Curecanti National Recreation Area sits at elevations between 7,000-8,000 feet with dramatic temperature shifts from day to night. The camping season typically runs May through mid-October due to the high elevation climate conditions. Many RV sites near Curecanti National Recreation Area lack reliable cellular coverage, requiring campers to plan communications accordingly.
What to do
Fishing at Blue Mesa Reservoir: The reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities for kokanee salmon and lake trout. Several Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch guests mentioned the fishing options. As one camper noted, "There is a lake for kids to fish in!" while another explained they took "an atv back to a small lake" for fishing access.
Hiking trails: Access numerous trails directly from campgrounds. A visitor at 4J + 1+ 1 RV Park mentioned, "The CG is on the Ouray rim trail which was a nice hike." Another camper stated their site was "right in the middle of town" making it possible to "walk to town" and access nearby recreation without using their vehicle.
Mountain biking: The area offers trails suitable for various skill levels. A reviewer at Riverbend RV Park & Cabins highlighted the "beautiful location next to the Fort Umcompahgre River with easy access to trails for biking."
What campers like
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. A camper at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch appreciated the "dark nights to star gaze" while another mentioned "love the dark nights to star gaze."
Wildlife observation: Campgrounds offer opportunities to view local wildlife. At Riverbend RV Park, a visitor mentioned, "The river and pond are very nice to sit by and observe nature. The Canada geese families were fun to watch."
Mountain views: The surrounding landscape provides scenic vistas from many camping areas. At Centennial RV Park, a guest highlighted the "Views of the San Juan mountain range" while a Mountain Time RV Park visitor described it as a "very wooded campground with small pond" offering "great base camp to go explore lake Isabel and crested butte and black canyon."
What you should know
Weather considerations: High elevation means unpredictable conditions and temperature swings. A reviewer at Elk Creek Campground noted, "Elv is 7600 so does not get super hot" while another mentioned the location can experience variable weather during camping season.
Limited amenities: Some campgrounds have minimal facilities. At Elk Creek, a camper stated, "I'm in Loop C that has no hook ups. I think Loop D is the only one with hookups and maybe water too." Similarly, other campgrounds may have partial hookups only.
Reservation requirements: Campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A visitor to Riverbend advised, "Book it Now! This RV park will fill up quickly" while others noted most area campgrounds operate seasonally between spring and fall months.
Cellular connectivity: Signal strength varies dramatically. At Gunnison Lakeside Resort, a camper reported "No cell service in park" while a Centennial RV Park visitor noted they were "getting 30mbps on AT&T," showing the inconsistency of service throughout the region.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer pool access. A Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins visitor mentioned, "This campground is nestled among giant cottonwood trees and small pond. Easy access to downtown Gunnison."
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated facilities. A Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch visitor shared, "We thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor pool for the kids!" while another mentioned, "There is an indoor and outdoor pool, playground, cool mini golf set up, horses, and a lake for kids to fish in!"
Space considerations: Site size and layout affect family comfort. At Riverbend RV, a camper noted the "oversized RV sites" while a Centennial RV Park visitor appreciated "very spacious pull thru rv spaces" that accommodate families comfortably.
Tips from RVers
Utility hookups: Availability varies significantly between campgrounds. A reviewer of Elk Creek Campground warned, "Full for the weekend. Only one loop is electric. No water at dump station due a problem was inconvenient," indicating the importance of checking current hookup status.
Site spacing: Some RV parks offer more separation than others. A visitor at Mountain Time RV Park appreciated that "sites are larger than many campgrounds" with "lots of trees" providing separation, while Black Canyon RV Park was described as having "very nice" lots.
Weather protection: The area experiences wind and temperature fluctuations. A Blue Mesa Ranch visitor mentioned "afternoons always seemed to get pretty windy" while another camper at 4J + 1 + 1 RV Park noted being "directly beneath cliffs, the CG is in the shadows early which was nice in cooling our trailer from temps near 90."
