How much does camping cost at East Elk Creek Group Campsite?

Camping fees at East Elk Creek Group Campsite are $120/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is East Elk Creek Group Campsite first-come first-served or reservation?

East Elk Creek Group Campsite accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at East Elk Creek Group Campsite before I book?

Yes! East Elk Creek Group Campsite has 19 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit East Elk Creek Group Campsite?

East Elk Creek Group Campsite is open August 08 to October 12. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at East Elk Creek Group Campsite?

East Elk Creek Group Campsite does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does East Elk Creek Group Campsite have?

East Elk Creek Group Campsite has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at East Elk Creek Group Campsite?

Pets are not allowed at East Elk Creek Group Campsite. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at East Elk Creek Group Campsite?

East Elk Creek Group Campsite offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at East Elk Creek Group Campsite?

Popular activities at East Elk Creek Group Campsite include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

East Elk Creek Group Campsite

Q: Can I have a campfire at East Elk Creek Group Campsite?

Fire policies at East Elk Creek Group Campsite: STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES . Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood . CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit the National Invasive . Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.87

14 reviews

23935 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

Top 6% in COFall

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7,800 ft

Price

$120/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Water to the campgro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Curecanti National Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,800 ft

Price

$120/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Water to the campgro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Curecanti National Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

East Elk Creek Group Campsite

$120.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $120.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$120.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-641-2337

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about East Elk Creek Group Campsite

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

23935 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

East Elk Creek Group Campsite

23935 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

Nearby places

Gunnison (22 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Montrose (51 miles, approximately 1 hour), Delta (70 miles, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes)

Weather at East Elk Creek Group Campsite

Current alerts(5)

East Elk Creek Campground has no electric hookups.
This campground is closed annually in early to mid-summer for wildlife protection.
This is a high elevation (7535 feet/2297 m) facility. Learn about how to "Take it Easy at Altitude" and more on the parks' Safety web page.
Upon arrival and before launching, all watercraft must be inspected and certified as Zebra and Quagga Mussel free. Inspection stations are located at the Elk Creek and Lake Fork boat ramps during peak seasons (May through October).

Best Time to Camp at East Elk Creek Group Campsite

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of stable, clear weather and spectacular scenery — expect crisp days in the 50s–70°F and cold nights dipping into the 20s–30s, with brilliant aspen color and excellent wildlife viewing. Kokanee salmon spawning runs peak in late September to October, making fishing and shore-side wildlife watching especially rewarding, while boating and windsurfing remain very good on calm, clear days. Crowd levels are generally lower than midsummer, though weekends around early- Peak months: September, October, August Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in CO

Overview: 'Best season: fall' with kokanee runs and brilliant aspen color; peak season Aug–Oct.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: August 08 to October 12. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Water to the campground is shut off approximately September 19th each year. If your reservation is after this date please bring all the water you will need. Pit toilets will still be available.

About East Elk Creek Group Campsite

East Elk Creek Group Campsite sits in the high-elevation alpine country of Curecanti National Recreation Area, near Gunnison. Operated by the National Park Service, this small group-only site offers privacy and direct access to Blue Mesa Reservoir for boating and fishing. Fall brings kokanee salmon runs and brilliant aspen color, making it a prime spot for wildlife viewing and fishing along the shore.

East Elk Creek Group Campsite exclusively caters to group camping, accommodating 9 to 50 people.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of stable, clear weather and spectacular scenery — expect crisp days in the 50s–70°F and cold nights dipping into the 20s–30s, with brilliant aspen color and excellent wildlife viewing. Kokanee salmon spawning runs peak in late September to October, making fishing and shore-side wildlife watching especially rewarding, while boating and windsurfing remain very good on calm, clear days. Crowd levels are generally lower than midsummer, though weekends around early- Peak months: September, October, August Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation7800 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested setting at the edge of Blue Mesa Reservoir, where weathered volcanic peaks frame the water. At 7,800 feet, the site sits in a transition zone between alpine meadows and reservoir shoreline. Aspens provide seasonal color, and East Elk Creek flows nearby. The reservoir itself formed through damming and holds Colorado's largest population of Kokanee salmon. Wildlife includes elk and eagles. During certain seasons, free-range cattle move through the area and can overtake the campsite.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum Consecutive Stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Minimum of 9 guests, Maximum of 50 guests.

Groups

Group campsite accommodating a minimum of 9 and up to a maximum of 50 people.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov website or app, and customer contact center.

Site SizeGroup campsite accommodating a minimum of 9 people and up to a maximum of 50 people.

PrivacyThe campsite provides ample privacy for groups. User review mentions, "Group-only camp. Very nice, private for your group.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesUsers recommend this site for large groups due to its spacious and private nature.

Need help booking East Elk Creek Group Campsite?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

East Elk Creek Campground has no electric hookups.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at East Elk Creek Group Campsite

East Elk Creek Group Campsite is surrounded by natural beauty and offers an array of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and windsurfing. The campground’s location near the Blue Mesa Reservoir makes it ideal for water activities.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Site is under a mile from a boat ramp and inspection station; direct reservoir access supports boating.

Water Sports4.0/5

Direct access to Blue Mesa Reservoir and proximity to a boat ramp make kayaking a strong option.

Wildlife viewing3.5/5

Hiking3.0/5

Nearest trail: Dillon Pinnacles Trail; hiking available but not the site's primary draw.

Winter Activities1.0/5

Site is high elevation but seasonality notes and water shut-off after Sept 19 imply limited winter use.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Brilliant fall aspen color, reservoir vistas and volcanic peaks offer strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicySTOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES . Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood . CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit the National Invasive

Cell CoverageThe text does not specify if cell phone service is available.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate East Elk Creek Group Campsite

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

3.9

14 reviews

Mixed Reviews

East Elk Creek Group Campsite has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise the campground’s beautiful scenery, privacy, and spaciousness. However, there are concerns about cows overtaking the campsite during certain times.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include beautiful scenery, ample space for groups, and privacy. Direct quotes from users include: "Beautiful campground. Plenty of space and privacy for a large group." and "Its...

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns raised by users include the presence of cow manure and cows overtaking the campsite, as noted in the review: "Very nice location except for cow pucks all over. Last day cows overtook...

Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews do not specify individual campsites, but highlight the overall group site’s privacy and spaciousness.

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors should be aware of seasonal water shut-offs after September 19th and prepare to bring their own water. Additional tips include reserving and paying for the group site ahead of time, as...

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground appears to be most usable during peak season between August 16th and October 9th. Seasonal water shut-offs occur after September 19th each year.

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful campground. Plenty of space and privacy for a large group." "Its beautiful scenery and trees make it the perfect spot to camp." "Group-only camp. Very nice, private for your group." "Very...

Based on 14 reviews