Is Soap Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Soap Creek 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.

What is the best time to visit Soap Creek?

Soap Creek is open Seasons of Use Late Spring to Early Fall - weather dependent. 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 Soap Creek?

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

How many campsites does Soap Creek have?

Soap Creek has 21 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Soap Creek?

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

What amenities are available at Soap Creek?

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

Soap Creek

4.35

20 reviews

This campground is currently closed

It's marked closed by the operator right now, so it isn't taking reservations. We keep the page up so you can still read reviews, photos, and details and plan for when it reopens. Typical season: Seasons of Use Late Spring to Early Fall - weather dependent.

Quick Facts

7,740 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Seasons of Use Late ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,740 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Seasons of Use Late ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Soap Creek

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Soap Creek

38.5479, -107.3178

Weather at Soap Creek

Best Time to Camp at Soap Creek

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable conditions at 7,740 ft — expect warm, sunny days in the mid‑60s to mid‑70s°F and crisp nights falling into the 30s–40s°F, ideal for long hikes and creekside evenings. Trails are fully accessible, fishing in Soap Creek is at its best with active trout, and wildlife viewing (elk at dawn/dusk, foxes near campsites) is excellent. With just 21 sites the campground rarely feels overcrowded, though weekends fill quickly, so plan reservations for July–August and pack warm Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Best season: summer; reviews praise vibrant wildlife, cool mornings and reliable conditions.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Seasons of Use Late Spring to Early Fall - weather dependent

About Soap Creek

Soap Creek sits at 7,740 feet in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, offering high-elevation alpine camping along its namesake creek. This small Forest Service campground provides tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers come for trout fishing, wildlife viewing—elk at dawn and dusk, foxes near campsites—and access to mountain trails.

Soap Creek Campground primarily caters to both tent and RV campers with limited facilities. It is known for its peaceful and somewhat remote atmosphere.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable conditions at 7,740 ft — expect warm, sunny days in the mid‑60s to mid‑70s°F and crisp nights falling into the 30s–40s°F, ideal for long hikes and creekside evenings. Trails are fully accessible, fishing in Soap Creek is at its best with active trout, and wildlife viewing (elk at dawn/dusk, foxes near campsites) is excellent. With just 21 sites the campground rarely feels overcrowded, though weekends fill quickly, so plan reservations for July–August and pack warm Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation7740 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySoap Creek runs through the campground, bordered by tall cliffs and mature forest cover that provides shade at most sites. The creek holds active trout populations, and the surrounding habitat supports elk, deer, moose, black bears, and foxes that regularly pass through camp. Elevation at 7,740 feet means thinner air and cooler temperatures than lower-altitude campgrounds. The forested setting creates a secluded feel even though sites aren't massively spaced apart. Reviewers consistently mention wildlife sightings, particularly elk at dawn and dusk, and foxes near campsites after dark. The creek provides constant background noise.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information about lodging or cabin accommodations is provided.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Group sites are not mentioned in the sources.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsThe campground is first-come, first-served. If available, you may use Scan and Pay via the Recreation.gov app.

Site SizeUser reviews indicate the campground has 21 sites, including 6 pull-through options and several walk-in tent sites.

PrivacySome sites offer privacy, with a balance of pull-through and walk-in options. Site 11 is noted for its unique riverfront location, though currently unavailable due to erosion.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose Site #17 for shade and scenic cliff views.

Best CampsitesSite 17 is a pull-through with good views and shade. Site 11 used to offer riverfront access but is currently closed due to erosion around the fire pit. The campground has six pull-through sites and several walk-in tent sites for those wanting more separation from RVs.

Need help booking Soap Creek?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Soap Creek Campground is a first-come, first-served facility that allows visitors to use Recreation.gov's Scan and Pay feature for campsite payment. Visitors must download the Recreation.gov mobile app ahead of time as cellular service may be limited. The campground is less visited and reviewed positively for its scenic and serene environment. Amenities at the campground include clean vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings at individual campsites. Drinking water is not available, and firewood is not sold on-site.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not mentioned as available at the campsite.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

20 reviews

Recommended

Soap Creek is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews frequently mention the serene and secluded atmosphere of Soap Creek Campground. Themes of abundant wildlife, clean facilities, and the importance of preparedness due to the remote location are emphasized.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 20 reviews.

Site 11Loved
Site 11 is highlighted as a pull-through site with riverfront views but is currently unavailable due to erosion.
Site 17Loved
Site 17 is also highlighted for its excellent views and shade.

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the peaceful and scenic environment, clean vault toilets, and abundant opportunities for wildlife observation. Campers also appreciated the fresh mountain air and...

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include limited facilities such as the absence of potable water, firewood sales, and unreliable cellular service. Mosquitoes and a few ticks were also mentioned as minor nuisances.

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing mosquito repellent, warm clothing, and locking away food to avoid attracting wildlife. For convenience and safety reasons, campers should download necessary apps and...

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the vibrant wildlife, cool mornings (even dropping to 30 degrees Fahrenheit), and the abundance of mosquitoes. Campers emphasize that July and August are ideal for escaping...

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

Direct quotes from users include: 'One of my family’s favorite places on Earth! So serene, such abundant wildlife and ever so very peaceful.' (Leda Ketelhohn) and 'Vault toilets are clean. Lots of...

Based on 20 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility-specific reviews are not available from the sources.

Based on 20 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related reviews are not mentioned for Soap Creek Campground.

