How much does camping cost at Elk Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Elk Creek Campground are $24 - $34/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Elk Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Elk Creek Campground 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 Elk Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Elk Creek Campground has 8 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 Elk Creek Campground?

Elk Creek Campground is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Elk Creek Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Elk Creek Campground?

Cell phone service at Elk Creek Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Elk Creek Campground have?

Elk Creek Campground has 120 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Elk Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Elk Creek Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Elk Creek Campground?

Elk Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Elk Creek Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Elk Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Elk Creek Campground: 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.

4.16

484 reviews

24830 US Hwy 50

Top 25% in COSpring

BReport Card

StargazingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Colorado

Quick Facts

7,540 ft

Price

$24 - $34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

120 campsites

Season

Peak season lasts fr...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Curecanti National Recreation Area - National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,540 ft

Price

$24 - $34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

120 campsites

Season

Peak season lasts fr...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Curecanti National Recreation Area - National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Elk Creek Campground

$24.00 - $34.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC: $34.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online /...

Standard Site Fee$24.00

Hookup Site Fee$34.00

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

256,000+ 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 Elk Creek Campground

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

Campground Map

24830 US Hwy 50

Elk Creek Campground

24830 US Hwy 50

Nearby places

Gunnison (~15 miles, ~20 minutes)

Montrose (~60 miles, ~1 hour)

Crested Butte (~40 miles, ~1 hour)

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (~45 miles, ~1 hour)

Weather at Elk Creek Campground

Current alerts(2)

This facility is at a high elevation (7535 feet/2297 m). 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 Elk Creek Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliably warm days (typically 70–85°F) and cool, comfortable nights (40s–50s) at 7,540 ft, making Blue Mesa Reservoir ideal for swimming, boating, and shore fishing. Water-based activities are at their peak — boat ramps and marinas are fully operational and the reservoir warm enough for swimming — while long daylight hours suit extended hikes and bike rides. Expect the busiest crowds in July–early August and on holiday weekends, so reserve sites early and be Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Best season: warm days, cool nights, full access to boating, swimming, ranger programs and amenities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season lasts from March 26, 2025, to October 3, 2025. Reservations open on June 21, 2025, and close on October 3, 2025.

About Elk Creek Campground

Elk Creek Campground sits at 7,540 feet on the shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area, operated by the National Park Service. This large campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with electric hookups and a dump station, serving as a base for boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. Reviewers praise spacious, level sites and nightly ranger talks, though wind and limited shade are common trade-offs at this high-elevation alpine setting.

Elk Creek Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent-only sites, RV sites with electric hookups, and walk-in tent camping. Group camping and cabin options are not available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliably warm days (typically 70–85°F) and cool, comfortable nights (40s–50s) at 7,540 ft, making Blue Mesa Reservoir ideal for swimming, boating, and shore fishing. Water-based activities are at their peak — boat ramps and marinas are fully operational and the reservoir warm enough for swimming — while long daylight hours suit extended hikes and bike rides. Expect the busiest crowds in July–early August and on holiday weekends, so reserve sites early and be Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation7540 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryBlue Mesa Reservoir dominates the view, stretching 96 miles across the arid landscape of Curecanti National Recreation Area. Sagebrush covers the campground and surrounding hillsides where trees are scarce, creating panoramic sight lines in every direction. At night, minimal light pollution turns the sky into a display of stars and the Milky Way. The high desert climate at this elevation produces strong afternoon winds that kick up whitecaps on the water. Reviewers consistently mention the wind and the lack of shade, so plan accordingly.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available within Elk Creek Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNightly ranger talks at the amphitheater cover a wide range of topics, including wildlife, astronomy, and local history. These programs are well-received by campers.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights per visit
maximum stay total is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies based on site type
no specific numbers available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, phone, or app.

AccessibilityAccessibility features include concrete pads for easy leveling and access, as well as wheelchair-friendly paths. Reviews indicate that some users with mobility challenges found the campground manageable.

Site SizeCampsites at Elk Creek are described as spacious, with concrete and asphalt pads suitable for RVs and trailers. Tent-only sites are also available.

