Thinking about buying a cabin along the Rio Grande and letting it help pay for itself? You’re not alone. The Creede area draws anglers, hikers, and culture seekers all summer, which can translate into steady short-term rental bookings if you plan well. In this guide, you’ll see the data, the rules, the risks, and practical steps to make a smart move near the river. Let’s dive in.
Creede demand drivers
Creede’s appeal starts outdoors. The Rio Grande and nearby reservoirs bring anglers, boaters, and hikers to town each summer, and many Forest Service sites run on seasonal schedules that concentrate demand in warm months. The Creede Repertory Theatre adds a strong cultural draw with a well-known summer season that fills seats and lodging. Together, these factors create reliable peak-season traffic.
- Summer is the main booking window. Campgrounds and access points see the heaviest use from mid-June through August, and that same pattern shows up in STR bookings.
- Events and performances boost mid-season demand. You can align pricing and minimum stays around high-traffic weekends.
- Shoulder months require more strategy. Clear positioning for anglers, remote workers, or quiet getaways can help fill gaps.
Links for context: Review seasonal access notes on the Forest Service page for the Rio Grande Reservoir boating site and the programming calendar at the Creede Repertory Theatre.
- Forest Service seasonal access: Rio Grande Reservoir boating site
- Cultural draw: Creede Repertory Theatre
Market numbers to know
Recent AirDNA data for Creede shows an average daily rate around $295 and occupancy near 50–55%, with estimated annual revenue for an average active listing around $20–25K. These are market-wide figures and vary by size, finish level, and location along the river. Seasonality is pronounced, with ADR often peaking in July and softer demand in late fall and winter. Use these benchmarks to pressure test your plans and set conservative expectations.
- Benchmark source: AirDNA’s Creede market overview
- Seasonality context: AirROI Creede snapshot
Peak season and guest profile
Most bookings in Creede cluster in summer, and many listings cater to families or small groups seeking 2–3 bedrooms. Anglers often prioritize proximity to river access and gear-friendly spaces. In the off-season, some properties attract longer stays from remote workers or guests looking for quiet, snow-season escapes.
Location matters on the Rio Grande
River-access properties are a premium product. If your place offers easy access to fishing or sits close to boat ramps and popular trailheads, you can often justify higher rates. Clearly communicate distance to river entry points, seasonal road conditions, and what guests can expect for parking and gear storage. The Forest Service’s seasonal pages are helpful for setting guest expectations ahead of time.
- Seasonal reference: Rio Grande Reservoir boating site
Rules, permits, and taxes
Before you buy or list, confirm what is allowed at the specific address. Creede’s municipal code and development code define permitted uses by zoning, and requirements can change, so contact the Town directly if anything is unclear. Colorado law also gives cities and counties clear authority to regulate STRs and to work with platforms on compliance.
- Local code and zoning: Town of Creede code library
- Platform and local authority: HB23-1287
- Property tax classification and reporting: HB24-1299
Taxes to plan for:
- Sales and lodging taxes. The combined sales tax rate in Creede is about 9.5% inside town limits, and county lodging taxes may also apply. Confirm by address and register to collect and remit correctly.
- State guidance on rooms and accommodations: Colorado DOR overview
- Local rate reference: Creede tax rate snapshot
Pro tip: Review HOA covenants if your target property sits in a subdivision. Some associations restrict short-term rentals.
Environmental and access realities
You are in high country with real seasonal swings. Many roads and sites open late spring and close in fall, which affects guest access and your cleaning and maintenance schedules. Wildfire and smoke are regional risks, and hosts should prepare clear guest guidance, evacuation plans, and insurance that contemplates STR use.
- Wildfire planning and risk maps: Colorado Wildfire Risk Viewer
- Seasonal operations reference: Rio Grande Reservoir boating site
Cost and operations checklist
Dial in your budget before you buy. Mountain homes often run on well and septic, and heating costs can spike in winter. Internet and cell coverage can be uneven on remote parcels, so verify service before you market a place as remote-work ready.
- Verify land use and any license needs with the Town and County.
- Register for state and any county lodging taxes and confirm platform remittance.
- Secure STR-friendly insurance and install safety basics: smoke and CO alarms, fire extinguisher, and a posted evacuation plan.
- Plan for snow removal, septic servicing, propane or electric heat, and off-season maintenance.
- Create clear guest guides for parking, trash, noise, wildfire precautions, and seasonal road notes.
- Price seasonally and set minimum stays around peak weekends and events.
Quick pro forma approach
A simple way to sanity-check revenue is to multiply your planned ADR by occupied nights. For example, at a $295 ADR and 52% occupancy, that is roughly 190 nights, or about $56,000 in gross bookings before fees and costs. From there, subtract platform commissions, taxes, cleaning, utilities, insurance, management, reserves for maintenance, and winter carrying costs. Adjust for your property’s specifics, especially river access, finishes, and bedroom count.
Work with a guide who knows both lifestyle and numbers
If an STR along the Rio Grande fits your goals, you deserve advice that blends data with on-the-ground nuance. Scout RE pairs lifestyle-first property selection with pragmatic underwriting and a concierge approach to due diligence, from zoning checks to introductions with local service providers. If you want a clear plan from search to first booking, let’s talk. Connect with Matt Wood to get started.
FAQs
What are typical nightly rates and occupancy for Creede STRs?
- Recent market data shows an ADR around $295 and occupancy near 50–55% for active listings, with strong summer seasonality. Source: AirDNA Creede overview.
When is the peak booking season near the Rio Grande?
- June through August is the primary window, with ADRs often peaking in July and slower demand in late fall and winter. See AirROI’s Creede snapshot and Forest Service seasonal operations.
Do I need a short-term rental license in the Town of Creede?
- Requirements depend on zoning and local rules, so verify with the Town’s code and staff before you list. Start with the Creede municipal code.
What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Creede?
- Expect to collect the local combined sales tax of about 9.5% and comply with any county lodging tax filing, plus platform or owner remittance steps. See the Colorado DOR rooms and accommodations guide and the Creede tax rate reference.
What environmental risks should I plan for near the river?
- Wildfire and smoke, seasonal road closures, and occasional runoff-related access issues are the main considerations. Use the Colorado Wildfire Risk Viewer and check Forest Service seasonal updates before each guest stay.