Based on 20 reviews

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Soap Creek

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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

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Provider

N/A

Go if

You want peaceful mountain scenery, wildlife observation, and don't mind bringing your own firewood and cash.

Skip if

You're bothered by insects in summer or need on-site firewood sales and card payment options.

Nearby Campgrounds

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Soap Creek sits at 7,740 feet in a remote corner of Colorado where cell service drops out and the first-come, first-served tradition still applies. The campground draws visitors willing to trade convenience for solitude. Download the Recreation.gov app before you arrive. You'll need the offline QR code to pay.

Ponderosa Campground (Co)

Ponderosa Campground, Soap Creek Road, Colorado

Ponderosa Campground sits at 7,880 feet in Curecanti National Recreation Area, offering budget-friendly tent, RV, and primitive sites with direct access to Blue Mesa Reservoir. This small, seasonally operated campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in a high-elevation alpine setting. Visitors launch boats, paddle the reservoir, and watch wildlife during summer months when conditions are most reliable.

21001 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA

Red Creek Group Site sits in Curecanti National Recreation Area near Gunnison, offering high-elevation alpine access to Blue Mesa Reservoir. Operated by the National Park Service, this group-only campground provides vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables for organized gatherings. Visitors fish the reservoir, hike nearby trails, and watch wildlife along the water's edge.

102 ELK CREEK, GUNNISON, CO 81230, USA

Lake Fork Campground sits on the shores of Blue Mesa Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service. This large, high-elevation alpine campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. Visitors fish, boat, hike, and watch wildlife along the reservoir, with fall bringing vivid aspen color and quieter shorelines.

East Elk Creek Group Campsite

23935 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

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.

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.

$24.00 - $34.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.1

(121)

Stevens Creek Campground

29130 Hwy 50

Stevens Creek Campground sits on the shores of Blue Mesa Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area, about 20 miles west of Gunnison. This mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing on Colorado's largest body of water, with spacious sites and clean facilities maintained by friendly hosts.

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Cimarron Campground sits at 6,895 feet in Curecanti National Recreation Area near Montrose, Colorado, offering tent and RV camping with flush toilets and potable water. Summer brings reliable weather and easy access to Crystal Reservoir fishing, canyon viewpoints, and historic railroad exhibits, with warm days (70–85°F) and cool nights (40–50°F). The campground is known for clean facilities and attentive hosts, though some reviewers note rusty water and bright utility lighting.

Cimarron Campground (Co)

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Cimarron Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Curecanti National Recreation Area, near Montrose and Crystal Reservoir. Operated by Recreation.gov, this small campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Visitors fish for trout in Crystal Reservoir, hike canyon trails, and explore nearby railroad exhibits in a quiet setting.

Red Bridge Campground

210 West Spencer Avenue, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA

Red Bridge Campground sits along the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River near Lake City, managed by the BLM's Gunnison Field Office. This very small, primitive riverside site offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables but no potable water. Campers come for riverside fishing, fall aspen color along the Silver Thread Byway, and exceptional stargazing in a quiet high-elevation setting.

Box 147, Crawford, Colorado, 81415, United States

Crawford State Park sits at 6,614 feet on Colorado's western slope, roughly halfway between Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Blue Mesa Reservoir. The 100-site campground offers both tent and RV camping with full hookups available, plus amenities like showers, flush toilets, and a dump station. Sites run $32-41 per night. The park surrounds a reservoir backed by mesa and mountain views.

$32.00 - $41.00 / night

Perched at 6,600 feet on the shimmering waters of Crawford Reservoir, Crawford Campground in Crawford State Park is your gateway to classic Colorado lake recreation. Choose from electric or full-hookup sites at Clear Fork and Iron Creek campgrounds, all within steps of boating, fishing, and a welcoming sandy beach, with sweeping views across West Elk and Black Canyon country.

$8.00 - $36.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.5

(52)

East Portal Campground

102 Elk Creek, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

East Portal Campground sits along the Gunnison River at the base of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, operated by the National Park Service. This small, mid-elevation forest campground serves anglers and river enthusiasts who want direct water access in one of Colorado's most dramatic canyon settings. The intimate scale and riverside location make it a base camp for fishing, hiking, and exploring the inner canyon.

East Portal Campground

Curecanti National Recreation Area

East Portal Campground sits at the bottom of Black Canyon of the Gunnison, directly on the Gunnison River in Curecanti National Recreation Area. This small, budget-friendly campground offers vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables for tent and RV campers. The steep, winding East Portal Road descends into the canyon, delivering visitors to a quiet riverside setting prized for fishing, rafting put-ins, and dramatic canyon walls.

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground

10346 Hwy. 347, Montrose, CO 81401, USA

Black Canyon of the Gunnison South Rim Campground sits at 8,000 feet on the rim of one of Colorado's most dramatic gorges, operated by the National Park Service near Montrose. The large campground offers electric hookups and serves as base camp for rim hiking, wildlife viewing, and ranger-led programs among scrub oak that provides natural site separation. Campers report frequent sightings of mule deer and black bears, and the high-elevation location delivers exceptional stargazing above the canyon's dark depths.

$20.00 - $34.00 / night

Campgrounds

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Soap Creek

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Soap Creek sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>This campground provides access to the southern trails of the West Elk Wilderness. On site is Coal Mesa Trailhead, which is the portal for a network of trails including 451.2 (Coal Mesa), 451 and 452. Horse corrals and bins are located adjacent to the campground. 21 campsites.</p>

Open Season: May 23 – Sept. 29