Red Creek Group Site
4.666 reviews21001 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA
Red Creek Group Site
$60.00 - $60.00 / 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$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$60.00 per night. Reservations are required for the group site accommodating between 9 and 20 people. Rates reflect charges during the peak season (May 23 - September 30).
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Curecanti National Recreation Area, Red Creek Group Site beckons groups seeking an intimate escape into Colorado's high country. This hidden gem offers a perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility, where towering cottonwood trees create natural cathedral ceilings above your campsite. The gentle murmur of Red Creek mingles with the distant lapping of Blue Mesa Reservoir's waters, creating a soundtrack for unforgettable group gatherings under star-filled skies.
Red Creek Group Site is designed exclusively for group camping with one reservable site accommodating up to 20 people.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at the nearby Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit, where the echoes of steam engines and the dreams of railroad pioneers come alive through meticulously preserved historical displays. This fascinating glimpse into the region's transportation heritage serves as your gateway to experiencing the raw majesty of the Black Canyon's towering cliffs – the tallest and most dramatic in this geological wonderland. These cultural treasures remind visitors that Red Creek sits at the crossroads of human ambition and natural splendor.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of mountain weather at Red Creek, where summer days unfold in a symphony of changing conditions. Morning mists give way to brilliant sunshine that warms the landscape to a comfortable 50°F to 90°F, perfect for daytime adventures. As evening approaches, temperatures gracefully descend to a crisp 40°F to 60°F, ideal for campfire stories and stargazing. Be prepared for nature's afternoon performances of thunderstorms and spirited winds that sweep across the high plateau. The campground embraces a well-deserved winter rest from October through May, when snow blankets the landscape in pristine silence.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 7,542 feet above sea level, Red Creek Group Site invites you to literally breathe in the high country experience. At this elevation, the air is crisp and pure, though noticeably thinner than at lower altitudes. Take time to acclimate to this mountain environment – your body will thank you as it adjusts to the reduced oxygen levels. The elevation rewards visitors with cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and that distinctive mountain atmosphere that makes every sunrise and sunset more spectacular.
Natural Features and SceneryRed Creek Group Site unfolds across a captivating semi-arid landscape where nature paints with a subtle but stunning palette. Majestic cottonwood giants stand as sentinels throughout the campground, their leaves whispering ancient stories in the mountain breeze and providing welcome shade during warm afternoons. The namesake Red Creek threads its way through the terrain like a liquid lifeline, eventually joining the vast expanse of Blue Mesa Reservoir. This diverse ecosystem supports an impressive cast of wildlife characters – from graceful mule deer browsing at dawn to majestic elk bugling at dusk. Lucky visitors might spot black bears foraging in the distance or catch the breathtaking sight of bald eagles soaring overhead, while the landscape itself serves as a living canvas of high desert beauty.
Geological RegionRed Creek Group Site rests within a fascinating geological tapestry where semi-arid shrubland meets riparian oasis. The mighty cottonwoods that dominate the landscape tell a story of water's precious presence in this high desert environment, their roots drinking deeply from Red Creek as it journeys toward its confluence with Blue Mesa Reservoir. This vital waterway is part of the greater Gunnison River system, famous for carving the dramatic Black Canyon with its sheer, dark walls that plunge dramatically from rim to river. The surrounding shrubland ecosystem showcases nature's resilience, where hardy plants have adapted to thrive in this land of temperature extremes and limited rainfall, creating a unique botanical community that changes subtly with each season.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair access is limited due to unpaved surfaces. There are no ADA-accessible sites.
Sites SizeUser reviews suggest the group site can accommodate up to 3-4 tents and 2 small campers. Official sources confirm the maximum group size is 20 people.
Sites PrivacyThe group site is described as private, tucked away from the main road, with minimal traffic. One reviewer noted: 'Loved the privacy of the group site. No traffic coming into site, except for occasional ranger.'
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommended for smaller groups as the site can hold up to 3-4 tents and a couple of campers due to limited space. Morning shade is available but afternoons can be warm. Vault toilets are cleaned daily.
Best CampsitesSite 001 is the sole group site available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: 14 nights during any visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Minimum of 9 people and maximum of 20 people per group site.
Groups
The group site accommodates a minimum of 9 people and a maximum of 20. User reviews suggest that the space can hold 3-4 tents or 2 small campers comfortably.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle group site accommodating 9-20 individuals. Limited space for RVs and tents; arranged near Red Creek.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-May through end of September. Closed October 1 to May 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up or first-come-first-served sites. Reservations are required for the group site.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled ahead of the arrival date. Fees include a $10 cancellation charge and forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations (within 14 days of check-in). Reservations can be modified with specific fees ($10 for major changes).
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
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Red Creek Group Site offers access to a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, boating, and camping. The site is known for its proximity to the Dillon Pinnacles Trail, opportunities for fishing in Blue Mesa Reservoir, and the chance to observe local wildlife such as bald eagles, mule deer, and even mountain lions. User reviews often highlight the stargazing opportunities, with one reviewer noting: 'Beautiful campsite, so quiet and a great place to watch the stars.'
Hiking
The Dillon Pinnacles Trail is nearby, offering a 4-mile lollipop loop with stunning views of volcanic spires shaped by erosional forces.Fishing
Anglers can fish for brown, rainbow, and Mackinaw trout as well as Kokanee salmon at Blue Mesa Reservoir, which is noted to have the densest population of Kokanee salmon in the country.Boating
Boating is available at Blue Mesa Reservoir with mandatory inspections to prevent the spread of invasive species such as Zebra and Quagga Mussels.Wildlife viewing
Campers can observe a variety of wildlife including mule deer, black bears, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and bald eagles. Seasonal sightings may include elk and the occasional moose.Cultural and Educational Programs
Nearby attractions include the Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit, which features an old-fashioned locomotive and provides access to the tallest cliffs in the Black Canyon.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not supported as the campground is closed from October 1 through May 31.Water Sports
Opportunities for water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are implied but not explicitly detailed.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated grates or fire pits. Camp stoves are permitted.
- Quiet hours not explicitly stated in the source.
Hazards
General hazardsLimited cell phone coverage and no potable water after September 19 each year. Altitude illness may occur due to the 7542 ft elevation. Vault toilet doors may not lock.
Active alertsWater shut off occurs annually around September 19. Pit toilets remain available. Vault toilet locks have been non-functional.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 12.6 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
Closest emergency services are likely in Gunnison, including hospitals and police stations. Detailed emergency service location not explicitly listed.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 30.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling collection is available seasonally on-site.
Proximity to water featuresRed Creek flows through the campground and connects to Blue Mesa Reservoir, offering wading opportunities during late summer.
Common complaintsBroken vault toilet locks and lack of shade during summer afternoons have been mentioned. Some guests recommend placing a reserved sign for the group site to prevent confusion.
HostOccasional ranger presence reported; no full-time staff on-site.
Campground Map
21001 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA
Driving directionsFrom Gunnison, drive west down U.S. Highway 50 for 19 miles. Red Creek is on the north side of the highway approximately 3 1/2 miles (5.5 km) west of Elk Creek.
Accessible via U.S. Highway 50, suitable for small RVs under 22 feet. Not recommended for larger RVs due to narrow parking areas and limited turning space.Nearby places
Gunnison (19 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Montrose (null, information on distance and time unavailable).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries and camping essentials, are likely in Gunnison (19 miles away). Detailed supply location not explicitly listed.
Camper Reviews
4.7
6 reviews
Red Creek Group Site is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, users rate the Red Creek Group Site positively, citing its privacy, stargazing opportunities, and proximity to recreational activities as key highlights. Common complaints include maintenance issues such as broken vault toilet locks and lack of shade during the afternoon.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Privacy of the site, ample parking, clean vault toilets, potable water pump, and proximity to hiking trails and fishing areas.
Based on 6 reviewsCommon Concerns
Broken locks on vault toilet doors, limited shade during warm afternoons, and occasional traffic from visitors unaware of the reserved status of the group site.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring extra shade structures for hot afternoons and plan group bathroom usage due to broken vault toilet locks. Consider placing a reserved sign at the entrance to prevent unauthorized entry.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight warm afternoons and minimal shade, while winter closures limit usability.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Beautiful campsite, so quiet and a great place to watch the stars.' 2. 'The lock on the toilet has been broken for a few years so I recommend devising a plan when going with a group to alert them...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
All reviews specifically pertain to campsite 001 in the Red Creek Group Site loop. Positive feedback includes privacy and stargazing; complaints center on broken toilet locks and limited shade.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is limited due to unpaved surfaces. RVs longer than 22 feet are not recommended.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and experiences are not discussed in the provided materials.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025