Ivy Creek Campground

About

Ivy Creek Campground is a quiet, remote destination in Rio Grande National Forest, located about 16 miles southwest of Creede at 9,500 feet elevation. The campground features 4 developed sites along Ivy Creek, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Sites 1 and 2 can accommodate small trailers or tents, while sites 3 and 4 are tent-only, accessed via a foot bridge over the creek. A vault toilet is available, but campers must bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash. The access road is narrow and rough, making the campground unsuitable for large RVs or trailers. Maximum spur length is 25 feet, and even that is not available at all sites. The area has been impacted by spruce beetle damage, which has changed the landscape due to tree removal. Despite this, the setting remains attractive with the free-flowing creek and nearby open grassland. The campground also serves as the Ivy Creek Trailhead for Trail #805, which enters the Weminuche Wilderness and provides the quickest route to Goose Lake. The trail is open to foot and horse travel only. All sites are first-come, first-served with a 14-day camping limit. Parking for trailhead users is located outside the fenced campground area, with a hitching rail and room for horse trailers.

Directions

From Creede: Travel southwest on Colorado Highway 149 for 6 miles to Forest Road #523 (Middle Creek Road). Turn south on Middle Creek Road for approximately 4 miles to the intersection with Lime Creek Road #528. Stay left at the Y intersection and follow Lime Creek Road for approximately 3 miles to Red Mountain Creek Road #526. Continue south on Red Mountain Creek Road for approximately 3 miles to the campground.