PrivacyPrivacy varies across sites. Loop D offers spaced-out electric sites with less crowding, while tent sites in other loops may have limited natural barriers or shade.

Total Campsites120 campsites

Recommended SitesLoops D and A are ideal for electric hookups and paved pads. Tent campers should opt for Tent Only Nonelectric sites for quieter locations. Sites close to water or amphitheater are noted for convenience.

Best CampsitesSite D17 gets mentioned for its space and convenient access to amenities. Site A32 sits near the amphitheater where rangers give nightly talks in season. Loop D in general offers better spacing between electric sites and less crowding than other loops.

Need help booking Elk Creek Campground?

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

Elk Creek Campground offers a variety of amenities to enhance the camping experience. Facilities include drinking water, a dump station, flush toilets, tent pads, electricity hookups (30 and 50 amps in Loop D), fire pits, grills, picnic tables, and parking areas. Seasonal campfire programs and an amphitheater add to the recreational options. The dump station is functional but appears to have long wait times and only one operational lane, as noted by user reviews. There is no on-site Wi-Fi, and cell phone service is inconsistent, varying by provider. While potable water is available near restroom buildings, on-site showers are currently non-functional, leading to dissatisfaction among some campers.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Elk Creek Campground

Elk Creek Campground provides a plethora of recreational activities centered around Blue Mesa Reservoir. Opportunities include fishing for Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout, hiking nearby trails, swimming, boating, kayaking, and bird watching. Nightly ranger talks at the amphitheater cover diverse topics such as wildlife and astronomy, enhancing the camping experience.

Fishing4.0/5

Biking4.0/5Top 18% in Colorado

Boating4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Birdwatching popular; bald eagles frequently sighted and other wildlife present.

Water Sports4.0/5

Swimming3.5/5

Swimming allowed with several sandy beach areas on Blue Mesa, though water conditions vary with levels.

Hiking3.0/5

Nearby Curecanti Creek and Beaver Creek trails noted by users as enjoyable but hiking isn't the primary draw.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Panoramic water vistas, wildlife (bald eagles) and excellent night skies make it photogenic.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m to 6:00 a.m

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are readily available throughout the campground. Recycling bins are provided for metals, glass, and plastics, which users appreciated.

Cell CoverageCell phone coverage at Elk Creek Campground is inconsistent. AT&T users report good service, while Verizon users often experience no signal. T-Mobile service may be limited to roaming. User reviews highlight the spotty nature of connectivity.

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 Elk Creek Campground

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

4.2

484 reviews

Satisfactory

Elk Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Elk Creek Campground are generally positive, with high ratings for cleanliness, spacious sites, and a range of amenities. Complaints focus on campground crowding, lack of shade, and non-functional showers.

Review Summaries

Based on 484 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 484 reviews.

Loop DLoved
Electric Loop D is recommended for privacy and spaciousness.
D12Issues noted
Site-specific feedback includes: D12 - insect issues; A28 - near the lake and windy; D10 - excellent dump facilities.

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms, spacious and level sites, nightly ranger talks, excellent views of Blue Mesa Reservoir, and access to activities like fishing and boating.

Based on 484 reviews

Common Concerns

Non-functional shower facilities, limited cell phone reception, lack of shade, noise during quiet hours, and crowded conditions in busy loops.

Based on 484 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring quarters for marina showers if open, plan for windy conditions, and pack extra bug spray. Early reservations are recommended for Loop D electric sites.

Based on 484 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During summer, campers enjoy ranger programs and water activities. Fall offers quiet camping and stunning star gazing but has chilly temperatures. Spring features fewer crowds.

Based on 484 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms were immaculate." "Camping pads were nice and the grounds are very clean." "Loved Curecanti Trail, a must-do!" "Stars here are AMAZING at night." "Ranger programs were very informative and...

Based on 484 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair users reported ease of movement on concrete pads and accessible paths. Hosts were noted for their helpfulness.

Based on 484 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some reviews raised concerns about off-leash dogs and aggressive behavior.

Based on 484 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Elk Creek Campground

$24.00 - $34.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC: $34.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online /...

Standard Site Fee$24.00

Hookup Site Fee$34.00