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.


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Weather/Forecast - Fri May 17, 2024
Mostly Clear Overnight | May 17 35° F 0 to 5 mph SSE Mostly Clear
Sunny Friday | May 17 74° F 0 to 20 mph N Sunny
Mostly Clear Friday Night | May 17 39° F 5 to 20 mph SW Mostly Clear
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms Saturday | May 18 74° F 5 to 15 mph SSW Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Cloudy Saturday Night | May 18 40° F 5 to 15 mph S Mostly Cloudy
Sunny Sunday | May 19 73° F 5 to 30 mph SW Sunny
Mostly Clear Sunday Night | May 19 38° F 5 to 25 mph SW Mostly Clear
Sunny Monday | May 20 72° F 5 to 25 mph SW Sunny
Partly Cloudy then Slight Chance Snow Showers Monday Night | May 20 38° F 5 to 25 mph WSW Partly Cloudy then Slight Chance Snow Showers
Slight Chance Snow Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms Tuesday | May 21 65° F 5 to 20 mph W Slight Chance Snow Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Clear Tuesday Night | May 21 35° F 5 to 20 mph SSW Mostly Clear
Sunny Wednesday | May 22 72° F 5 to 20 mph SSE Sunny
Mostly Clear Wednesday Night | May 22 37° F 5 to 20 mph SW Mostly Clear
Mostly Sunny Thursday | May 23 72° F 5 to 25 mph SW Mostly Sunny
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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