Curecanti National Recreation Area
9 campgrounds in the park · 313 nearby · 200 free and dispersed sites within 50 mi
Photo: NPS/Kat Connelly
2 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- Park closureEast Portal Road temporarily closedEast Portal Road is temporarily closed due to intermittent weather conditions and ongoing forecasts. The road is closed to all traffic, including pedestrians and bicyclists. The closure will remain in effect until the area is safe for public access.
- DangerToxic Algae Found – Blue Mesa Water Quality AdvisoryCyanotoxins are currently present in the Iola Basin. Until further notice, the park recommends that no person or pet swims in, or drinks from, reservoir waters in the Iola Basin. Cyanotoxins may be present in the Cebolla and Sapinero Basins. Use caution when fishing, boating, or recreating in Blue Mesa Reservoir.
At a glance
- Open
- Year-round
- In the park
- 9 campgrounds8 reserve on Recreation.gov
- Near the park
- 313 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 200 sitesWithin 50 mi
Where to camp
Camping in the park 9
- National Park
Red Creek Group Site
In the park · Sapinero, CO
Reserve on Recreation.gov
- National Park
East Elk Creek Group Campsite
In the park · Gunnison, CO
Reserve on Recreation.gov
Camping near the park 313
- Aerial viewCampground
Lake Fork Arm
3.7 mi · Sapinero, CO
- Aerial viewCampground
Ponderosa Campground
4.1 mi · Sapinero, CO
Free and dispersed nearby 200
See them on the map- Rock SpringSapinero, CO9.1 mi
- Camp siteCrested Butte, CO19 mi
- Camp siteSapinero, CO20 mi
- Camp siteSomerset, CO20 mi
- East Fork DispersedPortland, CO21 mi
- Camp siteCrested Butte, CO22 mi
Services nearby: 5 dump stations · 3 rest areas
About Curecanti
Three reservoirs and surrounding lands make up this recreation area in western Colorado. It is a landscape of tradeoffs; natural and human made features exist together. Geologic wonders are abundant from the sagebrush shrublands to forests. Visitors can…
Three reservoirs and surrounding lands make up this recreation area in western Colorado. It is a landscape of tradeoffs; natural and human made features exist together. Geologic wonders are abundant from the sagebrush shrublands to forests. Visitors can experience the park year-round on both land and water.
Photos: NPS/Amy Washuta · NPS Photo
Things to do
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Boating
- Motorized Boating
- Sailing
- Jet Skiing
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Canoe or Kayak Camping
Plan your visit
Getting there
Curecanti is located between the Colorado towns of Gunnison (to the east), Montrose (to the west), and Lake City (to the south). The West Elk Mountain Wilderness area borders Curecanti to the north. U.S. Highway 50 runs…
Weather
During spring and fall, temperatures range from 44°F to 70°F (7°C to 34°C) with overnight lows from the teens to about freezing (-9°C to 2°C). In summer, temperatures are usually in the 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C)…
Plan your visit
Hours
Open 24 hours per day, 365 days a year.
Getting there
Curecanti is located between the Colorado towns of Gunnison (to the east), Montrose (to the west), and Lake City (to the south). The West Elk Mountain Wilderness area borders Curecanti to the north. U.S. Highway 50 runs the length of Curecanti east to west.
Weather
During spring and fall, temperatures range from 44°F to 70°F (7°C to 34°C) with overnight lows from the teens to about freezing (-9°C to 2°C). In summer, temperatures are usually in the 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C). Nights are usually 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C). The wind often picks up at 12 pm and continues through the afternoon. Thunderstorms are common. In winter, temperatures usually reach 20°F to 30°F (-7°C to -1°C) and lows often dip below zero (-18°C).
Camped at Curecanti? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose between Red Creek Group Site, East Elk Creek Group Campsite and Lake Fork Campground.