East Elk Creek Group Campsite
04 reviews23935 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA
East Elk Creek Group Campsite
$120.00 - $120.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$120.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard nightly rate for group reservations is $120 during peak season (August 16 - October 9). This fee does not include reservation fees or additional charges.
About this campground
Escape to East Elk Creek Group Campsite, where your party of up to 50 adventurers can claim an entire corner of Colorado's high country wilderness. This exclusive group sanctuary sits beside the gentle murmur of East Elk Creek, offering the perfect basecamp for days filled with world-class windsurfing across Blue Mesa Reservoir's expansive waters. Whether you're casting lines for trophy fish, paddling kayaks through pristine mountain waters, or gathering around the campfire to spot elk and eagles, this secluded retreat promises memories that will last long after the embers fade.
East Elk Creek Group Campsite exclusively caters to group camping, accommodating 9 to 50 people.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of Colorado's high country through dramatically changing seasons. Peak camping months from August through October reward visitors with crystalline skies and warm, sun-drenched days perfect for water sports and exploration. As autumn arrives, crisp mountain air and golden aspens create a photographer's paradise. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, though frigid temperatures and facility closures (water shuts off September 19) make this season best suited for the heartiest souls.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 7,800 feet above sea level, East Elk Creek offers the rare opportunity to camp among the clouds. This lofty elevation means thinner air and cooler temperatures, creating an invigorating mountain atmosphere that energizes the spirit. Give yourself time to adjust to the altitude upon arrival – your body will thank you as you explore this high-altitude paradise where the sky seems close enough to touch.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where rugged mountain peaks frame the sapphire expanse of Blue Mesa Reservoir, creating a natural amphitheater of breathtaking beauty. At 7,800 feet, the campground exists in that sweet spot where alpine meadows meet water's edge, where morning mist rises from the creek to greet the sun-painted peaks. This serene mountain sanctuary offers endless vistas that shift from golden sunrise to star-studded nights, providing a constantly changing canvas of natural splendor.
Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic landscape of Curecanti National Recreation Area, East Elk Creek sits at the crossroads of ancient geological forces and modern recreation paradise. Here at 7,800 feet, weathered peaks tell stories of volcanic upheavals and glacial sculptures, while below, the Blue Mesa Reservoir harbors Colorado's most abundant population of Kokanee salmon – landlocked cousins of Pacific salmon that create spectacular spawning runs. This unique ecosystem where mountain meets water has created one of the West's most remarkable recreational playgrounds.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeGroup campsite accommodating a minimum of 9 people and up to a maximum of 50 people.
Sites PrivacyThe campsite provides ample privacy for groups. User review mentions, "Group-only camp. Very nice, private for your group."
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUsers recommend this site for large groups due to its spacious and private nature.
Best CampsitesThis is a single-group campsite; site selection is not applicable.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No official check-in time noted.
Check-out
No official check-out time noted.
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Minimum of 9 guests, Maximum of 50 guests.
Groups
Group campsite accommodating a minimum of 9 and up to a maximum of 50 people.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle-group campsite accommodating 9 to 50 people.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak reservation season is August 16 through October 9. Water shuts off annually around September 19.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov website or app, and customer contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability noted. All reservations must be pre-booked.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before arrival with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before) incur an additional fee, forfeiting the first night's fees. Changes to the reservation carry a $10 modification fee if altering dates entirely.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
East Elk Creek Group Campsite is surrounded by natural beauty and offers an array of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and windsurfing. The campground’s location near the Blue Mesa Reservoir makes it ideal for water activities.
Hiking
The Dillon Pinnacles Trail is the nearest hiking trail, as highlighted in the authoritative text. The trail is part of Curecanti National Recreation Area's hiking program.Fishing
The Blue Mesa Reservoir is home to the largest population of Kokanee landlocked salmon in Colorado, making it a prime spot for fishing.Boating
Boating is supported, as the campground is less than a mile from a boat ramp and inspection station located at Elk Creek.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is listed as a possible activity. User reviews don’t elaborate on the specific species that can be seen.Winter Activities
No winter recreational activities such as snowshoeing or skiing are mentioned.Water Sports
The campground supports kayaking and canoeing, as it is located near the Blue Mesa Reservoir.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings available for controlled campfires.
Hazards
General hazardsAltitude risks at 7,800 feet may impact those unaccustomed to high elevations. Cattle disturbances have been reported in user reviews.
Active alertsWater to campground shuts off around September 19 annually. Campers are advised to bring their own water after this date.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are located in Gunnison, which includes a hospital and police station. Elk Creek ranger station is within close proximity.
Good to know
Peak season datesAugust 16 - October 9
Trash and recyclingNo specific details about trash and recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near East Elk Creek and Blue Mesa Reservoir, less than a mile from Elk Creek boat ramp.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention cattle disturbances in the campground.
HostNo host information provided.
Campground Map
23935 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA
Driving directionsEast Elk Creek Group campground is located off US Hwy 50 between Gunnison and Montrose, on the north side of the highway approximately 1/2 mile (.8 km) west of Elk Creek.
Road access is paved and accessible from US Hwy 50. There are no indications of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.Nearby places
Gunnison (22 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Montrose (51 miles, approximately 1 hour), Delta (70 miles, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Gunnison, 22 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
East Elk Creek Group Campsite has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground’s beautiful scenery, privacy, and spaciousness. However, there are concerns about cows overtaking the campsite during certain times.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include beautiful scenery, ample space for groups, and privacy. Direct quotes from users include: "Beautiful campground. Plenty of space and privacy for a large group." and "Its...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Concerns raised by users include the presence of cow manure and cows overtaking the campsite, as noted in the review: "Very nice location except for cow pucks all over. Last day cows overtook...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors should be aware of seasonal water shut-offs after September 19th and prepare to bring their own water. Additional tips include reserving and paying for the group site ahead of time, as...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground appears to be most usable during peak season between August 16th and October 9th. Seasonal water shut-offs occur after September 19th each year.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Beautiful campground. Plenty of space and privacy for a large group." "Its beautiful scenery and trees make it the perfect spot to camp." "Group-only camp. Very nice, private for your group." "Very...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews do not specify individual campsites, but highlight the overall group site’s privacy and spaciousness.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is not explicitly addressed in user reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025