## Overview

Invite family and friends to East Elk for an active group camping experience
surrounded by rugged and stark mountains. The campground is perched on the
tranquil East Elk Creek, which allows for water activities without the
commotion of the reservoir. Enjoy time picnicking, kayaking, fishing or
exploring wildlife.

## Recreation

The campground is set just off of the windsurfing area in the Cebolla Basin.
It's an ideal location for avid windsurfers. It's also great for canoeing and
hiking.  
  
Try the Dillon Pinnacles Trail for the nearest hiking trail. Visit Curecanti's
hiking web page for details.

## Facilities

This is a group campsite accommodating a minimum of 9 people up to a maiximum
50 people. The boat ramp and inspection station are less than a mile away at
Elk Creek.

## Natural Features

East Elk Creek sits at an altitude of 7,800 feet, just off the Blue Mesa
Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area.  
  
The reservoir is surrounded by scenic mountains and is home to the largest
population of Kokanee land locked salmon in the state of Colorado.  
  
The other two reservoirs in the recreation area, Crystal Reservoir and Morrow
Point Reservoir, are surrounded by high rising cliffs.

## Nearby Attractions

## Charges & Cancellations

<h2>Overview</h2>
Invite family and friends to East Elk for an active group camping experience surrounded by rugged and stark mountains. The campground is perched on the tranquil East Elk Creek, which allows for water activities without the commotion of the reservoir. Enjoy time picnicking, kayaking, fishing or exploring wildlife.<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>The campground is set just off of the windsurfing area in the Cebolla Basin. It's an ideal location for avid windsurfers. It's also great for canoeing and hiking. <br><br>Try the Dillon Pinnacles Trail for the nearest hiking trail. Visit <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/hiking.htm" rel="nofollow">Curecanti's hiking web page</a>  for details.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>This is a group campsite accommodating a minimum of 9 people up to a maiximum 50 people. The boat ramp and inspection station are less than a mile away at Elk Creek.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
East Elk Creek sits at an altitude of 7,800 feet, just off the Blue Mesa Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area. <br/><br/>
The reservoir is surrounded by scenic mountains and is home to the largest population of Kokanee land locked salmon in the state of Colorado.<br/><br/>
The other two reservoirs in the recreation area, Crystal Reservoir and Morrow Point Reservoir, are surrounded by high rising cliffs.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>

<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>

Bridge to tent site 2

Tent site 1

Fire pit 2

Pavilion

View of group site

Trash and recycle, conveniently on the road out

Trash

Tent site 2

Tent site 2,

Fire pit 1

EAST ELK CREEK GROUP CAMPSITE

Parking lot

Bighorn Ram

A blazing campfire at Elk Creek Campground

East Elk Creek Group Campsite

## Overview

Elk Creek Campground is on the north shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir. The lake is
Colorado's largest body of water with 96 miles of shoreline and the largest
Kokanee Salmon fishery in the United States.

Elk Creek Campground is located off of US HWY 50 -15 miles west of Gunnison
Co. at Mile Marker 142.

The campground is part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area, which was
named after a Ute Indian chief of the mid-19th century.

The Elk Creek area is a hub for water based activities year round.

## Recreation

Anglers delight in catching salmon and rainbow trout, while water sports fans
find excitement in windsurfing and water skiing.  
  
Swimming is permitted throughout the 20-mile long reservoir and birders can
find bald eagles here year round.

## Facilities

Campfire programs are in full swing during the summer months.  
  
Cell phone service is limited. Electric hookups are in Loop D for both 30 and
50 amps.

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

## Natural Features

At an altitude of 7,540 feet, Elk Creek is surrounded by a vast expanse of
sagebrush. Trees are minimal because the reservoir gets less than 12 inches of
rain a year.  
  
Curecanti National Recreation Area is sandwiched between the towns of Montrose
and Gunnison, Colorado. It spans three reservoirs, named for corresponding
dams on the Gunnison River. These include the Crystal Reservoir, Morrow Point
Reservoir and Blue Mesa.

## Nearby Attractions

Visit the Cimarron Rail Exhibit to see railcars and the last remaining
railroad trestle on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison route.

## Charges & Cancellations

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Elk Creek Campground is on the north shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir. The lake is Colorado's largest body of water with 96 miles of shoreline and the largest Kokanee Salmon fishery in the United States.</p>
<p>Elk Creek Campground is located off of US HWY 50 -15 miles west of Gunnison Co. at Mile Marker 142.</p>
<p>The campground is part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area, which was named after a Ute Indian chief of the mid-19th century. </p>
<p>The Elk Creek area is a hub for water based activities year round.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Anglers delight in catching salmon and rainbow trout, while water sports fans find excitement in windsurfing and water skiing. <br><br>Swimming is permitted throughout the 20-mile long reservoir and birders can find bald eagles here year round.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Campfire programs are in full swing during the summer months.   <br><br>Cell phone service is limited. Electric hookups are in Loop D for both 30 and 50 amps. </p>
<p>Elk Creek, Lake Fork and Iola boat ramps are OPEN for the season. </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
At an altitude of 7,540 feet, Elk Creek is surrounded by a vast expanse of sagebrush. Trees are minimal because the reservoir gets less than 12 inches of rain a year. 
<br/><br/>
Curecanti National Recreation Area is sandwiched between the towns of Montrose and Gunnison, Colorado. It spans three reservoirs, named for corresponding dams on the Gunnison River. These include the Crystal Reservoir, Morrow Point Reservoir and Blue Mesa.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Visit the Cimarron Rail Exhibit to see railcars and the last remaining railroad trestle on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison route.</p>
<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>

There is an additional $6:00 electricity attribute fee for Standard Electric
sites.

