Elk Creek Campground

Cardinal directions

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

Directions:

Elk Creek is located off of US Hwy 50 between Gunnison and Montrose, along Blue Mesa reservoir.


Recreation.gov Click Here for Reservations
Weather/Forecast - Sun May 19, 2024
Mostly Clear Tonight | May 19 36° F 5 to 20 mph SW Mostly Clear
Sunny Monday | May 20 81° F 5 to 25 mph SSE Sunny
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms Monday Night | May 20 36° F 10 to 25 mph WSW Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely Tuesday | May 21 58° F 10 to 25 mph W Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Clear Tuesday Night | May 21 28° F 5 to 20 mph WSW Mostly Clear
Sunny Wednesday | May 22 66° F 5 to 20 mph SW Sunny
Mostly Clear Wednesday Night | May 22 33° F 5 to 20 mph S Mostly Clear
Sunny Thursday | May 23 72° F 5 to 25 mph SW Sunny
Partly Cloudy Thursday Night | May 23 37° F 5 to 25 mph WSW Partly Cloudy
Mostly Sunny Friday | May 24 69° F 5 to 20 mph SW Mostly Sunny
Partly Cloudy Friday Night | May 24 38° F 5 to 20 mph SSW Partly Cloudy
Mostly Sunny Saturday | May 25 69° F 5 to 20 mph SW Mostly Sunny
Partly Cloudy Saturday Night | May 25 36° F 5 to 20 mph SW Partly Cloudy
Mostly Sunny Sunday | May 26 70° F 5 to 20 mph WSW Mostly Sunny
<<
< prev
next >
>>
Dramatic Dark Clouds over a Butte form the backdrop of Elk Creek Campground
NPS Photo
Details
Phone: 970-641-2337
Nearby Towns

Features Located Near ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND