Cimarron Campground is located 20 miles (32 km) east of Montrose, CO on U.S.
Highway 50 at the site of Cimarron, a historic narrow gauge railroad town. The
campground accommodates tents to medium sized RVs. All sites are first-come,
first-served and the campground rarely fills. Railroad exhibits are adjacent
to the campground. Crystal Reservoir near Morrow Point Dam is approximately
1.5 miles away (2.4 km).

Cimarron Campground is located 20 miles (32 km) east of Montrose, CO on U.S. Highway 50 at the site of Cimarron, a historic narrow gauge railroad town. The campground accommodates tents to medium sized RVs. All sites are first-come, first-served and the campground rarely fills. Railroad exhibits are adjacent to the campground. Crystal Reservoir near Morrow Point Dam is approximately 1.5 miles away (2.4 km).

Cimarron Campground

## Overview

Cimarron Campground is located 20 miles (32 km) east of Montrose, CO on U.S.
Highway 50 at the site of Cimarron, a historic narrow gauge railroad town .
The campground accomodates all types of camping--from tents to medium sized
RVs. All sites are first-come first-served, and the campground rarely fills.
Railroad exhibits are adjacent to the campground, and Crystal Reservoir near
Morrow Point Dam is approximately 1.5 miles away (2.4 km). Elevation: 6895
feet (2101 m)

## Facilities

Seasonal potable water, flush toilets, dump station and trash/recycling
collection provided. Picnic tables, fire grates and fire rings in every camp
site.

## Nearby Attractions

The Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit is adjacent to the campground. Crystal
Reservoir near Morrow Point Dam is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away.

## Charges & Cancellations

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Cimarron Campground is located 20 miles (32 km) east of Montrose, CO on U.S. Highway 50 at the site of <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/historyculture/cimcanyonexhibit.htm" rel="nofollow">Cimarron, a historic narrow gauge railroad town</a> . The campground accomodates all types of camping--from tents to medium sized RVs. All sites are first-come first-served, and the campground rarely fills. Railroad exhibits are adjacent to the campground, and Crystal Reservoir near Morrow Point Dam is approximately 1.5 miles away (2.4 km). Elevation: 6895 feet (2101 m)</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Seasonal potable water, flush toilets, dump station and trash/recycling collection provided. Picnic tables, fire grates and fire rings in every camp site.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>The <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/historyculture/cimcanyonexhibit.htm" rel="nofollow">Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit</a> is adjacent to the campground.  Crystal Reservoir near Morrow Point Dam is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away.</p>
<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>

All campsites at Cimarron Campground are first-come, first-served. This
campground uses Scan & Pay to accept on-site payment through the
Recreation.gov mobile app. Download the app ahead of your visit to arrive
ready!

Campground Road, Trees, Signs, Mountains, Blue Sky

Campsite with recreation trailer, picnic table, fire pit, mountain, trees, and sagebrush.

Trains, Campground. Fence, Trees, Mountains, Blue Sky

A typical campsite at Cimarron Campground

Cimarron Campground  campsite with recreation trailer, picnic table, fire pit, mountain, trees, and sagebrush covered peak in the background.

Denver & Rio Grande Western  train (Narrow Gauge), engine number 361, engine type 2-8-0, as seen in 1949

black and white image of a Denver & Rio Grande Western  train (Narrow Gauge), engine number 361,as seen in 1949

Cimarron Campground (CO)

The dump station is offline at this location.

## Overview

The East Portal Campground is located within Curecanti National Recreation
Area, but is adjacent to and only accessible from Black Canyon of the Gunnison
National Park. The campground is located at the bottom of the canyon, along
the Gunnison River. It is a small campground of 15 sites (10 are tent-only),
shaded by box elder trees. East Portal is closed in winter, when the Bureau of
Reclamation closes the East Portal Road. Elevation: 6526 feet (1990 m).

**NOTE:** Black Canyon of the Gunnison charges a $30 per vehicle entrance fee
which you will pay upon arrival (or purchase in advance ). The park also
honors interagency passes for entry (e.g., senior, access, Golden Age, 4th
grade, etc.).

## Facilities

East Portal is a small campground of 15 sites (10 are walk-in tent-only; 5 are
vehicle accessible), shaded by box elder trees. Seasonal potable water access
and trash collection. Food storage in bear boxes is required. Each campsite
has a fire pit, grill and picnic tables. The campground has vault toilets
only.

