Stevens Creek Campground
4.1660 reviews29130 Hwy 50
Stevens Creek Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly rate for standard nonelectric campsites is $20 during peak season (May 18 – September 30).
About this campground
Perched on the north shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir's eastern edge, Stevens Creek Campground offers a front-row seat to Colorado's high-country splendor. Just minutes from the charming town of Gunnison, this waterfront haven invites you to wake up to panoramic lake views and breathe in the crisp mountain air perfumed with wild sagebrush. Sun-drenched sites stretch along the shoreline, where the shimmering waters of Colorado's largest body of water meet endless skies.
Stevens Creek Campground offers primitive and RV camping options but lacks advanced booking systems. It is operated as a Scan and Pay facility.
Historical SignificanceStevens Creek Campground serves as your gateway to authentic Western heritage. The nearby town of Gunnison embodies the spirit of the Old West with its genuine small-town hospitality and cowboy culture that remains vibrant today. A short drive leads to the awe-inspiring Black Canyon of the Gunnison, where ancient geological forces carved dramatic cliffs that plunge into shadowy depths—a testament to millions of years of natural artistry that continues to captivate visitors and geologists alike.
Weather and SeasonsThis high-altitude paradise showcases nature's extremes with its distinctive semi-arid climate. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland with temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags and warm campfires. Come summer, the mercury rises to comfortable levels perfect for water activities and stargazing. With fewer than 12 inches of rainfall annually, you'll enjoy predominantly clear skies and over 300 days of sunshine—ideal conditions for outdoor adventures year-round.
ElevationAt 7,540 feet above sea level, Stevens Creek Campground places you firmly in Colorado's stunning high country. This lofty perch offers crisp, clean air and spectacular vistas, though visitors should take time to acclimate to the altitude. The thin mountain air may leave lowlanders breathless at first, but the reward is access to some of Colorado's most pristine wilderness and star-filled nights that seem close enough to touch.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's dramatic setting showcases the rugged beauty of Colorado's high mesa country. Vast expanses of silvery-green sagebrush carpet the rolling terrain, creating a tapestry of texture and subtle color that changes with the light. This treeless expanse at 7,540 feet offers unobstructed views in every direction, from sunrise painting the reservoir gold to sunset casting purple shadows across the distant peaks. The sparse rainfall has sculpted a landscape of remarkable clarity, where every vista feels like a Western landscape painting come to life.
Geological RegionStevens Creek Campground occupies a fascinating geological crossroads where ancient forces shaped today's stunning scenery. The semi-arid mesa environment tells a story written in stone and sage, where volcanic activity and erosion created the basin now filled by Blue Mesa Reservoir. This treeless shrubland ecosystem, dominated by aromatic sagebrush, thrives in less than 12 inches of annual precipitation—a testament to nature's resilience. The exposed geology reveals layers of time, offering glimpses into Colorado's prehistoric past while providing a dramatic backdrop for modern-day adventures.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information is not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeUser reviews mention campsites are generous in size, but some are primarily asphalt and intended for RVs.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies; some sites are noted as spacious with good lake access, while others are closely packed.
Total Campsites53 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid campsites 9, 10, 11, and 12 due to red ants. Choose waterfront sites for privacy and scenery.
Best CampsitesSites 1A and waterfront sites are frequently praised for excellent views and privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time information not explicitly mentioned.
Check-out
Check-out time information not explicitly mentioned.
Stay Limit
No stay limit information explicitly mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific information on the number of guests per site.
Groups
Details about group sites are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of loops (e.g., Loop A, Loop C) with a mix of waterfront and more exposed sites.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak season runs from May 18 to September 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be paid through Scan & Pay using the Recreation.gov app.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with Scan & Pay payments. No advanced reservations are allowed.
Cancellation PolicyThere are no refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan & Pay payments. This system is equivalent to putting cash in a fee tube.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Stevens Creek Campground include water sports like paddleboarding, fishing, and canoeing. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding due to the area's suitability for waterfowl. Hiking is also popular, with the nearby Neversink Trail offering a 1.5-mile scenic route. Wildlife viewing, swimming, and boating are additional options.
Hiking
The Neversink Trail, about 1.5 miles long, runs along the Gunnison River and is recommended for hikers.Fishing
Fishing is available, with reports of catching trout. A fish cleaning station is present during peak seasons.Swimming
Swimming is mentioned as an activity, but specifics about designated areas are not provided.Boating
Boating is popular, though the boat ramp at Stevens Creek is currently closed due to low water levels.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing, particularly birdwatching, is highlighted as a rewarding activity.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned; the campground appears to cater more to summer visitors.Water Sports
Stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and other water sports are popular here.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Users mention that fire pits with cooking grates are available at campsites. Fire bans may apply during dry conditions.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsRed ants are noted as a recurring issue in user reviews, particularly at campsites 9, 10, 11, and 12. High winds and hot conditions are also common.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 27%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.7 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
The closest emergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are most likely located in Gunnison, CO, which is 12 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 18 to September 30.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground sits on the north shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir. The reservoir provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and paddleboarding.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently mention the prevalence of red ants, lack of shade, high winds, and varying water levels in the reservoir. Pit toilets and proximity to Highway 50 are also cited as downsides.
HostUser reviews frequently praise the camp host, 'Tom,' for his friendliness and maintenance of the campground.
Campground Map
29130 Hwy 50
Driving directionsStevens Creek Campground is located off of US Hwy 50, 12 miles west of Gunnison, CO.
The campground is accessible via US Hwy 50, which is a paved road. No specific seasonal closures or road challenges are mentioned.Nearby places
Gunnison, CO: 12 miles (19 km)
Nearby supplies
Gunnison, CO, 12 miles away, provides access to groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.2
60 reviews
Stevens Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's proximity to the reservoir, scenic beauty, and quiet atmosphere. Complaints include red ants at certain sites, limited cell service, and the lack of shade. Positive aspects include clean bathrooms, friendly hosts, and good lake access.
Review Summaries
Based on 60 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean bathrooms, spacious sites, excellent views, friendly camp hosts, proximity to Gunnison town, and good fishing opportunities.
Based on 60 reviewsCommon Concerns
Red ants at specific sites (e.g., 9, 10, 11), lack of shade, limited cell service, and issues with Scan and Pay system. Some sites are criticized for their barren environment.
Based on 60 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring cash in case the Scan and Pay system fails, be prepared for windy conditions, and bring an awning for shade.
Based on 60 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews mention heat and lack of shade as major drawbacks; however, stargazing and wildlife sightings are often praised. Winter camping is not addressed.
Based on 60 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Absolutely Gorgeous!! Super clean!! Amazing Camp Host!! Waterfront spots!!!" - Linda Bernard
"Right off the road, quiet and convenient! The pit toilets are clean and there are dog stations scattered...
Based on 60 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 9, 10, and 11 are noted for red ant problems. Site 9 was also mentioned as having good privacy and lake access. Sites by the waterfront are particularly praised for their views.
Based on 60 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
"Dog stations are scattered throughout" according to one review. Pets are seemingly allowed.
Based on 60 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025