Blue Mesa Reservoir, Gunnison Colorado - Blue Mesa Reservoir, located in the Curecanti National Recreation Area, is Colorado's largest body of water. While bows and kokanee are the reservoirs most popular, lake trout can reach trophy size.
Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado's largest reservoir when filled to capacity. The lake is very popular for boaters and other water sports in the summer. In May and early June, large brown trout are a prime target. Good size lakers can also be taken at this time but the main fish all year round is rainbow trout. Over a million people come to Blue Mesa every year. It is one of the premiere kokanee fisheries in the state.
Blue Mesa has numerous areas to camp, hike and bike. There are endless opportunities for vacationers to enjoy. The lake offers good water-skiing, wind surfing and sailing. Full-service marinas along the shores help you with your needs. Blue Mesa is a very popular summer destination so be ready to encounter many people in the area.
Getting there: From Denver take US-285 to Poncha Springs. Go west on US-50 through Gunnison to the lake. US-50 runs the length of the reservoir. Fees: No entrance fees. Boating fees $30 - Annual $10 - 14 days $4 - 2 days Camping - $10/night Boating: All Boats Allowed. The self-certification program expires May 8 and will be replaced by mandatory inspections for all motorized watercraft. In addition to the mandatory inspection prior to launch, all motorized watercraft leaving Blue Mesa, Morrow Point or Crystal Reservoirs will undergo a second inspection to verify the watercraft has been cleaned, drained and dried, and will be sealed and certified.
Boat inspections begin May 8 at Elk Creek, Stevens Creek and Lake Fork Boat Ramps from 5:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., 7 days a week. All other boat ramps will be closed to trailered watercraft. Ramps will be closed to nighttime use; however, overnight beaching will be allowed.
Elk Creek Campground is accessible, has flush toilets, water, RV dump station, showers, marina, restaurant, and a visitor center. Fee: Loops A, B or C - $10.00 per night. Loop D (electric hookups) - $15.00 per night. No water available at beginning and end of season. Water is available at the nearby Elk Creek Picnic area year round. Reservations may be made for Loops A and D. All sites in Loops A and D are premium sites and have a maximum 14 consecutive day stay in a 30 day period.
Lake Fork# of Sites: 90 Fees: $10-12
27 miles west of Gunnison off Highway 50. 90 sites, most are paved, 16 pull through sites, 5 walk in sites, next to Blue Mesa Reservoir. Lake Fork Campground is accessible, has flush toilets, water, showers, marina, an RV dump station, visitor center, campground amphitheater and is close to Blue Mesa Dam. Reservations may be made for sites 31-87 (upper loop). Reservations must be made at least 5 days in advance.
Stevens Creek# of Sites: 53 Fees: $10-12
Stevens Creek is an accessible campground with 53 sites on Blue Mesa Reservoir, water, vault toilets, campground amphitheater, boat ramp and fishing access. Reservations may be made for Stevens Creek Loop A (20 sites). All sites in Loop A are premium sites and have a maximum 14 consecutive day stay in a 30 day period.
Ponderosa# of Sites: 28 Fees: $10-12
Campground nestled amongst pine trees. Provides tables, fire grates, vault toilets, water and a horse corral.
All sites are first come first serve.
Cimarron# of Sites: 21 Fees: $10
Cimarron campground is accessible with 21 sites, 5 pull through sites, located in the vicinity of a historic narrow gauge railroad town. Water and flush toilets, Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad exhibits, visitor center, RV dump station, and easy access to fishing on Crystal Reservoir neat the Morrow Point Dam. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis
East Portal# of Sites: 15 Fees: $10
Two miles below Crystal Dam at the bottom of the Black Canyon. Access via Route 347, 6 miles north of junction with U.S. Highway 50. Proceed 5 miles down East Portal Road. Fifteen sites are shaded by box elder trees. Campground is located near the historic Gunnison River Diversion Tunnel. Picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets, water and visitor contact station.
Dry Gulch# of Sites: 9 Fees: $10-12
Picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets, water and horse corral.
All Sites are first come first serve.
Gateview# of Sites: 6 Fees: $0
Extreme south end of the Lake Fork Arm of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Access via Colorado Highway 149, 7 miles west of Powderhorn. Proceed north 6 miles on an improved narrow gravel road. Six sites located in a deep, narrow canyon. Picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets and water. No fee. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations).
Red Creek# of Sites: 2 Fees: $10
Just north of U.S. Highway 50, 19 miles west of Gunnison. Sites located among large cottonwood trees. Picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets and water. First two sites for individual camping. Group Site also available.