## Natural Features

East Portal offers plentiful shade and nearby access to the Gunnison River.
Spectacular views of Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Curecanti are abundant.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>The East Portal Campground is located within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but is adjacent to and only accessible from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The campground is located at the bottom of the canyon, along the Gunnison River. It is a small campground of 15 sites (10 are tent-only), shaded by box elder trees. East Portal is closed in winter, when the Bureau of Reclamation closes the East Portal Road. Elevation: 6526 feet (1990 m).</p>
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Black Canyon of the Gunnison charges a $30 per vehicle entrance fee which you will pay upon arrival (or <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74332" rel="nofollow">purchase in advance</a> ). The park also honors interagency passes for entry (e.g., senior, access, Golden Age, 4th grade, etc.). </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>East Portal is a small campground of 15 sites (10 are walk-in tent-only; 5 are vehicle accessible), shaded by box elder trees. Seasonal potable water access and trash collection. Food storage in bear boxes is required. Each campsite has a fire pit, grill and picnic tables. The campground has vault toilets only.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>East Portal offers plentiful shade and nearby access to the Gunnison River. Spectacular views of Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Curecanti are abundant.</p>

All campsites at East Portal are first-come, first-served. This campground
uses Scan & Pay to accept on-site payment through the Recreation.gov mobile
app. Download the app ahead of your visit to arrive ready!

**NOTE:** Entrance to the campground is through Black Canyon of the Gunnison
National Park which charges a $30 per vehicle entrance fee. You will pay this
fee upon arrival (or purchase in advance). The park also honors interagency
passes for entry (e.g., senior, access, Golden Age, 4th grade, etc.).

The East Portal area is a haven for anglers

A view of historic East Portal with a fisherman dwarfed by canyon walls

Five out of the fifteen sites have vehicle access.

East Portal Campground  - Sites with vehicle access

Ten of the 15 sites are walk-in tent sites.

East Portal Campground - Walk-in sites

A view of East Portal Campground with wayside signs and restrooms

East Portal Campground

## Overview

Lake Fork Campground is on the Blue Mesa Reservoir, near the reservoir's dam.
It is a part of the historic Curecanti Recreation Area and is an ideal place
to stay for days of boat recreation, hiking and taking in the views of the
Black Canyon.

## Recreation

Jet skiing, water skiing and canoeing are some of the many water activities
available on the reservoir.  
  
  
Bird Watching is also rewarding, with chances to see the black-billed magpie.  
  
  
Along the shrubland, visitors can spot Gunnison's Prairie Dogs popping out of
their holes.

## Facilities

Flush toilets are available in summer months.

Cell phone service is limited.  
For anglers, a fish cleaning station is provided for conveniently preparing
the days catch.

Elk Creek, Lake Fork and Iola boat ramps  are OPEN for the season.

## Natural Features

The steep canyon walls in this part of the reservoir were carved out by the
Gunnison River, which once flowed with powerful intensity fueled by the
snowmelt of nearby mountains.  
  
  
Today, the Gunnison river is dammed in three places, creating three large and
beautiful reservoirs to be enjoyed by visitors.  
  
  
The land is characterized by semi-arid shrubland with vast expanses of
sagebrush. The natural features and ecosystems of Curecanti vary greatly, with
Riparian habitats, epic canyons and lush patches of Ponderosa pine, Douglas
fir and aspen trees.

## Nearby Attractions

The recreation area is just south of Gunnison National Forest and east of the
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. There's no shortage of options for
Scenic Drives and Hiking.  
  
  
Try hiking the Curecanti Creek Trail or Hermit's Rest Trail off HWY 92..

