East Elk Creek Group Campground

For Coloradans planning an unforgettable outdoor gathering with family and friends, East Elk Creek Group Campground in Gunnison offers an exceptional and surprisingly pristine setting. This is a dedicated group-only campsite, designed to provide a private and spacious environment for your entire party. Nestled within the stunning Curecanti National Recreation Area, it’s a place where the rugged beauty of Colorado's mountains meets the tranquility of East Elk Creek, creating an ideal backdrop for active and memorable group experiences. While some might jokingly mention the presence of local wildlife (like cow poo!), the overwhelming sentiment is that this remains an amazing spot, remarkably clean and well-maintained.

East Elk Creek Group Campground stands out as a premier choice for those requiring ample space and a degree of privacy for their gathering. Unlike individual campsites, this facility is specifically configured to accommodate larger numbers, with a minimum of 9 people and a maximum of 50. This focus on group camping ensures that your party has its own dedicated area to relax, socialize, and engage in activities without impacting other campers. It's a testament to thoughtful planning, creating a truly unique and highly sought-after camping option for locals who want to share the beauty of Colorado with their entire crew. The positive feedback on its cleanliness, including the restrooms, further solidifies its appeal as a reliable and enjoyable group destination.

East Elk Creek Group Campground is strategically located within the Curecanti National Recreation Area, near Gunnison, Colorado. The address is Co Rd 723E, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA. More specifically, it's situated off U.S. Highway 50, between Gunnison and Montrose, on the north side of the highway approximately half a mile west of Elk Creek. This placement offers excellent accessibility while still providing a sense of immersion in nature.

The campground's proximity to major roadways like Highway 50 makes it easily reachable for Coloradans from various parts of the state. For instance, it's roughly a 2-hour drive from Grand Junction, about 3 hours from Pueblo, and around 3.5 hours from Colorado Springs. Its location within Curecanti National Recreation Area means direct access to the expansive Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest body of water in Colorado, as well as the tranquil East Elk Creek itself. While the main Elk Creek Campground is year-round and offers some electric sites, East Elk Creek Group Campsite is specifically for groups and may have different operating seasons, typically from mid-August to mid-October according to some sources, so it's crucial to confirm seasonal availability when planning. The site is designed to accommodate various vehicles, from tents to RVs, ensuring groups can bring their preferred camping setup. Clear signage within the Curecanti National Recreation Area helps guide visitors directly to the group campground once inside the park boundaries, making the journey relatively straightforward for those familiar with navigating national recreation areas.

East Elk Creek Group Campground provides a solid foundation of services tailored to group camping, ensuring a comfortable and functional stay for larger parties. While it caters to a more rustic experience than some full-service RV parks, it offers essential amenities to facilitate an enjoyable outing.

• Group-specific campsites designed to accommodate a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 50 people.
• Picnic tables available for communal dining and gathering at each group site.
• Fire rings and grills for campfires and outdoor cooking (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Clean and well-maintained vault toilets or flush toilets, ensuring hygienic facilities for all group members.
• Access to potable water sources, though it's always wise for groups to bring extra water.
• Designated parking areas with ample space for multiple vehicles, including RVs and trailers.
• Proximity to Elk Creek Marina (less than a mile away) for boat ramps, inspection stations, and other boating facilities on Blue Mesa Reservoir.
• Trash collection services to help maintain the cleanliness of the campground.
• Mandatory advance reservation and payment required for all group sites, ensuring your spot is secured.

East Elk Creek Group Campground is packed with features and highlights that make it an outstanding choice for group adventures in Colorado. Its natural setting and thoughtful design elements create an experience that truly caters to a collective outdoor escape.

• Group-Only Exclusivity: The primary highlight is its designation as a group-only camp, providing unparalleled privacy and space for your party to enjoy without being intermingled with individual campers. This allows for louder activities, more extensive setups, and a stronger sense of community within your group.
• Remarkably Clean Facilities: Despite its natural setting, reviews frequently praise the cleanliness of the campground, including the restrooms, which is a significant bonus for group comfort.
• Proximity to Blue Mesa Reservoir: Located just off the reservoir, campers have excellent access to Colorado's largest body of water for a vast array of water activities.
• Water Activities on East Elk Creek & Reservoir: While the reservoir offers boating, jet skiing, and paddleboarding, the tranquil East Elk Creek itself provides opportunities for calmer water activities like picnicking alongside the creek, kayaking, and fishing without the commotion of the larger reservoir.
• Amazing Natural Setting: Surrounded by rugged mountains and perched on East Elk Creek, the campground offers picturesque views and a true sense of being immersed in the Colorado wilderness.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The Curecanti National Recreation Area is home to diverse wildlife, including elk, mule deer, and various bird species, offering excellent chances for observation directly from the campground or nearby trails.
• Access to Hiking Trails: Numerous trails are available nearby, including the Dillon Pinnacles Trail, catering to various skill levels and providing opportunities for scenic walks and more strenuous hikes.
• Shade from Cottonwood Trees: Some areas of the campground are shaded by hearty cottonwood trees, providing welcome relief on warmer days and enhancing the natural ambiance.
• Stargazing Potential: Being in a less light-polluted area, the campground offers fantastic opportunities for stargazing, allowing groups to marvel at the Colorado night sky.
• Convenient Reservation System: The requirement to reserve and pay ahead ensures that your group's spot is guaranteed, eliminating the uncertainty of first-come, first-served sites and simplifying planning.

For reservations or any further inquiries regarding East Elk Creek Group Campground, please use the following contact information:

Address: Co Rd 723E, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA (within Curecanti National Recreation Area)

For campground inquiries, specifically for East Elk Creek Group Campsite, you may also use the main number for Curecanti National Recreation Area:

Phone: (970) 641-2337

Reservations for all group sites must be made through Recreation.gov or ReserveAmerica.

East Elk Creek Group Campground is an absolutely ideal destination for Coloradans looking to organize a large gathering, be it a family reunion, a friends' getaway, or a club trip. Its dedicated group-only status provides the privacy and space essential for such events, while its location within Curecanti National Recreation Area offers a wealth of recreational activities. Locals will appreciate the convenience of its accessibility from major Colorado cities and its proximity to the vast Blue Mesa Reservoir for all types of water fun, as well as the tranquil East Elk Creek for a more serene experience. The consistently clean facilities, abundant space, and stunning natural backdrop ensure a comfortable and memorable outing. By requiring advance reservations, it simplifies planning for organizers, guaranteeing your group a prime spot in this amazing part of Colorado. For anyone in the Centennial State seeking a fantastic, well-maintained, and perfectly situated venue for their next group outdoor adventure, East Elk Creek Group Campground is an unparalleled choice.

East Elk Creek Group Campground

Co Rd 723E, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA