Established Camping
Lake Fork Campground
Lake Fork Campground, near Gunnison, Colorado, is a straightforward spot that caters to those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without too much fuss. With a mix of RV and tent sites, it’s a practical choice for campers who appreciate a no-frills experience, complete with picnic tables and fire pits for evening gatherings.
The views here are a highlight, with the lake and surrounding mountains providing a stunning backdrop. Visitors have noted the clean restrooms, which is always a plus, and while there are no showers available, the well-maintained facilities make up for it. As one camper put it, “They had the cleanest restrooms I’ve ever seen at a campground!”
For those who enjoy fishing or boating, this campground is ideally situated. It features a large boat ramp, making it easy to get out on the water. While the area can get a bit windy in the afternoons, the peaceful atmosphere during the week is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Just keep in mind that weekends can bring in more campers, so it might get a little lively.
If you’re planning to visit, be aware that the access road has some tight curves, and construction may affect travel times. But once you’re here, you’ll find a welcoming spot to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of Curecanti National Recreation Area.
Description
Overview
Lake Fork Campground is on the Blue Mesa Reservoir, near the reservoir's dam. It is a part of the historic Curecanti Recreation Area and is an ideal place to stay for days of boat recreation, hiking and taking in the views of the Black Canyon.
Recreation
Jet skiing, water skiing and canoeing are some of the many water activities available on the reservoir.Bird Watching is also rewarding, with chances to see the black-billed magpie. Along the shrubland, visitors can spot Gunnison's Prairie Dogs popping out of their holes.
Facilities
Flush toilets are available in summer months. Cell phone service is limited. For anglers, a fish cleaning station is provided for conveniently preparing the days catch. Elk Creek, Lake Fork and Iola boat ramps are OPEN for the season.
Natural Features
The steep canyon walls in this part of the reservoir were carved out by the Gunnison River, which once flowed with powerful intensity fueled by the snowmelt of nearby mountains. Today, the Gunnison river is dammed in three places, creating three large and beautiful reservoirs to be enjoyed by visitors. The land is characterized by semi-arid shrubland with vast expanses of sagebrush. The natural features and ecosystems of Curecanti vary greatly, with Riparian habitats, epic canyons and lush patches of Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and aspen trees.
Nearby Attractions
The recreation area is just south of Gunnison National Forest and east of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. There's no shortage of options for Scenic Drives and Hiking. Try hiking the Curecanti Creek Trail or Hermit's Rest Trail off HWY 92..
Charges & Cancellations
Location
Lake Fork Campground is located in Colorado
Directions
Lake Fork campground is located off of Hwy 50 between Gunnison and Montrose, along Blue Mesa reservoir.
Address
102 ELK CREEK
Gunnison, CO 81230
Coordinates
38.4588889 N
107.33 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Detours Nearby
Cimarron Campground (CO) — Curecanti National Recreation Area
19 min away
The Gate Campground
48 min away
Drive Time
- 1 hr 40 min from Grand Junction
- 3 hrs 15 min from Pueblo
- 3 hrs 36 min from Colorado Springs
- 3 hrs 48 min from Farmington
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
