Palisade Campground

Area Status: Closed

Located right on the Rio Grande, this is the only campground in the canyon between Creede and South Fork. It is located adjacent to Colorado Highway 149 for easy access to travelers passing through. Active railroad tracks bisect the campground. Highway 149 runs along the northeast side of the campground and there is no screening between the two. There is some highway traffic year-around and occasionally a scenic railroad excursion passes through the campground. Some of the 12 sites are out in the open, while other sites are screened with cottonwoods/aspen/spruce/fir. There is a vault type toilet with lights that is accessible to the handicapped. Firewood is not provided but may be gathered on Forest lands in the area. There is ample overflow parking near the entrance sign. A host is usually stationed at the campground. Fishing, and rafting are popular on the river. This is a popular area and heavily used in the summer. It tends to stay full from mid-June through August. Early afternoon arrival is recommended. The Rio Grande is considered a Trophy Fishing River and is very popular with rafters.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Concessionaire operations ended September 30, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Operational Hours: This campground is open year-round - unless deep snow blocks access. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, there is water, trash and fees. During the off-season, there is a reduced fee, no water and trash must be packed out.
Reservations: First come, first served.
Area Amenities: Accessible, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water, Parking
Fees: Single site - $29 to $31/night.  
$12 for day use (picnicking).
Shoulder season - $10
Fee envelopes and a collection box are provided near the entrance. 
Usage: Medium-Heavy
Busiest Season: Mid-June through August
Closest Towns: South Fork, Colorado
Water: Potable Water-Hand Pump
Restroom: Vault Toilet (1)
Operated By: Concessionaire
Information Center: Camp host may only be intermittently available. 

General Information

Directions:

From South Fork, CO, take Hwy 149 west 7.3 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground.

Directions from Creede, Colorado: Travel 12.1 miles southeast on Colorado Highway 149 to campground entrance.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

12 sites
No. of Sites 12 single site(s)
Reservation Info Not reservable
No. of Accessible sites None

RV Camping

Some sites can accommodate up to a 36 ft. unit.

River and Stream Fishing

Trout fishing in the Rio Grande River
Fish Species seasonal
Special Designations Lures \& flies only
Fishing Mode Browns \& Rainbow Trout
Water Temperature Intermediate
Fishing Method bank
Water/Flow Level cold

Ice Fishing

Backpacking

Picnicking

Right along Hwy 149, Silver Thread Scenic Byway
Difficulty Level: Easy

Scenic Driving

Silver Thread Scenic Byway, highway 149.
Pavement Type for Parking gravel
Vehicle Clearence good

Boating - Non-Motorized

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
37.75110036

  Longitude : 
-106.7644789

  Elevation : 
8350