Example campsite with view of Blue Mesa Reservoir

Example campsite

ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND

Tent Campers admire the Blue Mesa Reservoir shore from Elk Creek Campground

Tent Campers on the Lake Shore at Elk Creek Campground

Dramatic Clouds over a Butte form the backdrop of Elk Creek Campground

Dramatic Dark Clouds over a Butte form the backdrop of Elk Creek Campground

A camper's pet dog enjoys camping at Elk Creek

A camper's pet dog rests on a dog bed and chews a toy at Elk Creek Campground

Elk Creek Campground

## 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>

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

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

## Overview

  
Stevens Creek Campground lies on the north shore at the eastern end of Blue
Mesa Reservoir. This is the closest campground to the town of Gunnison, CO.
Popular with boaters, Stevens Creek has easy access to the reservoir. It is
very sunny and bright, and the scent of sagebrush adds to the camping
experience.  
  
A bit downstream is the Morrow Point Reservoir and the Crystal Reservoir, both
surrounded by the steep cliffs of the Black Canyon.  

## Recreation

Stand up paddleboarding, fishing, canoeing and other water sports are popular
here.

Bird Watching is rewarding throughout the park but especially so in this
shallower end of the reservoir which is ideal for waterfowl.

Hikers, try the 1.5 mile (2.4) Neversink Trail, which meanders along the
Gunnison River upstream of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Check the park's Hiking web
page for more information.  

## Facilities

The 53-site campground offers waterfront-sites and a wide variety of amenities
including a picnic area, self pay station and drinking water available late-
May to mid-September.

## Natural Features

The campground sits at an elevation of 7,540 feet (2298 m) and is
characterized by a semi-arid, treeless shrubland. The mesa landscape is
covered with sagebrush and receives less than 12 inches (30 cm) of rain each
year.

## Nearby Attractions

Head into Gunnison for a meal, a bit of shopping, or a visit to the local park
or museum. Gunnison is known for its western ambiance and small town
friendliness. Mountain biking and hiking can be found at Hartman Rocks Trail
just south of Gunnison.

## Charges & Cancellations

This is a Scan and Pay campground. There are no refunds,changes,
cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan and Pay payments. This
system is the same as putting cash into a fee tube and cannot be refunded.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p><br>Stevens Creek Campground lies on the north shore at the eastern end of Blue Mesa Reservoir. This is the closest campground to the town of Gunnison, CO. Popular with boaters, Stevens Creek has easy access to the reservoir. It is very sunny and bright, and the scent of sagebrush adds to the camping experience.<br><br>A bit downstream is the Morrow Point Reservoir and the Crystal Reservoir, both surrounded by the steep cliffs of the Black Canyon.<br></p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Stand up paddleboarding, fishing, canoeing and other water sports are popular here. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/birdwatching.htm" rel="nofollow">Bird Watching</a>  is rewarding throughout the park but especially so in this shallower end of the reservoir which is ideal for waterfowl. </p>

<p>Hikers, try the 1.5 mile (2.4) Neversink Trail, which meanders along the Gunnison River upstream of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Check the park's <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/hiking.htm" rel="nofollow">Hiking web page</a>  for more information.<br></p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
The 53-site campground offers waterfront-sites and a wide variety of amenities including a picnic area, self pay station and drinking water available late-May to mid-September.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The campground sits at an elevation of 7,540 feet (2298 m) and is characterized by a semi-arid, treeless shrubland. The mesa landscape is covered with sagebrush and receives less than 12 inches (30 cm) of rain each year.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Head into Gunnison for a meal, a bit of shopping, or a visit to the local park or museum. Gunnison is known for its western ambiance and small town friendliness. Mountain biking and hiking can be found at <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/mountainbike/HartmanRocksTrail" rel="nofollow">Hartman Rocks Trail</a>  just south of Gunnison.</p>
<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
<p>This is a Scan and Pay campground. There are no refunds,changes, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan and Pay payments. This system is the same as putting cash into a fee tube and cannot be refunded.</p>

A campsite on the lake at Stevens Creek Campground

A campsite on the lake at Stevens Creek Campground with clouds in a blue sky

A campsite on the lake at Stevens Creek Campground with mountains in the background

RV's at Stevens Creek Campground with a Lake View

RV's at Stevens Creek Campground with a view of Blue Mesa Reservoir in the background

Stevens Creek Campground

The San Juan Mountains are visible from areas of Curecanti

A Hedgehog cactus blooms after a winter with a healthy snowpack.

## 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.

The Upper Loop of Ponderosa.

Ponderosa Campground

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)

## 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>

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

Blue Mesa Reservoir, Curecanti National Recreation Area

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

Clouds above peaks and Blue Mesa Reservoir

Lake Fork Campground

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.

East Elk Creek Group Campsite

Overview

Recreation

Facilities

Natural Features

Nearby Attractions

Charges & Cancellations

Directions

Reviews

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds

Elk Creek Campground

Red Creek Group Site

Stevens Creek Campground

Ponderosa Campground (CO)

Lake Fork Campground