
151
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND
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 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. 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
- 151 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (151).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND special
Elk Creek Campground commands a prime position on the north shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado's largest body of water and one of the West's most dramatic high-country lakescapes. With 96 miles of shoreline stretching through the Curecanti National Recreation Area and the Gunnison Valley spread wide beneath towering mesa walls, this 151-site campground is a basecamp for serious outdoor adventure at 7,500 feet. Blue Mesa is renowned as the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the United States, drawing anglers from across the country each autumn when the salmon run turns the tributaries crimson. Rainbow and brown trout, along with lake trout and yellow perch, keep rods bending the rest of the year. Beyond fishing, the reservoir is ideal for boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking, with a boat ramp conveniently located near the campground. The landscape is unmistakably western Colorado — sagebrush flats meet dark volcanic cliffs under enormous skies. Nearby, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison offers vertigo-inducing views into one of North America's most dramatic gorges. Sites at Elk Creek include electric hookups and are well-suited for RVs and tents alike. The season runs roughly May through October, with July and August weekends requiring reservations well in advance. Shoulder-season visitors in September enjoy smaller crowds, cooler air, and the salmon spectacle.
Campsite Inventory
151 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
BBQ
Yes
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
1:00 PM
Check-out time
1:00 PM
Condition Rating
Good, N/A
Double Driveway
Yes
Driveway entry
Back-In, Pull-Through
Driveway length (ft)
100, 14, 16, 28
Driveway surface
Paved
Electricity Hookup
50 amp
Fire Pit
Yes
GRILLS
Yes
Grills/Fire Ring
Yes
Hike In Distance to Site
20, 250, 30, 300
Max guests
8
Max vehicle length (ft)
16, 21, 22, 25
Minimum guests
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
970-641-2337
Getting There
Elk Creek is located off of US Hwy 50 between Gunnison and Montrose, along Blue Mesa reservoir.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND?
ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND currently lists Unknown (151).
Where is ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND located?
ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND is in Colorado near GUNNISON. Coordinates: 38.4678, -107.1758.
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