Reservable through the US Forest Service, Elk Creek Campground provides 60-foot RV accommodations with electric hookups along with tent sites in Rio Grande National Forest. The campground sits beside Elk Creek at $29-$62 per night from May through September, though campers should prepare for rough road conditions accessing the area.
Sites spread through forested terrain near the creek, with some positioned directly on the water. Multiple reviewers note the uneven, gravelly ground that requires thick sleeping pads for tent camping. "Best centralized location to fish and explore Conejos River area," reports Phil R., highlighting the campground's position for accessing both Elk Creek and the larger Conejos River system without driving.
The location serves as a base for hiking to Duck Lake and Rough Creek Falls up the road toward Platoro. Fishing opportunities extend throughout the surrounding creek network. Rock hounding activities draw visitors to the area as well. Campers can find drinking water, restrooms, and a laundry facility on-site, with firewood available for purchase.
Sites tend to fill during peak summer periods, though shoulder season offers more solitude along the creek. The campground maintains good spacing between units despite the potential for close quarters when full. Bring extra padding for sleeping and prepare for gravel surfaces throughout the camping area.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundElk 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
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
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, NM
- 2 hrs 30 min from Farmington, NM
- 2 hrs 48 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 1 min from Albuquerque, NM
