine wilderness feel. It provides basic, well-maintained facilities while keeping the focus firmly on the stunning natural surroundings. It’s a versatile spot, appealing to everyone from seasoned anglers hoping to catch trophy trout to families looking for a peaceful riverside retreat. The rave reviews from past visitors, highlighting the "awesome" camp host and the desire to "stay here again," speak volumes about the positive experiences found here.

This article will delve into what makes Marshall Park Campground a highly suitable destination for local Coloradans. We'll explore its precise location and how to get there, the essential services and amenities it provides (including important notes on water availability), its standout features and highlights, and crucial contact information. Whether you're planning a multi-night stay or just a quick visit to the Creede area, prepare to discover why Marshall Park Campground is a top choice for connecting with Colorado's majestic outdoors.

Location and Accessibility

Marshall Park Campground is conveniently located approximately 7 miles west of Creede, CO 81130, USA, within the sprawling Rio Grande National Forest. Its address on Highway 149 (specifically, at Forest Road 523) makes it easily accessible for most vehicles, including RVs and trailers, during the operating season.

To reach the campground from Creede, simply travel west on Colorado Highway 149 for about 7 miles. You'll then turn onto Forest Road 523, which leads directly to the campground entrance within about a mile. The road inside the campground is described as a "narrow paved loop," making navigation relatively simple.

Situated at an elevation of approximately 8,800 feet, Marshall Park offers a true high-country experience. While its location right off Highway 149 means easy access, some sites might experience audible road noise, though many visitors report it as minimal or not impactful. The campground is generally open from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend, aligning with Colorado's prime summer camping season. However, road conditions and opening/closing dates can vary with weather, so it's always wise to check with the Rio Grande National Forest office before heading out. Its proximity to Creede is a distinct advantage, allowing for easy resupply runs, dining, or exploring the town's unique shops and attractions.

Services Offered

Marshall Park Campground provides a range of essential services to ensure a comfortable stay, emphasizing a traditional camping experience:

• Campsites: The campground has 16 to 18 individual campsites, arranged in a loop. Sites are suitable for tents and small trailers. Each site includes a parking spur, picnic table, and fire ring with a grate. Some sites are paved pull-throughs, while others are dead-end gravel spurs.
• Reservations and First-Come, First-Served (FCFS) Sites: Of the 16 campsites, 10 are reservable through Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance, and 6 are held as first-come, first-served. This provides flexibility for both planners and spontaneous adventurers.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available on-site, including an accessible vault toilet with a night light. Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of these facilities.
• Trash Disposal: A trash dumpster is conveniently located on-site, making it easy for campers to dispose of their waste responsibly. This service is provided from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• Camp Host: A dedicated campground host is typically stationed at site 16, providing assistance, information, and a friendly presence. Reviews frequently highlight their helpfulness, calling them "Awesome!"
• Firewood Sales: Firewood may be purchased directly from the camp host, a convenient option for those who don't bring their own.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial to note that the well at Marshall Park Campground is currently broken, and potable water is NOT available on-site. Campers must bring their own water supply. A reliable source for filling up is the Creede Visitor Center, where water is available by donation, or the RV dump station 1 mile south of town (for a fee).
• No Hookups: There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups at the campsites. This is a dry camping experience, requiring self-sufficiency for power and waste.
• Fees: Fees apply for overnight camping (around $26 per night for a single unit, with additional weekend/holiday fees) and a reservation fee if booking online. Interagency Senior/Access Passes offer a 50% discount on single campsites.

Features / Highlights

Marshall Park Campground boasts several appealing features that make it a favorite among Coloradans:

• Riverside Location on the Rio Grande: Many campsites are located "right on the River" (sites #4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15), offering direct access to the water and the soothing sounds of the Rio Grande. This is a significant draw for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.
• Excellent Fishing: The Rio Grande River here is renowned for its trout fishing, considered a "trophy river" for rainbow trout. Anglers will find abundant opportunities for fly fishing, wading, and general exploration along the riverbanks.
• Scenic Views: The campground is situated in an open meadow with "views of Bristol Head Peak and the La Garita Mountains," providing a stunning backdrop to your camping experience. The scenery within a short hiking distance from camp is also noted as "nice."
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: The "clean vault toilets" and presence of a trash dumpster highlight the efforts to maintain a pleasant camping environment. The camp host is also praised for their dedication.
• Proximity to Creede: Being only 7 miles from Creede offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful natural setting with easy access to a charming historic town for supplies, dining, and cultural experiences.
• Base Camp for Exploration: Marshall Park serves as an excellent base for hunters and those looking to explore the extensive off-road vehicle (OHV) trails in the area, such as the Lost Trail #821, which offers fantastic mountain views.
• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding Rio Grande National Forest is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, elk, and a variety of bird species, offering opportunities for observation right from the campground.
• Opportunities for Hiking: Several trails surround the area, suitable for various skill levels, providing further avenues for outdoor adventure.

Note: While some sites offer minimal shade, especially those on the open loop, planning for sun exposure with canopies or other shade structures is recommended.

Contact Information

Marshall Park Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Rio Grande National Forest. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including current conditions, fire restrictions, and operating dates, it's best to contact the relevant Forest Service office.

Address: Creede, CO 81130, USA (This refers to the general area; the specific address is HWY 149, Creede, CO 81130 or 7 miles west on CO-149 to Forest Road 523).

Phone: (719) 657-3321 (This is the main phone number for the Rio Grande National Forest's Divide Ranger District, which oversees this area).

Mobile Phone: +1 719-657-3321 (Same number as above).

For campground-specific inquiries or reservations, you can also often find information and make bookings through Recreation.gov:

Recreation.gov: Search for "Marshall Park, Rio Grande National Forest" or use their reservation line: 1-877-444-6777.

Official Forest Service Website: fs.usda.gov/riogrande (navigate to the camping or recreation sections for Marshall Park Campground).

For information on potable water availability in Creede, contact the Creede Visitor Center.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Marshall Park Campground is an ideal destination for Coloradans, offering a blend of accessible comfort and genuine Rocky Mountain wilderness that perfectly aligns with the local appreciation for outdoor living. Its primary appeal lies in its coveted riverside location along the Rio Grande, providing not just picturesque views but direct access to world-class trout fishing – a passion for many in the state. The soothing sounds of the river flowing past your tent or RV create an immediate sense of peace and escape, a precious commodity for those looking to de-stress.

The campground’s balance of reservable and first-come, first-served sites offers flexibility, catering to both the planner and the spontaneous adventurer, a common characteristic of Colorado's outdoor enthusiasts. The commitment to maintaining clean vault toilets and providing trash disposal demonstrates a dedication to visitor comfort and environmental responsibility, which locals highly value. Even with the need to bring your own water due to the well being broken, the easily accessible fill-up points in nearby Creede are a minor inconvenience for self-sufficient campers.

Furthermore, Marshall Park's strategic location near Creede means campers can enjoy the solitude of the forest while still having convenient access to town amenities, local history, and cultural attractions. It serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the vast Rio Grande National Forest, whether that means hitting the numerous off-road trails, embarking on scenic hikes, or simply enjoying the abundant wildlife. The presence of a friendly and helpful camp host further enhances the welcoming atmosphere, fostering a positive experience that encourages repeat visits – a true sign of local suitability.

In summary, Marshall Park Campground offers a quintessential Colorado experience: riverside serenity, excellent recreational opportunities, and a well-maintained, yet rustic, environment. It perfectly caters to the local desire for authentic mountain getaways, providing a place where Coloradans can truly immerse themselves in the natural beauty and adventure that their state so abundantly offers.

Marshall Park Campground

Creede, CO 81130, USA