Elk Creek Campground (Curecanti National Recreation Area)

State: Colorado

Short Name: Elk Creek Campground

Open: Open all year

Open all Year: Yes

Number of Sites: 160

Free: No

Reservations: Yes - Check Recreation.gov for information

Curecanti National Recreation Area is situated between Montrose and Gunnison, Colorado. Three reservoirs, named for corresponding dams on the Gunnison River, form the heart of Curecanti. Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado’s largest body of water, and is the largest Kokanee Salmon fishery in the U.S. Morrow Point Reservoir is the beginning of the Black Canyon, and below, East Portal is the site of the Gunnison Diversion Tunnel, a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

Elk Creek Campground is located on the north shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir, just off Highway 50 approximately 16 miles west of Gunnison. Altitude is 7800′. This a semi-arid shrub land with vast expanses of sagebrush. Cell phone use is available. Pay showers are available near the marina – showers need quarters. The Elk Creek marina is adjacent to the campground. All boats require a Curecanti NRA boat permit, available for purchase in various locations.

This campground is open year round with limited services available during the off season.