Road Canyon Campground

For Colorado locals who cherish a truly authentic and peaceful high-country camping experience, deeply connected to the natural world and focused on outdoor pursuits, Road Canyon Campground near Creede offers a unique proposition. Situated at a high elevation within the Rio Grande National Forest, this small, rustic campground provides direct access to the beautiful Road Canyon Reservoir and a network of other lakes, making it a prime destination for dedicated anglers and those seeking quiet immersion in nature. While recent changes in fees and a minimalist approach to amenities mean it's not for every camper, its stunning natural beauty and prime fishing opportunities continue to draw those who appreciate a less developed environment.

This article aims to provide a clear, factual, and up-to-date overview of Road Canyon Campground. We will detail its remote yet accessible location, outline the essential services currently offered (with insights from recent visitor feedback), highlight its key features and recreational draw, and provide crucial contact information. Ultimately, we'll help you determine if this serene, high-altitude spot is the perfect match for your next Colorado adventure, especially if you're prepared for a more self-sufficient camping style.

Road Canyon Campground is located near Creede, CO 81130, USA. Specifically, it is nestled within the Rio Grande National Forest, at the head of Road Canyon Reservoir (also known as Road Canyon Reservoir Number 1). To reach the campground from Creede, Colorado, visitors typically travel southwest on Highway 149 for approximately 20 miles to the intersection of Highway 149 and Forest Road 520 (Rio Grande Reservoir Road). From there, you drive almost 6 miles west on FSR 520 to reach the campground. Its elevation is approximately 9,301 feet, placing it firmly in Colorado's high country. This means the access roads, while generally passable, can be subject to seasonal closures due to snow, typically from December through April. The area is characterized by an open meadow setting, lacking extensive tree cover directly within the campground, and it is not screened from Rio Grande Reservoir Road. While this might affect privacy for some, it allows for expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Its remote location contributes to the quiet atmosphere, making the journey part of the overall escape into the Colorado wilderness.

Road Canyon Campground offers a very basic set of services, reflecting its rustic nature and recent changes in management. Visitors should come prepared for a largely self-sufficient camping experience. Here's a breakdown of the services:

• Campsites: The campground consists of 6 camping units. Each site is equipped with a parking spur, a picnic table, and a fire ring. There is also an undeveloped overflow camping area directly across the road. While the sites are generally suitable for tents, and possibly small RVs, there are no electric hookups available.
• Restrooms: One vault-type toilet is provided. Recent reviews indicate that these vault toilets are generally clean, which is a positive for a primitive campground.
• No Potable Water: A critical piece of information for all campers is that there is no drinking water available at the campground. Visitors must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes.
• No Trash Receptacles: There are no trash disposal services at the campground. Campers are strictly required to pack out all their trash, adhering to Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural environment.
• No Firewood: Firewood is not provided at the campground, so campers planning to have a fire (when conditions allow) must bring their own.
• Fees: While historically a free campground, recent changes have introduced a fee. Reviews indicate a fee of $26 to $28 per night. There may also be a day-use fee for picnicking, around $12/day. Fees are collected by a host from a nearby larger campground, or via fee envelopes and a collection box. Shoulder season fees may apply, typically $10/night sometime after Labor Day.
• Boat Launch: The campground provides easy access to a primitive boat launch for Road Canyon Reservoir.

These services highlight the primitive and self-reliant nature of camping at Road Canyon.

Road Canyon Campground, despite its minimal amenities, offers several compelling features and highlights that appeal to a specific type of Colorado outdoor enthusiast:

• Centralized Access to Fishing Lakes: A major highlight, consistently praised by visitors, is its central location with easy access to several lakes renowned for fishing. Road Canyon Reservoir itself, a 9,725-foot elevation reservoir, is excellent for licensed anglers, allowing bait, lures, and flies to catch various stocked trout. Boating is permitted (wakeless motorized and non-motorized, trolling motors are OK). This makes it a prime spot for dedicated fishing trips.
• Beautiful High-Altitude Scenery: The campground is set in a stunning high-elevation meadow surrounded by sweeping pines and mountain vistas. While the immediate area may lack dense trees, the broader landscape offers incredible natural beauty, particularly during spring and summer when the area is "so green and beautiful."
• Wildlife Viewing: The area provides opportunities for excellent wildlife viewing, including large herds of elk, migrating ducks, various game birds, and small mammals. One review even noted a bear visit, reminding visitors that they are in "bear country" and proper food storage is essential.
• Hiking Opportunities: The Road Canyon Campground is adjacent to Long Canyon, which explores national forest land perfect for scenic hikes or backpacking trips. The broader Creede area also boasts numerous trails, including access to the Continental Divide Trail and the Weminuche Wilderness.
• Peace and Solitude: Given its basic amenities and current fee structure, the campground often experiences light usage, leading to a profound sense of peace and quiet. For those seeking to truly escape the crowds and find solitude in nature, this is a significant advantage.
• Clean Vault Toilets: Despite the rustic nature, the cleanliness of the vault toilets is a positive aspect, offering a basic but well-maintained facility.
• Primitive Boating Access: The direct access to the reservoir for non-wake boating makes it ideal for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and small fishing boats.

These features cater to individuals and groups looking for a tranquil, nature-focused, and self-reliant outdoor adventure.

For more information or to plan your visit to Road Canyon Campground, here is the essential contact information:

• Address: Creede, CO 81130, USA. For more precise navigation, it's typically accessed via Forest Road 520 (Rio Grande Reservoir Road) from Highway 149, west of Creede.
• Phone: While there isn't a direct phone number specifically for Road Canyon Campground itself, inquiries about the Rio Grande National Forest and its campgrounds, including Road Canyon, can typically be directed to the Divide Ranger District of the Rio Grande National Forest. Their phone number is often listed as (719) 657-3321.
• Reservations: As some sites are reservable, you can check availability and make reservations via Recreation.gov. It's advisable to search for "Road Canyon Campground" on their platform.
• Website: For the most current information, including operational season, fees, and fire restrictions, it's best to consult the official USDA Forest Service page for Road Canyon Campground on the Rio Grande National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=29162&actid=70).

Given the remote location and rustic nature, always call ahead or check official websites for the most up-to-date conditions, especially regarding road access, potential bear activity, and any changes in fee collection or water availability.

Road Canyon Campground is ideally suited for Colorado locals who are seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and anglers seeking a genuinely rustic and serene high-country experience. Its primary draw is the exceptional fishing opportunities on Road Canyon Reservoir and surrounding lakes, making it a perfect base for those whose passion lies in casting a line amidst stunning mountain scenery. While the recent introduction of fees and the very basic amenities (no potable water, no trash service, dated picnic facilities as per some reviews) might deter those seeking more comfort, these very aspects contribute to its quiet, less crowded atmosphere. For self-sufficient campers who value tranquility, abundant wildlife viewing, and direct access to pristine natural waters over extensive conveniences, Road Canyon offers an unparalleled escape. It’s a place to disconnect, embrace the wild beauty of the Rio Grande National Forest, and create an authentic Colorado wilderness experience, provided you are prepared for its raw charm.

Road Canyon Campground

Creede, CO 81130, USA