Road Canyon Campground

For those of us living in Colorado, the call of the mountains is constant, and the search for that perfect, serene camping spot is a never-ending adventure. We cherish our public lands and the opportunities they offer for disconnecting and immersing ourselves in breathtaking natural beauty. If you're a local seeking a high-elevation escape that offers peace, stunning views, and the rare bonus of being free, then Road Canyon Campground near Creede is a destination that should be firmly on your radar.

Road Canyon Campground is a testament to the raw, untamed beauty of the Rio Grande National Forest. Unlike many popular campgrounds that fill up months in advance, this small, primitive site often has "vacancy when other upriver campgrounds are full," making it a valuable secret for spontaneous adventurers. It's a place where you trade abundant amenities for unparalleled tranquility and a direct connection to the vast Colorado wilderness. At over 9,300 feet in elevation, it offers crisp mountain air and a truly expansive sense of space, especially within its open meadow setting.

We understand that for us Coloradans, the idea of a "free" campground, especially one that boasts such beautiful surroundings and a sense of remoteness, is incredibly appealing. However, it’s crucial to go into this experience well-prepared for its primitive nature. This article will provide a clear and informative overview of Road Canyon Campground, detailing its unique location, the essential services it offers, and the standout features that make it perfectly suitable for the adventurous local who truly wants to embrace the high country of Colorado, all from our perspective as residents who appreciate genuine outdoor experiences.

Road Canyon Campground is situated at the head of Road Canyon Reservoir near Creede, CO 81130, USA. This places it deep within the Rio Grande National Forest, in the stunning San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. For those of us in Colorado, Creede is a historic mining town known for its dramatic cliffs, rich history, and as a gateway to extensive wilderness areas.

Accessing Road Canyon Campground involves a scenic drive into the high country. From Creede, you travel southwest on Highway 149 for approximately 20 miles. Then, you'll turn west onto Forest Road 520 (also known as Rio Grande Reservoir Road) and drive for almost 6 miles. While Highway 149 is paved, Forest Road 520 is generally well-maintained, but as a forest road, it can be gravel or dirt in sections. It's accessible by car, though the drive, especially in winter, can be limited by snow levels, as the campground is "open year round but access limited by snow." At an elevation of 9301 feet, conditions can change rapidly.

The campground's location is noteworthy: it's in an "open meadow, with no screening or trees," meaning it's not hidden from the Rio Grande Reservoir Road. While this might mean less visual privacy from the road, it also offers expansive views of the surrounding landscape and the reservoir. Its position at the head of Road Canyon Reservoir means easy access for fishing and boating, providing a convenient base for water-based activities in a stunning mountain setting.

• Free camping: Road Canyon Campground is a free campsite, operating on a first-come, first-served basis, making it a very accessible option for campers.
• Vault toilet: A vault-type toilet is provided for basic restroom needs, though no trash receptacles are present.
• No trash service: Campers are required to "pack out your trash" to maintain the pristine environment.
• No potable water: There is no drinking water available at the campground; campers must bring all their own water.
• No firewood provided: Campers must bring their own firewood if they plan to have a campfire, as no firewood is available on-site.
• Basic camping units: Each of the 6 camping units typically includes a parking spur, a picnic table, and a fire ring.
• Undeveloped overflow camping area: An additional primitive overflow area is located directly across the road for when the main sites are full.

• High elevation camping: At over 9,300 feet, it offers a true high-country Colorado experience with cooler temperatures and stunning mountain air.
• Beautiful open meadow setting: The campground's location in an "open meadow, with no screening or trees," provides expansive, unobstructed views of the surrounding landscapes and the reservoir.
• Direct access to Road Canyon Reservoir: Campers have easy access to the reservoir for activities like fishing and non-motorized/wakeless motorized boating, with a primitive boat launch available.
• Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area is rich in Rocky Mountain wildlife, including migrating ducks, game birds, small mammals, and large herds of elk, with a designated wildlife viewing area nearby at Road Canyon Reservoir Number 2.
• Secluded and quiet: Despite its proximity to a road, its small size and often light usage contribute to a peaceful and tranquil camping experience, even when other campgrounds are full.
• Fishing opportunities: Road Canyon Reservoir is stocked with various trout species, offering generally good fishing year-round, including ice fishing in winter.
• Hiking and backpacking access: The campground is adjacent to Long Canyon, which explores national forest land, perfect for scenic hikes or backpacking trips.
• Dog-friendly: Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet.
• Year-round access (snow permitting): While heavily snowed in during winter months, it is technically open year-round, offering opportunities for winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing when accessible.

Address: Creede, CO 81130, USA

Phone: (719) 657-3321 (This phone number is for the Divide Ranger District of the Rio Grande National Forest, which manages Road Canyon Campground. There is no direct phone number for the campground itself as it is a primitive site.)

For us Coloradans, Road Canyon Campground is a quintessential high-country escape that perfectly embodies the spirit of our state’s vast wilderness. Its location near Creede, at a breathtaking 9,300 feet in an "open meadow," offers a truly expansive and peaceful experience that many of us seek when trying to get away from the everyday bustle.

The fact that this campground is "free" is a huge draw for locals, allowing us to enjoy the stunning natural beauty without additional fees. This accessibility, combined with the note that it "usually has vacancy when other upriver campgrounds are full," makes it an invaluable option for spontaneous trips, something we Coloradans often appreciate when the mood for adventure strikes.

We're accustomed to packing in our essentials, so the lack of "firewood or drinking water" and the requirement to "pack out your trash" are standard practices for responsible outdoor enthusiasts like us. These primitive aspects only enhance the feeling of being truly "out there" and self-sufficient, fostering a deeper connection with the environment. The provision of a vault toilet, however, offers a welcome basic amenity for comfort.

The primary draw, beyond the free camping, is the direct "fishing access and a boat launch at Road Canyon Reservoir." For those of us who love to cast a line or enjoy a peaceful paddle, this is an ideal spot. Add to that the opportunities for "hiking" into the adjacent Long Canyon and the chance for "wildlife viewing" of elk, deer, and various bird species, and you have a complete Colorado mountain experience. Road Canyon Campground offers a genuine, no-frills, high-elevation adventure that allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the beautiful Rio Grande National Forest. For any Colorado local seeking peace, natural beauty, and a truly free escape, this campground is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered and cherished.

Road Canyon Campground

Creede, CO 81130, USA