Elk Creek Campground (Rio Grande Nf)

Rio Grande National Forest

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.

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.

Need to Know

• PMC & Recreation.gov policy states we will keep your reserved site until check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. If you haven't occupied it at any time during this period, your reservation is null and void and we will give it to first come first serve folks. Your reservation will be a no show and no refund will be given.

• Please fill your trailer prior to arriving. Trailers are not allowed to fill at any hydrants as it might contaminate the entire water system.

• No off-road vehicles permitted.
• Livestock and horses are not permitted.

• All single campsite reservation fees are good for 6 people and 1 vehicle. The maximum number of people per site is 8 ($10.00 additional charge after 6 people). The maximum number of vehicles per site is 2 ($10.00 additional charge for 2nd vehicle). Any extra people/vehicle fees will be charged at the campground ( $10/night per person/vehicle).

• All double campsite reservation fees are good for 12 people and two vehicles. The maximum number of people per double site is 16 ($10.00 additional charge after 12 people). The maximum number of vehicles per site is 2 ($10.00 additional charge for over 2 vehicles) Any extra people/vehicle fees will be charged at the campground ($10/night per person/vehicle).

• First-come, first-served campsites may be available but not guaranteed.

• The camp host at this location cannot modify your reservation. Before your check-in date, you may cancel or modify your reservation online. After your check-out date, you have a 7 day period to request a refund online.

• The 14 day stay limit is strictly enforced. Camping for a period longer than 14 days during any 30-consecutive day period is prohibited. If you have booked back-to-back reservations, you will be asked to cancel all days after the first 14.
• Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

• Weather conditions can change rapidly; please check prior to arrival

• The Rio Grande National Forest continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and evaluate potential impacts and adjustments to reservations and our reservation policies through Recreation.gov. Reservation holders will be notified via email and/or cell phone text messages if there are any changes affecting their reservation. In the event of delayed openings of some, part or all of the campgrounds and cabins to ensure safe social distancing, you will receive a full refund for your reservation. Please remember to review current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and focus on recreating safely while protecting yourself, Forest Service employees and our volunteers.

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.

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.

Contact Information

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23750 STATE HIGHWAY 17 ANTONITO CO 81120

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving 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.

Available Campsites

• Site 25, Loop HOST, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 16, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 33, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 22, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 23, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 27, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 18, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 07, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 21, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 10, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Electric
• Site 32, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 30, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 09, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 14, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 20, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 05, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 12, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 08, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 06, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 29, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 02, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 19, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 26, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 11, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 36, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 38, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 17, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 34, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 01, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 15, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 03, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 13, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 24, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 28, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 35, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 31, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 37, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 04, Loop ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (RIO GRANDE NF), Type Standard Nonelectric

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