Thirty Mile

About

Thirty Mile Campground occupies a prime location in the Rio Grande National Forest, nestled between the Rio Grande River and Grizzly Creek at 9,300 feet elevation. The 35 campsites are spread through a meadow shaded by mature spruce and aspen trees, with several sites offering creek-side views. Just one mile from Rio Grande Reservoir, the campground attracts anglers pursuing trout in the river and reservoir, as well as those seeking water-based recreation like canoeing and swimming. The campground serves as a gateway to the Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's largest wilderness area encompassing rugged terrain and three 14,000-foot peaks. Two trailheads within the campground—Grizzly Creek Trail #814 and Weminuche Creek Trail #818—connect to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Horse packers and backpackers use the area extensively, though stock unloading is not permitted in the campground itself; corrals and trailer parking are available a half-mile east on Forest Road 250. Of the 35 sites, 28 are reservable through Recreation.gov and 7 are first-come, first-served. Nine pull-through sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, and some sites offer electric hookups. Sites 12 and 21 are double sites accommodating up to 16 people. This is bear country, so proper food storage is required. A 14-day stay limit is strictly enforced.

Directions

From Creede, CO, take State Highway 149 south toward Lake City for 19.3 miles to the Rio Grande Reservoir sign at Forest Road 520. Turn left onto Road 520 and go 0.5 miles to a Y intersection. Bear left onto the dirt road, staying on Road 520, and continue 10.8 miles to the campground.