How much does camping cost at Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf)?

Camping fees at Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf) range from $29-$60/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 (Rio Grande Nf) first-come first-served or reservation?

Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf) 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 (Rio Grande Nf) before I book?

Yes! Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf) has 4 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 (Rio Grande Nf)?

Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf) is open May 22 to September 06. 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 (Rio Grande Nf)?

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

Can I have a campfire at Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf)?

Fire policies at Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf): Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf) have?

Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf) has 29 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 (Rio Grande Nf)?

Pets are not allowed at Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf). This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf)?

Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf) offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf)?

Popular activities at Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf) include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf)

4.64

155 reviews

23750 STATE HIGHWAY 17, ANTONITO, CO, 81120, USA

Featured in:RV Camping Colorado Tent Camping Colorado Family-Friendly Campgrounds Colorado

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,500 ft

Price

$29 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Book on PMC Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,500 ft

Price

$29 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Book on PMC Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf)

$29.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

DOUBLE - STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $58.00 (+$2.00 weekend) (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $29.00 (+$2.00 weekend) (+$2.00 holiday); Standard...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

805-434-1996customerservice@pmcparks.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

23750 STATE HIGHWAY 17, ANTONITO, CO, 81120, USA

Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf)

23750 STATE HIGHWAY 17, ANTONITO, CO, 81120, USA

Nearby places

Antonito, CO - 23 miles (approx. 30 minutes drive)

Weather at Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf)

Current alerts(11)

All double campsite reservation fees are good for 12 people and two vehicles. The maximum number of people per double site is 16 ($10.00 additional charge after 12 people).
All single campsite reservation fees are good for 6 people and 1 vehicle. The maximum number of people per site is 8 ($10.00 additional charge after 6 people). The maximum number of vehicles per site is 2 ($10.00 additional charge for 2nd vehicle).
First-come, first-served campsites may be available but not guaranteed.
Livestock and horses are not permitted.

Best Time to Camp at Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf)

Best season: summer. Summer provides the most reliable access and the best weather for high‑country recreation — expect daytime highs in the 60s–70s°F (15–25°C) and crisp nights often dropping to the 30s–40s°F (0–8°C). Trails into the South San Juan Wilderness and fishing on Elk Creek and nearby Rio Grande are at their peak, with wildflowers, active wildlife viewing, and manageable snowpack. Crowds are moderate (weekends and July/August holidays are busiest), campground hosts are onsite, and facilities are fully in‑ Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season May 23–Aug 31: best access, trails and fishing; reviews praise summer experiences despite mosquitoes.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 06. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23, 2025, to August 31, 2025. Reservable starting June 25, 2025.

About Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf)

Elk Creek Campground sits at high elevation in Rio Grande National Forest near Antonito, Colorado, operated by PMC Parks with seasonal access during peak months. The small campground offers electric hookups, vault toilets, and potable water alongside fire rings and picnic tables, serving as a base for hiking into the South San Juan Wilderness, fishing Elk Creek and the Rio Grande, and wildlife viewing. Reviewers praise the clean, spacious sites and exceptionally maintained vault toilets, though mosquitoes and generator noise can be issues.

Elk Creek Campground accommodates a range of camping preferences with options for RV and tent sites, as well as single and double-site configurations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer provides the most reliable access and the best weather for high‑country recreation — expect daytime highs in the 60s–70s°F (15–25°C) and crisp nights often dropping to the 30s–40s°F (0–8°C). Trails into the South San Juan Wilderness and fishing on Elk Creek and nearby Rio Grande are at their peak, with wildflowers, active wildlife viewing, and manageable snowpack. Crowds are moderate (weekends and July/August holidays are busiest), campground hosts are onsite, and facilities are fully in‑ Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation8500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryElk Creek runs through the campground, bordered by spruce and ponderosa pines that provide shade without blocking the sky. The setting is wooded but not dense. Sites near the water offer creek sounds at night. The South San Juan Wilderness starts just beyond the treeline. Elevation keeps temperatures moderate in summer, with views of the surrounding Southern Rockies.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights per rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Standard sites allow up to 8 guests, with a $10 per person fee for more than 6 guests. Double sites allow up to 16 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible tables and vault toilets are highlighted. User reviews note picnic tables have cut-out areas for wheelchair access.

Site SizeSites are described as large, spacious, and level, accommodating both single and double-site options.

PrivacyReviews highlight well-spaced sites that provide a fair amount of privacy. One user noted, "Sites are spread out far enough to enjoy the solitude.

Total Campsites29 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 15 and creekside sites like 13 and 14 are noted for their beauty and solitude. Sites 27 and 28 are frequently praised for their spaciousness and cleanliness.

Best CampsitesSites 13 and 14 sit creekside and get recommended most often in reviews. Reserving one of these puts you right on the water.

Need help booking Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf)?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Elk Creek Campground offers a variety of amenities aimed at ensuring a comfortable stay for campers. The campground features accessible tables, grills, fire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. "Most sites are equipped with accessible tables, grills and fire rings," according to official descriptions. Vault toilets are described as exceptionally clean by multiple user reviews. There is no evidence of electricity, sewer, or dump stations onsite.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Elk Creek Campground offers diverse recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, scenic driving, and wildlife watching. The nearby Elk Creek and Duck Lake trailheads provide access to South San Juan Wilderness Area trails.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

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 available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

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.

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

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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

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From Booking Sources

4.6

155 reviews

Top-Rated

Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Elk Creek Campground is consistently praised for its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and serene environment. Visitors frequently mention the high quality of the vault toilets, the spaciousness of the sites, and the helpfulness of camp hosts.

Review Summaries

Based on 155 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 155 reviews.

Site 13Loved
Site 13 and 14 are noted for being close to the creek and offering great views.
Site 15Loved
Site 15 is mentioned for solitude, while site 8 is praised for its extra-long picnic tables and accessibility features.

What Campers Love

Clean and spacious campsites, exceptionally clean vault toilets, friendly and helpful camp hosts, beautiful and quiet surroundings.

Based on 155 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues with mosquitoes and flies during certain seasons, lack of cell phone service, and occasional confusion with reservation policies. Some users noted the proximity of RVs with generators as a...

Based on 155 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellant for early summer visits. Plan for no cell service and ensure adequate offline maps or directions. Consider reserving creekside sites such as 13 and 14 for their ideal...

Based on 155 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are described as busier with higher mosquito activity. Fall reviews highlight the quietness and pleasant weather. Winter reviews are scarce, possibly due to seasonal closures.

Based on 155 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The cleanest bathrooms of any national forest campground I've ever visited." "Sites are very large, vault toilets are the cleanest we have seen, and the views are amazing." "We loved the location...

Based on 155 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features including wheelchair-friendly picnic tables are appreciated. Reviews note the campground is well-suited for those with mobility challenges.

Based on 155 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a clean, well-maintained base camp for South San Juan Wilderness hiking and high-elevation fishing with helpful hosts.

Skip if

You're sensitive to mosquitoes or need guaranteed site availability without reservations.

Nearby Campgrounds

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(13)

Spectacle Lake Campground

Rio Grande National Forest

Spectacle Lake Campground sits at 8,700 feet in Rio Grande National Forest near Antonito, with 24 tent sites surrounded by towering cliff walls. The campground has vault toilets, hand-pump potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Sites cost $26-30 per night, and most offer panoramic views of the cliffs that frame this alpine valley.

Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf)

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Real-Time Availability

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Best Time to Camp at Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf)

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About Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf)

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

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Amenities available

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Common Concerns

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Overview

Plan a trip to Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf)

Current alerts(11)

Best Time to Camp at Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf)

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf)?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns