Rio Grande Campground

President Theodore Roosevelt’s 1908 proclamation established the Rio Grande National Forest, a 1.83 million-acre expanse where Rio Grande Campground serves as the primary base for visitors in Creede. The site sits between the Continental Divide and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, offering access to ecosystems that range from high-elevation desert at 7,600 feet to peaks exceeding 14,300 feet. Guests utilize the campground’s 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi, and wheelchair-accessible facilities while exploring trails that include 275 day hikes, 80 mountain biking routes, and 232 horseback riding paths. Beyond summer hiking and fishing, the area supports winter sports like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, as well as ice fishing on local ponds. The Forest Service manages the land for multiple uses, ensuring that the diverse recreational opportunities remain available alongside the natural habitat of the Rio Grande River’s headwaters.