## Charges & Cancellations

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Lake Fork Campground is on the Blue Mesa Reservoir, near the reservoir's dam. It is a part of the historic Curecanti Recreation Area and is an ideal place to stay for days of boat recreation, hiking and taking in the views of the Black Canyon.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Jet skiing, water skiing and canoeing are some of the many water activities available on the reservoir.<br><br><br><a href="https://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/birdwatching.htm" rel="nofollow">Bird Watching</a>  is also rewarding, with chances to see the black-billed magpie. <br><br><br>Along the shrubland, visitors can spot <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/nature/prairiedogs.htm" rel="nofollow">Gunnison's Prairie Dogs</a>  popping out of their holes.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Flush toilets are available in summer months.  </p>
<p>Cell phone service is limited.   <br>For anglers, a fish cleaning station is provided for conveniently preparing the days catch.   </p>
<p>Elk Creek, Lake Fork and Iola <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/boat-ramps.htm" rel="nofollow">boat ramps </a> are OPEN for the season.  </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The steep canyon walls in this part of the reservoir were carved out by the Gunnison River, which once flowed with powerful intensity fueled by the snowmelt of nearby mountains. <br><br><br>Today, the Gunnison river is dammed in three places, creating three large and beautiful reservoirs to be enjoyed by visitors. <br><br><br>The land is characterized by semi-arid shrubland with vast expanses of sagebrush. The natural features and ecosystems of Curecanti vary greatly, with Riparian habitats, epic canyons and lush patches of Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and aspen trees.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>The recreation area is just south of Gunnison National Forest and east of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. There's no shortage of options for <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/scenicdrives.htm" rel="nofollow">Scenic Drives</a>  and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/hiking.htm" rel="nofollow">Hiking.</a> <br><br><br>Try hiking the Curecanti Creek Trail or Hermit's Rest Trail off HWY 92..</p>
<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>

Blue Mesa Reservoir, Curecanti National Recreation Area

A landscape shot of Blue Mesa Reservoir with peaks in the background

Sunrise Over Curecanti National Recreation Area

U.S. Highway 50 crosses Blue Mesa Reservoir on Middle Bridge

U.S. Highway 50 crosses Blue Mesa Reservoir on Middle Bridge, with snow capped hills in the background.

Wildlife in Curecanti National Recreation Area

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Clouds above peaks and Blue Mesa Reservoir

Lake Fork Campground

## Overview

Ponderosa Campground is located at the northwest end of the Soap Creek Arm of
Blue Mesa Reservoir at 7880 feet (2402 m). The campground offers outstanding
views and solitude.

**Note:** During dry conditions, the first 7 miles (11 km) of Soap Creek Road
are passable to trailers and RVs. Rain can make the Soap Creek Road
impassable.

## Facilities

Trash/recycling collection provided. Vault toilets only. Horse Corral in upper
loop.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Ponderosa Campground is located at the northwest end of the Soap Creek Arm of Blue Mesa Reservoir at 7880 feet (2402 m). The campground offers outstanding views and solitude. </p>
<p><strong>Note: </strong>During dry conditions, the first 7 miles (11 km) of Soap Creek Road are passable to trailers and RVs. Rain can make the Soap Creek Road impassable.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Trash/recycling collection provided. Vault toilets only. Horse Corral in upper loop.</p>

All campsites at Ponderosa are first-come, first-served. You will pay upon
arrival using the Recreation.gov mobile app (download the app before your
visit), or by cash, check or credit card using the self-pay envelope on-site.

Ponderosa Campground

The Upper Loop of Ponderosa.

Two deer looking toward the photographer with snowy background

An amazing view from Ponderosa Campground

An amazing view from Ponderosa Campground showing a picnic table and firepit in the foreground

Ponderosa Campground (CO)

Please bring all the water you'll need for your visit, including drinking
water.

## Overview

In the heart of southwest Colorado is a group camp getaway for nature lovers
and outdoor sports-enthusiasts. The Red Creek Group Site is located in the
Curecanti Recreation Area, just south of the West Elk Mountains.  
  
The campground is surrounded by national forests and park lands with Gunnison
National Forest to the north, Black Canyon to the west and the Uncompahgre
National forest to the southwest.  
  
A wide range of mammals can be found within Curecanti, including mule deer,
mountain lions, black bears, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, elk and the
occasional moose. Bald eagles come here to fish in winter.

## Recreation

Hikers may enjoy the Dillon Pinnacles Trail for views of spires formed by
erosional forces working volcanic debris. The trail is a lollipop of about 4
miles.  
  
Anglers can enjoy fishing for brown, rainbow, and Mackinaw trout and Kokanee
salmon. The population of Kokanee salmon is denser at Blue Mesa Reservoir than
anywhere else in the country.

