Elk Creek Overflow Campground

About

Elk Creek Overflow Campground is a first-come, first-served camping area within the Rio Grande National Forest, situated in Conejos Canyon approximately 23 miles west of Antonito, Colorado. The overflow loop contains 8 non-reservable sites (31-38) set among spruce and ponderosa pine trees, with some sites positioned along Elk Creek. At roughly 8,500 feet elevation, the campground offers a peaceful setting with grassy understory and mountain views. Amenities are basic but functional: vault toilets, potable water via hand pump, metal fire rings, and bear-proof dumpsters for trash disposal. Not all sites have picnic tables. The maximum RV length is 45 feet. Firewood is available for purchase. As this is bear country, proper food storage is required. The campground provides convenient access to the South San Juan Wilderness via nearby Elk Creek and Duck Lake trailheads. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, hunting, and wildlife watching. The historic Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, accessible from Antonito, offers a 64-mile steam train journey through abandoned mining towns.

Directions

From Antonito, CO, take US Route 285 south 0.3 miles to State Route 17. Continue straight on Route 17 for 22.6 miles to the campground sign. Turn right at the sign onto the dirt road and go 0.1 miles to a T intersection. Turn left and go 0.4 miles to a Y intersection. Bear right and proceed into the campground.