Elk Creek

Summary

Elk Creek Campground is part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area in Colorado, which is made up of three reservoirs and offers a variety of activities such as fishing for salmon and rainbow trout, windsurfing, and bird watching. Campfire programs and electric hookups are available, as well as several boat ramps and nearby attractions.

Overview

Elk Creek Campground is on the north shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir. The lake is Colorado's largest body of water with 96 miles of shoreline and the largest Kokanee Salmon fishery in the United States.

Elk Creek Campground is located off of US HWY 50 -15 miles west of Gunnison Co. at Mile Marker 142.

The campground is part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area, which was named after a Ute Indian chief of the mid-19th century. 

The Elk Creek area is a hub for water based activities year round.

Recreation

Anglers delight in catching salmon and rainbow trout, while water sports fans find excitement in windsurfing and water skiing.

Swimming is permitted throughout the 20-mile long reservoir and birders can find bald eagles here year round.

Facilities

Campfire programs are in full swing during the summer months.

Cell phone service is limited. Electric hookups are in Loop D for both 30 and 50 amps. 

Elk Creek, Lake Fork and Iola boat ramps are OPEN for the season. 

Natural Features

At an altitude of 7,540 feet, Elk Creek is surrounded by a vast expanse of sagebrush. Trees are minimal because the reservoir gets less than 12 inches of rain a year.

Curecanti National Recreation Area is sandwiched between the towns of Montrose and Gunnison, Colorado. It spans three reservoirs, named for corresponding dams on the Gunnison River. These include the Crystal Reservoir, Morrow Point Reservoir and Blue Mesa.

Nearby Attractions

Visit the Cimarron Rail Exhibit to see railcars and the last remaining railroad trestle on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison route.