Skip to content
Beams of sunlight from behind a cloud illuminate Blue Mesa Reservoir and its surroundings (0f607f9b-d462-4494-b74b-95dc45871115)📷 NPS Photo, Public domain

Blue Mesa Reservoir

Gunnison, CO

Nature

Colorado’s largest body of water, in Curecanti National Recreation Area along US-50, with campgrounds and boat ramps.

Nearest town
Gunnison, CO
Category
Nature & parks
GPS
38.4710, -107.1700

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Featured in these trip guides

Black Canyon and the West Elk Loop – Warner Point Trail at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park dyeclan.com - panoramio (3)© The Dye Clan · CC BY-SA 3.0
50
Scenic byways

Black Canyon and the West Elk Loop

133 mi7 stops4 days

Nearby

Kebler Pass – woman standing near gray vehiclePhoto by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash
Editor's pick
Views

Kebler Pass

Crested Butte, CO
Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim – Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado (101351501)© Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0
Editor's pick
Nature

Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim

Montrose, CO
Ute Indian Museum – Ute Memorial Site© Jeffrey Beall · CC BY 3.0
History

Ute Indian Museum

Montrose, CO
Maroon Bells – body of water across the mountain during sunsetPhoto by Mike Scheid on Unsplash
Editor's pick
Nature

Maroon Bells

Aspen, CO

Campsites nearby

  • Elk Creek CampgroundCampsite
    0 mi from Blue Mesa Reservoir
    TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
    OSMAdd to trip
  • Dry Gulch CampgroundCampsite
    1 mi from Blue Mesa Reservoir
    TentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
    OSMAdd to trip
  • Blue Mesa Recreational RanchMotorhome stopover
    3 mi from Blue Mesa Reservoir
    Motorhomes
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Gunnison Lakeside RV Park & CabinsMotorhome stopover
    4 mi from Blue Mesa Reservoir
    Motorhomes
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Stevens Creek CampgroundCampsite
    4 mi from Blue Mesa Reservoir
    TentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
    OSMAdd to trip
  • Tall Texan RV ParkMotorhome stopover
    16 mi from Blue Mesa Reservoir
    MotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip

All campsites in Colorado · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Blue Mesa Reservoir?

Blue Mesa Reservoir is in Gunnison, CO, at GPS 38.4710, -107.1700. It is about 29 mi from Crawford.

Can you camp near Blue Mesa Reservoir?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Elk Creek Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 28 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Blue Mesa Reservoir?

Blue Mesa Reservoir is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Black Canyon and the West Elk Loop.

What is there to see near Blue Mesa Reservoir?

Places worth a stop nearby: Kebler Pass (26 mi), Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim (32 mi), Ute Indian Museum (38 mi) and Maroon Bells (43 mi).

When is the best time to visit Blue Mesa Reservoir?

The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)