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Established Camping

Elk Creek Campground (rio Grande Nf)

Elk Creek Campground, near Antonito, Colorado, is a fantastic place to set up camp if you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors. With its clean and well-maintained sites, this campground offers a welcoming atmosphere for both tent campers and RV enthusiasts.

One of the standout features here is the access to fishing in the nearby Conejos River and Elk Creek, making it a prime location for those who love to cast a line. Visitors have raved about the abundance of shade, which is perfect for relaxing during the hot summer months. As one camper noted, “Great place to stay and fish the surrounding area.”

If you’re up for some adventure, there are plenty of hiking opportunities nearby, including a short trek to Rough Creek Falls and a moderate hike to Duck Lake. Many campers appreciate the chance to explore the beautiful scenery and wildlife in the Rio Grande National Forest, with activities like rock hounding and wildlife watching just a stone's throw away.

While the campground doesn’t have showers or water hookups, it does provide essential amenities like drinking water and picnic tables. Some campers have mentioned that the sites can feel a bit close together when busy, but the overall experience is enhanced by the friendly camp hosts and the peaceful surroundings. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, Elk Creek Campground is a great choice for enjoying Colorado’s natural beauty.

Description

National Forest

Rio Grande National Forest

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.

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.

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Location

Elk Creek Campground (rio Grande Nf) is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Antonito, CO, take US 285 south 0.3 miles to Hwy 17. Continue straight on Hwy 17 and go 22.6 miles to campground sign. Turn right onto dirt road and go 0.1 miles to a \"T\" intersection. Turn left, go 0.4 miles to a \"Y\" intersection. Bear right and turn into campground.

Address

23750 STATE HIGHWAY 17
Antonito, CO 81120

Coordinates

37.125125 N
106.3684111 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Poor

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.5

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Feb. 29, 2020

Place to be for Conejos River.

Best centralized location to fish and explore Conejos River area. Fish Elk Creek and Conejos without driving. Drive up and down Conejos to experience the smaller upper river and larger river below. Many small creeks in area. Make trip to Osier and fish Los Primos. Try Trujillos Meadows. Camping is in good private units. Well maintained. Great camp host. Coming here since mid 60s.

Reviewed May. 19, 2018

Great campground, wonderful area

Nice campground with plenty of fun activities. Hiking, fishing, and rock hounding are all near by. Up the road towards Platora is Rough Creek Falls, a beautiful but short waterfall hike. Just down the drive from the campground is Duck Lake which is a moderate hike but with a nice lake at the end. A day trip into Chama is also nice if you need supplies or a cold beer.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Elk Creek Campground (rio Grande Nf) by Jennifer C., May 19, 2018
  • Review photo of Elk Creek Campground (rio Grande Nf) by Jennifer C., May 19, 2018
  • Review photo of Elk Creek Campground (rio Grande Nf) by Jennifer C., May 19, 2018
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2016

Perfect for the Night

We were trying to get to our camp at Rifle Falls State Park, but unfortunately the road washed out. We decided to give this place a go even though it seemed like it would not be what we were looking for. It ended up being a great surprise! We took a spot by the creek, set up camp, and enjoy. I would say the one drawback of this location was none of the sites seems to have a great spot for a tent and if the sites were full I could imagine it being close quarters, but it was just us and one other site this night. And bring a thick sleeping pad...it's a lot of gravel!

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2016

Cool & Cozy

This campground was off the beaten path just West of Denver area. We found it by chance a few years back and spent the 4th of July there. Not a lot of people there so we had the creek mostly to ourselves. Laundry facility and restroom on site. A little unlevel but we were happy to be on the water during the summer. Nice caretakers here, They even hosted a night time glow nerf war with the kids.

  • Review photo of Elk Creek Campground (rio Grande Nf) by Christy C., June 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Elk Creek Campground (rio Grande Nf) by Christy C., June 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Elk Creek Campground (rio Grande Nf) by Christy C., June 30, 2016
  • (8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Elk Creek Campground (rio Grande Nf)?

    Camping at Elk Creek Campground (rio Grande Nf) can cost between $29.00 and $33.00 depending on the site.

  • Does Elk Creek Campground (rio Grande Nf) have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Elk Creek Campground (rio Grande Nf) has 30 amp electric hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Elk Creek Campground (rio Grande Nf)?

    Elk Creek Campground (rio Grande Nf) allows vehicles up to 60 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Elk Creek Campground (rio Grande Nf)?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Elk Creek Campground (rio Grande Nf), although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Elk Creek Campground (rio Grande Nf) have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Elk Creek Campground (rio Grande Nf) does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Elk Creek Campground (rio Grande Nf)?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is poor.