Palisade Campground
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. |
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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.
Activities
Campground Camping
12 sitesNo. 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 RiverFish 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 BywayDifficulty Level: | Easy |
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Scenic Driving
Silver Thread Scenic Byway, highway 149.Pavement Type for Parking | gravel |
Vehicle Clearence | good |