Elk Creek Campground
4.37248 reviews24830 US Hwy 50
Elk Creek Campground
$24.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$34.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates by season dates range between $24.00 and $34.00. An additional $6.00 electricity attribute fee applies for sites with hookups. Rates do not account for taxes, discounts, or other incremental charges.
About this campground
Perched on the north shore of Colorado's largest body of water, Elk Creek Campground offers an unparalleled gateway to Blue Mesa Reservoir's 96 miles of pristine shoreline. This jewel within Curecanti National Recreation Area beckons water enthusiasts and desert wanderers alike with its unique blend of aquatic adventures and high desert landscapes. Choose from electric or non-electric sites, each offering sweeping vistas where azure waters meet endless skies in the dramatic Colorado landscape.
Elk Creek Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent-only sites, RV sites with electric hookups, and walk-in tent camping. Group camping and cabin options are not available.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape steeped in Western heritage, where the mighty Gunnison River once carved its path before three strategic dams transformed it into today's recreational paradise. The area honors Chief Curecanti, a respected Ute leader whose legacy lives on in these protected lands. History buffs will discover the nearby Cimarron Rail Exhibit, home to authentic railcars and the last surviving trestle from the legendary Black Canyon route—silent witnesses to Colorado's railroad golden age.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the high desert's dramatic moods where sunshine dominates and rainfall remains a rare visitor, totaling less than 12 inches annually. Summer days invite exploration with warm temperatures, while evenings bring a refreshing mountain coolness that's perfect for campfire conversations. Afternoon winds dance across the reservoir, creating whitecaps on the water and rustling through the sagebrush—a natural symphony that seasoned campers have come to cherish.
ElevationAt 7,540 feet above sea level, Elk Creek Campground offers the crisp mountain air and spectacular vistas that only Colorado's high country can provide. This elevated perch ensures refreshingly cool evenings perfect for stargazing and delivers panoramic views that stretch across the reservoir to distant peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryRising 7,540 feet into Colorado's crystal-clear atmosphere, this high desert oasis presents a striking tapestry of water and land. Aromatic sagebrush carpets the campground, thriving in the arid climate where trees remain scarce but views remain infinite. By day, Blue Mesa Reservoir stretches to the horizon like an inland sea; by night, the absence of light pollution transforms the sky into a celestial theater where the Milky Way takes center stage.
Geological RegionDiscover a remarkable convergence of water and desert at 7,540 feet within Curecanti National Recreation Area. This unique high-altitude ecosystem thrives despite receiving merely 12 inches of annual rainfall, creating a landscape dominated by hardy sagebrush and panoramic openness. From its commanding position on Blue Mesa Reservoir's north shore, the campground showcases Colorado's largest lake against a backdrop of ancient geological formations—a testament to nature's power to transform arid highlands into aquatic playgrounds.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features include concrete pads for easy leveling and access, as well as wheelchair-friendly paths. Reviews indicate that some users with mobility challenges found the campground manageable.
Sites SizeCampsites at Elk Creek are described as spacious, with concrete and asphalt pads suitable for RVs and trailers. Tent-only sites are also available.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies across sites. Loop D offers spaced-out electric sites with less crowding, while tent sites in other loops may have limited natural barriers or shade.
Total Campsites120 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLoops D and A are ideal for electric hookups and paved pads. Tent campers should opt for Tent Only Nonelectric sites for quieter locations. Sites close to water or amphitheater are noted for convenience.
Best CampsitesSite D17 is highly recommended for its space and access to amenities. Site A32 offers proximity to the amphitheater and stargazing opportunities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
1:00 p.m.