## Facilities

This is a group camping site for a minimum of 9 people and a maximum of 20
people. Recreation vehicles over 22'' not reccomended.

## Natural Features

“This area is characterized by semi-arid shrubland with large cottonwood trees
lining the campground. Red Creek flows out of the West Elk Mountains, through
this campground, and into Blue Mesa Reservoir. By mid to late summer, the
creek is low enough for wading. Some small fish inhabit the deeper pools.”  
  
  
Blue Mesa connects to the Morrow Point Reservoir, which flows down to the more
isolated Crystal Reservoir. The passage of the Gunnison River is marked by the
steep, narrow cliffs of the Black Canyon.

## Nearby Attractions

The Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit features a display of an old-fashioned
locomotive at the last remaining railroad trestle in the Black Canyon on the
Gunnison route. The bonus is picture-perfect access to the tallest cliffs in
the canyon.

The Red Creek Road, which passes by the campground, provides access to
national forest lands where hiking abounds.

## Charges & Cancellations

<h2>Overview</h2>
In the heart of southwest Colorado is a group camp getaway for nature lovers and outdoor sports-enthusiasts. The Red Creek Group Site is located in the Curecanti Recreation Area, just south of the West Elk Mountains.<br/><br/>
The campground is surrounded by national forests and park lands with Gunnison National Forest to the north, Black Canyon to the west and the Uncompahgre National forest to the southwest. <br/><br/>
A wide range of mammals can be found within Curecanti, including mule deer, mountain lions, black bears, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, elk and the occasional moose. Bald eagles come here to fish in winter.<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Hikers may enjoy the Dillon Pinnacles Trail for views of spires formed by erosional forces working volcanic debris. The trail is a lollipop of about 4 miles.<br><br>Anglers can enjoy fishing for brown, rainbow, and Mackinaw trout and Kokanee salmon. The population of Kokanee salmon is denser at Blue Mesa Reservoir than anywhere else in the country.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>This is a group camping site for a minimum of 9 people and a maximum of 20 people. Recreation vehicles over 22'' not reccomended.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>“This area is characterized by semi-arid shrubland with large cottonwood trees lining the campground. Red Creek flows out of the West Elk Mountains, through this campground, and into Blue Mesa Reservoir. By mid to late summer, the creek is low enough for wading. Some small fish inhabit the deeper pools.”<br><br><br>Blue Mesa connects to the Morrow Point Reservoir, which flows down to the more isolated Crystal Reservoir. The passage of the Gunnison River is marked by the steep, narrow cliffs of the Black Canyon.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>The Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit features a display of an old-fashioned locomotive at the last remaining railroad trestle in the Black Canyon on the Gunnison route. The bonus is picture-perfect access to the tallest cliffs in the canyon.</p>
<p>The Red Creek Road, which passes by the campground, provides access to national forest lands where hiking abounds.</p>
<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>

Dillon Pinnacles, a rock formation, basks half in the sunlight and half in the clouds. The Dillon Pinnacles Trail and Overlook are not far from Red Creek Campground

Picnic Tables at the campsite

View from the parking lot to the group site

A view of Red Creek Group Site from the dirt parking lot

A view of the parking area as you enter the group site

A view of the dirt parking area and vault toilet as you enter the group site

A set of wood and gravel steps leads through trees to the Red Creek Group Site

Tent area

The vault toilet in the parking area under a blue sky with clouds

Red Creek Group Site's bearbox used to store food and other scented items is at the edge of the campsite.

Water spigot located the parking area across from the vault toilet

Water spigot

Red Creek Group Site

Red Creek Group Campsite with trees displaying fall colors

Red Creek Group Campsite

Three reservoirs and surrounding lands make up this recreation area in western
Colorado. It is a landscape of tradeoffs; natural and human made features
exist together. Geologic wonders are abundant from the sagebrush shrublands to
forests. Visitors can experience the park year-round on both land and water.

Three reservoirs and surrounding lands make up this recreation area in western Colorado. It is a landscape of tradeoffs; natural and human made features exist together. Geologic wonders are abundant from the sagebrush shrublands to forests. Visitors can experience the park year-round on both land and water.

Cimarron Campground

Directions

Reviews

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds

Cimarron Campground (CO)

East Portal Campground

Lake Fork Campground

Ponderosa Campground (CO)

Red Creek Group Site