East Elk Creek Group Campsite

About

East Elk Creek Group Campsite offers a dedicated group camping experience in Curecanti National Recreation Area, positioned along the tranquil East Elk Creek near Blue Mesa Reservoir. The site accommodates groups of 9 to 50 people and features a large covered pavilion with fire pits (including swing-arm grates for cauldron cooking), pit toilets, and a spacious gravel parking area that can handle up to 25 vehicles including RVs and trailers. The campground sits at 7,800 feet elevation in the Cebolla Basin, known for excellent windsurfing conditions on Blue Mesa Reservoir. The reservoir holds Colorado's largest population of landlocked Kokanee salmon, making it a popular fishing destination. The Elk Creek boat ramp and mussel inspection station are less than a mile away. Nearby hiking includes the Dillon Pinnacles Trail, which showcases the area's dramatic volcanic spires. Potable water is available until approximately mid-September when systems are shut off for winter, though pit toilets remain accessible. The campground is closed annually from spring through June 30 for wildlife protection. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov.

Directions

Located off US Highway 50 between Gunnison and Montrose, on the north side of the highway approximately half a mile west of Elk Creek.