Thirty Mile Campground

Area Status: Open

Thirty Mile Campground is nestled on the banks of the Rio Grande River, just a short mile from the Rio Grande Reservoir. The location is perfect for anyone who loves to spend time in the water, fishing, canoeing/kayaking and swimming. There is an Amphitheater where Campfire programs are periodically presented during the summer and nature trails. There are two trailheads that take you into the Weminuche Wilderness. Climbing and backpacking/horse packing in the San Juan mountains.

The campground is located in a wooded meadow situated between the Rio Grande River and Squaw Creek with some sites overlooking the creek. All sites are nestled among mature spruce or Aspen trees. The campground is adjacent to the Weminuche Wilderness with two trailheads (Squaw Creek # 814 and Weminuche Pass # 818) that link to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and are accessed just below the Rio Grande Reservoir. This campground is very popular with both fishermen and hikers accessing a wilderness experience.

Firewood is available for a fee.

There is ample parking for fishermen and backpackers. No stock unloading or horse trailers are permitted, but 1/2 and 3/4 miles east, adjacent to Forest Road 250, pack stock can be unloaded and stock trailers can be parked near some public corrals.

This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.

Scroll down to Information Center to see individual campsite details.

14 DAY STAY LIMIT

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Open year-round. May be inaccessible due to snow levels.
Operational Hours:	Campground is open year-round - unless snow blocks access. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend there is water, trash service and a fee. After Labor Day, there is no water or fee and you must pack out your trash.
Reservations:	Reservations can be made for Memorial through Labor Day weekend and up to 6 months in advance, but they must be made four days prior to your arrival date. 29 sites can be reserved. To reserve: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232338 or call 877-444-6777.
Area Amenities:	Accessible,Tent camping,Camping trailer,Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water
Fees:	Sites 12 and 21 are double sites. Fees are listed at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232338
Permit Info:	There are 35 sites. 9 are pull through sites. Double sites can accommodate up to 16 people.
Open Season:	Memorial Day Weekend - The second Monday of September.
Usage:	Medium
Best Season:	June through September
Busiest Season:	July
Restrictions:	On Rio Grande Reservoir and Road Canyon Reservoirs, boats are allowed; no wakes, trolling motors OK. Primitive boat ramp
Closest Towns:	Creede, Colorado
Water:	Yes
Restroom:	Yes
Operated By:	Concessionaire
Information Center:	Click here for site descriptions

General Information

Directions: From Creede, CO, take State 149 south (toward Lake City) 19.3 miles to Rio Grande Reservoir sign (Forest Rd. 520). Turn left onto Rd. 520 and go 0.5 miles to a "Y" intersection. Bear left onto a dirt road, staying on Rd. 520, and go 10.8 miles to campground sign. Left turn into campground.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

35 sites- 29 sites can be reserved

RV Camping

Some sites can accommodate up to a 40 ft. unit.

River and Stream Fishing

Easy access to Rio Grande River

Fish Species	seasonal
Special Designations	Lures \& flies only
Fishing Mode	Rainbow
Water Temperature	Easy
Fishing Method	bank
Water/Flow Level	cold

Day Hiking

Hiking along forest road 390

Difficulty Level:	Easy

Backpacking

Horse Riding

Trails #818, 814, 815 nearby, acess to the Weminuche Wilderness and Continental Divide Trail. Horse facility nearby. No grazing available, guest is responsible to bring certified weed free hay or pelletized feed. You may use portable panels or electric fence to corral horses outside the campground.

Water Availability	near by creeks
Difficulty Level:	Easy to Intermediate

Big Game Hunting

Open during hunting season - see Colorado Division of Wildlife regulations. Unit 76 trails into Weminuche Wilderness nearby

Species	elk
Difficulty Level:	Intermediate

Visitor Programs

Evening interpretive programs weekly.

Difficulty Level:	Easy

Picnicking

Easy access from forest road 520

Difficulty Level:	Easy

Scenic Driving

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