River Hill Campground


Area Status: Closed
South west of Creede on forest road #520

River Hill Campground is located 28 miles west of Creede, Colorado at an elevation of 9,250 feet. The double loop campground is situated in a meadow surrounded by willows and spruce trees close to the banks of the river. Campers come here to fish for trout, camp by the river, and enjoy the beautiful views of the nearby forested hills and rock bluffs. Situated on the Rio Grande just below Rio Grande Reservoir, this campground offers kayaking & fishing in the river, hiking in the San Juan mountains, and general peace & quiet. This campground has many sites that are screened well with trees. It is located adjacent to the Little Squaw Resort. Fishing is possible on the Rio Grande River, Grizzly Creek, Weminuche Creek and Rio Grande Reservoir (2.3 miles to lower end). There is trail access to the Continental Divide and Weminuche Wilderness, via Weminuche Creek Trail 818 and Grizzly Creek Trail 814.  Forest Road 533 is a nearby 4 WD road. Stage Station Flat is on Forest Road 533. In 1874 a Brewster Stage Line swing station was located here. This is a popular campground which remains full from mid-June through August. There are campground hosts stationed here. There are 20 sites which have a parking spur, table, and fireplace ring. Most sites will accommodate any sized trailer up to 30 feet and some sites can take a 40-foot unit. Two vault toilets, with lights, have been designed for handicapped, but not wheelchairs.
Drinking water is provided with two well hand pumps and sink water disposal is possible. Garbage cans are centrally grouped. Firewood may be provided by Concessionaire vendor or gathered from nearby Forest land. There is limited parking for fishermen not camping in a site. This is black bear country, so you must practice safe food storage techniques.
Scroll down to the Information Center to see individual campsite details.  14 DAY CAMPING LIMIT.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Closes September 24, 2023
Reservations: Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance, but they must be made at least four days prior to your intended arrival date. Reservations are available by internet: www.recreation.gov or by a toll free phone call to 1 877-444-6777.
Area Amenities: Interpretive Site, Boat ramp, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water, Parking
Fees: Single site - $29 to $33/night.
Double site - $58 to $62/night. 
Day use - $12/day (picnicking).
Fee envelopes and a collection box are provided near the entrance. 
Open Season: Memorial Day weekend - Labor Day weekend
Usage: Medium-Heavy
Best Season: June, July, August
Busiest Season: July
Restrictions: Near the Rio Grande Reservoir & Road Canyon Reservoirs. Boats allowed, no wakes are permitted, trolling motors are okay. A primitive boat ramp is also available. Located near the upper stretches of the Rio Grande River. Must have Colorado fishing license to fish lakes and streams.
Closest Towns: Creede, Colorado
Water: Potable Water
Restroom: 2 vault toilets
Operated By: Concessionaire
Information Center: Click here for site descriptions. Camp host may only be available intermittently. 

General Information

Directions: Directions from Creede: Travel southwest on Colorado Highway 149 for 20.1 miles, to the intersection of Colorado Highway 149 and Forest Road #520 (Rio Grande Reservoir Road), then 9.5 miles west on Road #520.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

No. of Sites 20 single site(s)
Reservation Info This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 (International 518-885-3639 or TDD 877-833-6777) or on-line at http://www.recreation.gov
No. of Accessible sites None

RV Camping

Some sites can accommodate up to a 40 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 Easy
Fishing Method bank
Water/Flow Level cold

Ice Fishing

Day Hiking

The Grizzly Creek trail #814 and the Weminuche trail #818 access Weminuche Wilderness & Continental Divide Trail.

Elevation desc #818-9,400' to 10,600'
Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Backpacking

Grizzly Creek trail #814 and the Weminuche trail #818 access the Weminuche Wilderness & Continental Divide Trail.

Elevation desc #818-9,400' to 10,600'
Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Horse Riding

Trails #818, 814 & 815 nearby, provide access to the Weminuche Wilderness and Continental Divide Trail. A horse facility is 1/2 mile west. No grazing available. Guest is responsible for bringing certified weed-free hay or pelletized feed. You may use portable panels or electric fences to corral horses outside the campground.

Water Availability nearby creeks
Difficulty Level: Easy

Picnicking

Scenic Driving

Forest road #520 over Stoney Pass can take you to Silverton, beautiful mountain views of the Rio Grande Pyramid and Window, above the reservoir becomes a 4x4 road with good clearance required.

Pavement Type for Parking gravel
Vehicle Clearence good

Boating - Non-Motorized

Near Rio Grande & Road Canyon reservoirs - no wakes, trolling motors OK, primitive boat ramp

Amenities

Interpretive Site: summer programs
Camping trailer:
Picnic tables:
Tent camping:
Toilets:
Parking:
Boat ramp:
Drinking water:

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
30 to 40 foot camper parking slots

  Latitude : 
37.730004

  Longitude : 
-107.231970

  Elevation : 
9250 - 9250