Check-out
1:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
- Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights per visit
- maximum stay total is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Varies based on site type
- no specific numbers available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground is divided into multiple loops, including Loop D (electric hookups) and Loop A (tent sites). Sites are relatively spacious with paved pads in some loops.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak season lasts from March 26, 2025, to October 3, 2025. Reservations open on June 21, 2025, and close on October 3, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, phone, or app.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served availability may exist but is limited. Reservation is recommended for guaranteed spots, especially during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyChanges incur a $10 fee per reserved site. Cancellations come with a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee if made less than one day before check-in. Late cancellations for cabins or group sites occur if cancellation is made less than 14 days before check-in.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Elk Creek Campground provides a plethora of recreational activities centered around Blue Mesa Reservoir. Opportunities include fishing for Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout, hiking nearby trails, swimming, boating, kayaking, and bird watching. Nightly ranger talks at the amphitheater cover diverse topics such as wildlife and astronomy, enhancing the camping experience.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include trails such as the Curecanti Creek Trail and Beaver Creek Trail. User reviews highlight these trails as enjoyable and accessible, offering scenic views and natural beauty.Fishing
Fishing at Blue Mesa Reservoir is a popular activity, primarily targeting Kokanee Salmon and rainbow trout. However, user feedback indicates that fish health and availability have declined in recent years.Swimming
Swimming is allowed in Blue Mesa Reservoir, and several sandy beach areas are accessible. Water conditions vary, with some campers mentioning algae during specific seasons.Biking
Nearby Hartman Rocks area offers excellent terrain for mountain biking, as described by user reviews.Boating
Boating is a central activity at Elk Creek, with ramps open seasonally. However, low water levels in recent years have impacted marina operations and boat slip availability.Wildlife viewing
Bird watching is especially popular, with bald eagles frequently sighted. Other wildlife includes chipmunks and various aquatic species.Beach activities
Beach-related activities include sunbathing, picnicking, and swimming along sandy shores. User reviews highlight the scenic beauty but note challenges due to fluctuating water levels.Cultural and Educational Programs
Nightly ranger talks at the amphitheater cover a wide range of topics, including wildlife, astronomy, and local history. These programs are well-received by campers.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned for Elk Creek Campground.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing are available, as noted in the campground description and user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed but must follow park guidelines to prevent wildfires. Fire pits provided at most sites.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsFrequent and strong winds may challenge tent setups. Minimal tree coverage provides limited shade. Wildlife interactions such as off-leash dogs or bugs like gnats and mosquitoes are common issues reported.
Active alertsNo current alerts, but users have noted construction impacts on nearby roads. Showers at the marina are reported as closed during certain seasons.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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 hospital: Gunnison Valley Hospital (~15 miles away); Police station: Gunnison Police Department (~15 miles away); Ranger station: Curecanti National Recreation Area Ranger Station (~adjacent to the campground).
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 26 to October 3 (2025 peak season)
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are readily available throughout the campground. Recycling bins are provided for metals, glass, and plastics, which users appreciated.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to Blue Mesa Reservoir. Walkable distance to swimming areas and boat ramps.
Common complaintsNoise after quiet hours, lack of shade, bathroom cleanliness issues, and marina closures due to low water levels. Users also frequently mention bugs and wind.
HostHosts are described as friendly and professional. Brenda Moore is highly praised for her helpfulness.
Campground Map
24830 US Hwy 50
Driving directionsElk Creek is located off of US Hwy 50 between Gunnison and Montrose, along Blue Mesa reservoir. The campground is situated at Mile Marker 142, approximately 15 miles west of Gunnison, Colorado.
Accessible from US Hwy 50, which is a paved highway. Road travel between Gunnison and Montrose is straightforward, but construction delays may occur during certain schedules. Seasonal challenges may include snow and wind.Nearby places
Gunnison (~15 miles, ~20 minutes)
Montrose (~60 miles, ~1 hour)
Crested Butte (~40 miles, ~1 hour)
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (~45 miles, ~1 hour)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Gunnison (~15 miles away). Walmart and other convenience stores can be found there.
Camper Reviews
4.4
248 reviews
Elk Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Elk Creek Campground are generally positive, with high ratings for cleanliness, spacious sites, and a range of amenities. Complaints focus on campground crowding, lack of shade, and non-functional showers.
Review Summaries
Based on 248 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean bathrooms, spacious and level sites, nightly ranger talks, excellent views of Blue Mesa Reservoir, and access to activities like fishing and boating.
Based on 248 reviewsCommon Concerns
Non-functional shower facilities, limited cell phone reception, lack of shade, noise during quiet hours, and crowded conditions in busy loops.
Based on 248 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring quarters for marina showers if open, plan for windy conditions, and pack extra bug spray. Early reservations are recommended for Loop D electric sites.
Based on 248 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During summer, campers enjoy ranger programs and water activities. Fall offers quiet camping and stunning star gazing but has chilly temperatures. Spring features fewer crowds.
Based on 248 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Bathrooms were immaculate." "Camping pads were nice and the grounds are very clean." "Loved Curecanti Trail, a must-do!" "Stars here are AMAZING at night." "Ranger programs were very informative and...
Based on 248 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback includes: D12 - insect issues; A28 - near the lake and windy; D10 - excellent dump facilities. Electric Loop D is recommended for privacy and spaciousness.
Based on 248 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair users reported ease of movement on concrete pads and accessible paths. Hosts were noted for their helpfulness.
Based on 248 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but some reviews raised concerns about off-leash dogs and aggressive behavior.
Based on 248 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025