About RIVER HILL
Overview River Hill is a popular campground on the banks of the Rio Grande River. Situated in a meadow surrounded by willows, campers come here to fish for trout, hunt and take in the beautiful views of the forested hills and rock bluffs. River kayaking and fishing are also popular activities, and the Rio Grande Reservoir is just a couple miles away.Recreation Go rock climbing or horse packing in the San Juan mountains, or fish in the river, Squaw Creek or nearby Rio Grande Reservoir. Two trailheads, Squaw Creek and Weminuche Creek, lead hikers into the Weminuche Wilderness and link to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.Facilities The campground features a campfire educational program on some weekend nights. Drinking water from wells is provided and garbage cans are are provided. Vault toilets are on-site.Natural Features The campground lies in a meadow under the shade of many trees at an elevation of 9,200 feet. The Rio Grande National Forest spans 1.86 million acres in south-central Colorado. The Continental Divide runs for 236 miles along most of the forest's western border, presenting a myriad of ecosystems from alpine desert to dense wilderness. Across from the campground is the Weminuche Wilderness, the largest wilderness area in Colorado. It's a famously rugged region with three mountain peaks reaching over 14,000 feet. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (805) 434-1996.
How to Get There
From Alamosa, CO, go west on Highway 160 to South Fork. Take Highway 149 southwest through Creede and continue on Highway 149 for about 20 miles to milepost 41 (Forest Road 520) and Rio Grande Reservoir Road. Travel about 10 miles on this gravel road to the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to RIVER HILL
Heading to RIVER HILL? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for RIVER HILL?
No central reservation system listed for RIVER HILL. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233811) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to RIVER HILL?
From Alamosa, CO, go west on Highway 160 to South Fork. Take Highway 149 southwest through Creede and continue on Highway 149 for about 20 miles to milepost 41 (Forest Road 520) and Rio Grande Reservoir Road. Travel about 10 miles on this gravel road to the campground.
How do I contact RIVER HILL?
You can reach the park at phone: 719-658-0829 or email: customerservice@pmcparks.com.
References & Official Resources
