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Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande NF) in Colorado
Moderate to BookNational Forest

Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande NF)

Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado

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As of October 2026, Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande NF) is a campground in Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado with 23 campsites. Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande NF) is booked through Recreation.gov.

  • PermitSnag checks Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande NF) for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
  • Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande NF) is located at 37.1251ยฐ N, 106.3684ยฐ W.
people allowed on 22 of 23 sites
8
people allowed on the largest site
16

Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande NF) reservations and next available dates

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

  • Maximum stay: 14 nights

Published by Recreation.gov for Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande NF), read on September 28, 2026.

Campsites at Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande NF)

  • Standard 23
  • Accessible 2
  • Hookups 1

What an RV fits

  • 30 ft5 sites
  • 35 ft3 sites
  • 40 ft7 sites
  • 45 ft2 sites
  • 50 ft4 sites
  • 55 ft1 site
  • 60 ft1 site

Amenities

  • restrooms
  • potable water

At a glance: Setting: Canyon.

Things to do: fishing, hiking, wildlife, photography.

All sites at Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande NF), as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF) loop.

SiteTypeSleepsMax RVHookupsAccess
01Standard840 ft--
02Standard830 ft--
03Standard845 ft-Accessible
04Standard850 ft--
05Standard860 ft--
06Standard850 ft--
07Standard830 ft--
08Standard830 ft--
09Standard850 ft--
10Standard840 ftElectric-
11Standard840 ft--
14Standard830 ft-Accessible
15Standard840 ft--
16Standard835 ft--
19Standard835 ft--
20Standard1655 ft--
21Standard840 ft--
23Standard840 ft--
24Standard850 ft--
26Standard835 ft--
27Standard845 ft--
28Standard830 ft--
29Standard840 ft--

About Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande NF)

Overview

Elk Creek Campground is located in Conejos County, approximately 23 miles west of Antonito, Colorado. Located in the lower portion of the Conejos Canyon a short distance from Highway 17, it is an easily reached destination for visitors to the area. Elk Creek runs alongside the campground. The elevation of the campground is 8,500 ft.

Recreation

Consider a day trip to the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (steam) which offers a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns. One access to the train is in Antonito, CO, about 23 miles from the campground.

Fishing, hunting, hiking, scenic driving and wildlife watching are some of the popular activities in the area. Elk Creek and Duck Lake trailheads are a short distance away, both of which are access points to the South San Juan Wilderness Area.

Facilities

This campground contains a variety of campsites including single and double sites which can accommodate RVs or tents. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Most sites are equipped with accessible tables, grills and fire rings.

Natural Features

The campground is lightly wooded with spruce and some ponderosa pine trees. The understory is grass with some campsites located next to Elk Creek. The campground is conveniently located within close proximity to the South San Juan Wilderness Area.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (805) 434-1996.

Nearby Attractions

Nearby Elk Creek has fishing, including brown and rainbow trout. Two hiking trails are also nearby and lead into the south San Juan Wilderness. These trails access Dipping Lakes and Duck Lake and are an easy to intermediate hike.

Rules and notices at Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande NF)

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 28, 2026. Check Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande NF) on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

PMC & Recreation.gov policy states we will keep your reserved site until check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. If you haven't occupied it at any time during this period, your reservation is null and void and we will give it to first come first serve folks. Your reservation will be a no show and no refund will be given.

Please fill your trailer prior to arriving. Trailers are not allowed to fill at any hydrants as it might contaminate the entire water system.

No off-road vehicles permitted.

Livestock and horses are not permitted.

All single campsite reservation fees are good for 6 people and 1 vehicle. The maximum number of people per site is 8 ($10.00 additional charge after 6 people). The maximum number of vehicles per site is 2 ($10.00 additional charge for 2nd vehicle). Any extra people/vehicle fees will be charged at the campground ( $10/night per person/vehicle).

All double campsite reservation fees are good for 12 people and two vehicles. The maximum number of people per double site is 16 ($10.00 additional charge after 12 people). The maximum number of vehicles per site is 2 ($10.00 additional charge for over 2 vehicles) Any extra people/vehicle fees will be charged at the campground ($10/night per person/vehicle).

First-come, first-served campsites may be available but not guaranteed.

The camp host at this location cannot modify your reservation. Before your check-in date, you may cancel or modify your reservation online. After your check-out date, you have a 7 day period to request a refund online.

The 14 day stay limit is strictly enforced. Camping for a period longer than 14 days during any 30-consecutive day period is prohibited. If you have booked back-to-back reservations, you will be asked to cancel all days after the first 14.

Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Weather conditions can change rapidly; please check prior to arrival

Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande NF) FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande NF)?

Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande NF) is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 23 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.

How do I find last-minute availability at Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande NF)?

Cancellations happen frequently at Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande NF), especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande NF) have?

Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande NF) has 23 campsites.

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