Thirty Mile Campground Site 10

For Colorado locals craving a genuine escape into the heart of our majestic Rocky Mountains, Thirty Mile Campground, located in the vast Rio Grande National Forest, offers an experience that truly connects you with nature. Situated in Hinsdale County, this well-regarded national forest campground is a favorite among those who appreciate rustic charm, stunning natural beauty, and unparalleled access to outdoor adventure. If you're a Colorado resident looking to leave the city behind and immerse yourself in the serene wilderness, Thirty Mile Campground provides the perfect backdrop.

This campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a gateway to the Weminuche Wilderness, a land of towering peaks, pristine rivers, and abundant wildlife. While it offers a more traditional camping experience with no electric hookups, visitors consistently praise its well-kept grounds and the helpfulness of its staff. It's the ideal spot for Coloradoans who seek the peace and quiet of the mountains, with ample opportunities for fishing, hiking, and simply enjoying the raw, untamed beauty that defines our state.

Thirty Mile Campground is located in Hinsdale County, CO 81147, USA, deep within the scenic Rio Grande National Forest. Its specific address places it just a short mile from the beautiful Rio Grande Reservoir, and it's nestled on the banks of the Rio Grande River itself, and near Squaw Creek. For Colorado residents, reaching this secluded paradise is part of the adventure. While it's off the beaten path, it is generally accessible via State Highway 149, with about 10-12 miles of gravel road (Forest Service Road 520 / County Road 18) leading to the campground from the highway. This gravel road, while potentially rough in spots or washboarded, is typically traversable by ordinary cars, though taking it slow is recommended. The drive along this road offers many scenic views, preparing you for the stunning natural beauty that awaits.

The campground’s remote location contributes to its peaceful atmosphere, yet it remains within a reasonable distance to the charming mountain town of Creede (approximately 30 miles away) and Lake City for supplies or a meal. Its position makes it a prime base camp for exploring the surrounding Weminuche Wilderness, the largest wilderness area in Colorado, known for its rugged terrain and several peaks over 14,000 feet. This balance of remote tranquility and manageable accessibility makes Thirty Mile Campground an ideal destination for Colorado locals looking to truly disconnect and explore the wild heart of their state.

• Campsites: Offers 35 sites designed for both tent and trailer camping, including both pull-through and back-in options to accommodate various setups. Some sites are situated overlooking Squaw Creek.
• No Electric Hookups: Provides a rustic camping experience without individual electric, water, or sewer hookups at campsites, appealing to those seeking a more traditional outdoor stay.
• Drinking Water: Potable water is available within the campground during the summer season (typically Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend).
• Restrooms: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets (outhouses) are available throughout the campground.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase on-site, making it convenient for campers to enjoy campfires in designated fire rings.
• Ample Parking: Provides sufficient parking, including dedicated areas for day visitors and backpackers/fishermen.
• Camp Host: Friendly and helpful camp hosts are typically on-site during the operating season to assist campers and ensure the grounds are well-maintained.
• Trash Service: Trash disposal services are provided by the concessionaire from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Outside of this season, campers are required to pack out all garbage.
• Interpretive Programs: Regular interpretive programs are sometimes offered, providing educational insights into the natural surroundings.

• Nestled by the Rio Grande River: The campground's location on the banks of the Rio Grande River is a major draw, offering picturesque views and direct access to the water.
• Proximity to Rio Grande Reservoir: Just a short mile from the campground, the reservoir provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and swimming.
• Gateway to Weminuche Wilderness: Situated directly across from the Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's largest wilderness area, with two trailheads (Grizzly Creek Trail #814 and Weminuche Creek Trail #818) leading into this rugged, high-altitude region.
• Access to Continental Divide National Scenic Trail: Both major wilderness trails link up to this iconic national trail, offering extensive hiking and backpacking opportunities.
• Beautiful natural setting: Located in a meadow among mature spruce and aspen trees, with many sites shaded and some overlooking Squaw Creek. Views of the East Range are not to be missed.
• Excellent fishing opportunities: Popular for anglers, with fishing available in the Rio Grande River and nearby streams.
• Well-managed and clean: Visitors consistently praise the campground for being well-managed, with clean sites, mowed areas, and well-stocked and maintained toilets.
• Friendly and professional camp hosts: The on-site hosts are frequently highlighted in reviews for being helpful, welcoming, and ensuring a positive camping experience.
• Bear country awareness: The campground is in bear country, requiring campers to practice safe food storage techniques (bear-aware protocols are emphasized).
• High elevation experience: Located at approximately 9,200 feet above sea level, offering cool mountain air and a distinct high-country environment.
• Scenic drive to access: The 10-12 mile gravel road leading to the campground is often cited as a beautiful and enjoyable part of the journey.

Address: Hinsdale County, CO 81147, USA

Note: Thirty Mile Campground is part of the Rio Grande National Forest. For inquiries or reservations, please typically refer to the official US Forest Service website or Recreation.gov. The general phone number for the Divide Ranger District (which manages this area) is (719) 658-2556.

For Colorado locals seeking an authentic and immersive mountain camping experience, Thirty Mile Campground is an outstanding choice. It embodies the essence of Colorado's wilderness, offering a serene escape without the typical crowds or commercial feel of some other campgrounds. The fact that it's a national forest campground, operated with a focus on preserving the natural environment, resonates with many Coloradoans who value conservation and responsible outdoor recreation.

The primary appeal for locals lies in its genuine rustic charm and direct access to unparalleled outdoor activities. If you’re a hiker, the immediate proximity to the Weminuche Wilderness and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail provides endless opportunities for exploration. Anglers will appreciate being right on the Rio Grande River, known for its excellent fishing. Even simply relaxing by your campsite, surrounded by mature spruce and aspen trees with views of the East Range, offers a profound connection to the Colorado landscape. While the lack of hookups might deter some, it’s precisely what attracts those who prefer a more traditional, self-sufficient camping adventure. The friendly and efficient camp hosts, along with the consistently clean facilities, ensure a comfortable stay despite the remote setting. For Colorado residents, Thirty Mile Campground is more than just a destination; it’s an invitation to experience the wild, untamed beauty of our state’s high country, offering peace, adventure, and memories that truly last.

Thirty Mile Campground Site 10

Hinsdale County, CO 81147, USA