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Rock Creek Campground
This campground and adjacent picnic area complex is located alongside the fast-moving Rock Creek in a stand of mature Aspen trees. There are 10 sites of which 7 are dead end spurs and 3 are pull through sites. Length of sites varies from 20 to 40 feet. The sound of the creek can be heard throughout the campground with some sites located next to the creek. This campground/picnic area sits in a narrow mountain valley and is located fairly close to the town of Monte Vista. Fishing in the North and South Forks of Rock Creek and hiking on area trails. Big game hunting in the forest in season. Scroll down to Information Center to see individual campsite descriptions.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Open Year-Round. May be inaccessible due snow levels. |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Open for summer and fall camping between April 15th and Dec 15th. Physically closed by deep winter snows or muddy roads from December 15th through May 15th. No trash service or receptacles. Please pack out all your garbage. “Pack In – Pack Out”. |
| Reservations: | First come, first serve. |
| Area Amenities: |
|
| Fees: | Single site - $10/night Day use - $10/day (picnicking) Fee envelopes and a collection box are located near the entrance. |
| Permit Info: | 10 sites - 7 dead end sites and 3 pull through sites. |
| Open Season: | May 15th |
| Usage: | Light |
| Best Season: | June to September |
| Busiest Season: | July |
| Restrictions: | No horses in campground sites. Must have a Colorado Fishing License to fish in Rock Creek. |
| Closest Towns: | Monte Vista, Colorado |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | 2 Vault toilets |
| Operated By: | Concessionaire |
| Information Center: | Click here for site descriptions |
General Information
Directions: In Monte Vista, CO, take State 15 south 2.4 miles to Rock Creek Campground sign. Turn right go 2.5 miles to a "T" intersection. Turn left onto County Rd. 28 and go 10 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground. NOTE: County Rd. 28 is dirt after 3.1 miles and single-lane in places.Activities
Campground Camping
10 sites. 7 dead end spurs and 3 pull throughs. Lengths vary from 20 to 40 feet.
| No. of Sites | 10 single site(s) |
| Reservation Info | Not reservable |
| No. of Accessible sites | None |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
|---|
RV Camping
Some sites units can accommodate units up to 40 ft.
River and Stream Fishing
Access to Rock Creek| Fish Species | seasonal |
| Special Designations | Flies, lures \& bait where allowed |
| Fishing Mode | Brook Trout |
| Water Temperature | Easy |
| Fishing Method | bank |
| Water/Flow Level | cold |
Day Hiking
#701 - North Rock Creek Trail \& Bennette Peak| Elevation desc | #701 9,000' to 11,700' |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
Backpacking
#701 - North Rock Creek Trail \& Bennette Peak| Elevation desc | #701 9,000 to 11,700' |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
Horse Riding
Trails - #701 North Rock Creek - this trail is for non-motorized use. No grazing available, guest is responsible to bring certified weed free hay or pelletized feed.
| Water Availability | nearby creeks |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
Big Game Hunting
Open during hunting season - see Colorado Division of Wildlife regulations. Unit 80, access up trails #700, #701, Bennett Peak| Species | deer, elk |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
|---|
Viewing Wildlife
Wildlife viewing| Species | deer \& elk |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
|---|
Picnicking
Easy access from Monte Vista on forest road 28| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
|---|
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Rock Creek Nordic Ski Trail is southwest of Monte Vista. Go south out of Monte Vista on road 15, 2.3 miles to Rock Creek Road, county road 28, turn right and follow the road about 10 miles, on your left is a small plowed area with an opening in the fence. The trail starts off on a fairly even grade and the drops through the trees to an open meadow on the side of the hill. There are several loops that link from here. The views of the whole San Luis Valley are your reward for your efforts. The trail is appropriate for all levels of skiers. The length of the entire trail system is about 5.6 miles roundtrip. Easy to Intermediate
Current Conditions
- UTV Travel Etiquette Video
This excellent video explores numerous ways to enhance your OHV experience while making you a better land steward and respectful OHV user. - Colorado Avalanche Information Center
- Dispersed Camping Etiquette Video
This great video guides campers through the basics of being a good camper in areas away from the developed recreation sites. Learn how to be a respectable, conscientious camper. - Fire Conditions
- Multiple-use National Forest Video
- Conejos Peak District Roads
- Divide District Roads
- Saguache District Roads
-
Cumbres & LaManga Winter Recreation
Location
