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
US Forest Service
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.
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.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (805) 434-1996.
Location
Elk Creek Campground (rio Grande Nf) is located in Colorado
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
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
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
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 12 min from Santa Fe
- 2 hrs 30 min from Farmington
- 2 hrs 48 min from Pueblo
- 3 hrs 1 min from Albuquerque
