{"id":"nps-cure","slug":"curecanti-national-recreation-area","name":"Curecanti National Recreation Area","designation":"National Recreation Area","category":"national-recreation-area","categoryLabel":"National Recreation Area","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"CURE","designation":"National Recreation Area","sourceId":"nps-cure"}],"states":["CO"],"stateNames":["Colorado"],"location":{"lat":38.46584558,"lon":-107.3303371},"bbox":[-107.6553,38.3766,-106.9941,38.5284],"acres":{"value":41602,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":null,"established":null,"administrations":[],"designationHistory":[],"summary":"Three reservoirs and surrounding lands make up this recreation area in western Colorado. It is a landscape of tradeoffs; natural and human made features exist together. Geologic wonders are abundant from the sagebrush shrublands to forests. Visitors can experience the park year-round on both land and water.","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/cure/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=38.5284&b_tl_lng=-107.6553&b_br_lat=38.3766&b_br_lng=-106.9941","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Curecanti%20National%20Recreation%20Area","directions":"http://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C7E152D-CC3F-9EF8-51DC6B875AB94324.jpg","title":"Blue Mesa Reservoir","alt":"A single boat floating out in a reservoir. Mesas surrounding the area are reflected on the water.","caption":"Sapinero Basin","credit":"NPS/Kat Connelly","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3CDF1153-ED4C-9E1A-B87030A6095D35E1.jpg","title":"Blue Mesa Reservoir","alt":"Underexposed shot of waves coming off a reservoir. Mesas in the background.","caption":"Blue Mesa Reservoir","credit":"NPS/Amy Washuta","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/22729448-AA96-D257-D3159573DC49B516.jpg","title":"Dillon Pinnacles","alt":"Large pinnacle spires across a body of water","caption":"Dillon Pinnacles next to Blue Mesa Reservoir","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/F1478388-A775-2DC8-AEA7063A4F41647C.jpg","title":"Morrow Point Reservoir","alt":"Tall spires alongside steep canyon walls. A narrow body of water flows below.","caption":"Morrow Point Reservoir","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3CB6C325-9002-D4D2-C362929F3EC75ADF.jpg","title":"Blue Mesa Reservoir in winter","alt":"Frozen over body of water with snow covering it. Mesas are on the edge.","caption":"Blue Mesa Reservoir in winter","credit":"NPS/J. Boerner-Mercier","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["Astronomy","Stargazing","Boating","Motorized Boating","Sailing","Jet Skiing","Camping","Backcountry Camping","Canoe or Kayak Camping","Car or Front Country Camping","Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)","Group Camping","RV Camping","Climbing","Rock Climbing","Fishing","Freshwater Fishing","Fly Fishing","Hiking","Front-Country Hiking","Horse Trekking","Horse Camping (see also camping)","Horseback Riding","Hunting and Gathering","Hunting","Ice Skating","Paddling","Canoeing","Canoe or Kayak Camping","Kayaking","Stand Up Paddleboarding","Junior Ranger Program","Skiing","Cross-Country Skiing","Snowmobiling","Snowshoeing","Swimming","Freshwater Swimming","Water Skiing","Wildlife Watching","Birdwatching","Shopping","Bookstore and Park Store","Gift Shop and Souvenirs"],"topics":["Archeology","Commerce","Dams","Engineering","Explorers and Expeditions","Industry","Laborer and Worker","Military","US Army","Transportation","Canals","Tunnels","Trains and Railroads","Westward Expansion","Animals","Fish","Canyons and Canyonlands","Forests and Woodlands","Geology","Grasslands","Mountains","Night Sky","Astronomy","River and Riparian","Rock Landscapes and Features","Scenic Views","Thickets and Shrublands","Trails","Unique Species","Endangered","Volcanoes"],"fees":[],"passes":[],"hours":[{"name":"Curecanti National Recreation Area","description":"Open 24 hours per day, 365 days a year.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]}],"directions":"Curecanti is located between the Colorado towns of Gunnison (to the east), Montrose (to the west), and Lake City (to the south). The West Elk Mountain Wilderness area borders Curecanti to the north. U.S. Highway 50 runs the length of Curecanti east to west.","weatherInfo":"During spring and fall, temperatures range from 44°F to 70°F (7°C to 34°C) with overnight lows from the teens to about freezing (-9°C to 2°C). In summer, temperatures are usually in the 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C). Nights are usually 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C). The wind often picks up at 12 pm and continues through the afternoon. Thunderstorms are common. In winter, temperatures usually reach 20°F to 30°F (-7°C to -1°C) and lows often dip below zero (-18°C).","contacts":{"phone":"9706412337","email":"cure_info@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"Elk Creek Visitor Center","description":"This visitor center provides information, exhibits, book and map sales, restrooms, and outdoor seating. Water is available inside when the building is open.","url":"","lat":38.46700185248004,"lon":-107.16580068067412}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Elk Creek Campground","description":"Elk Creek Campground is located 16 miles west of Gunnison on U.S. Highway 50 on the shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir. We recommend making reservations prior to coming to Curecanti because cell service may be unavailable. All sites can be reserved and can be made the same day. All types of camping from tents to large RVs can be accommodated. Very few sites have trees. This is the only campground with electric hookups (Loops C and D) at Curecanti. Elevation: 7540 feet","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/camp_elk_creek.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234053","sites":155},{"name":"Lake Fork Campground","description":"The campground is located 27 miles west of Gunnison on CO Highway 92 near the intersection with U.S. Highway 50 on the shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir. We recommend making reservations at recreation.gov prior to coming to Curecanti because cell service and first-come, first-served sites may be unavailable. Reservations may be made on recreation.gov from mid-May to mid-September. Tents and large RVs can be accommodated. The campground is paved except for the tent walk-in sites. Elevation: 7580 feet","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/camp_lake_fork.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234054","sites":90},{"name":"Stevens Creek Campground","description":"The campground is located 12 miles west of Gunnison on U.S. Highway 50 on the shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Tents to large RVs can be accommodated. The 53 sites are surrounded by sage and rabbitbrush. There is no natural shade. This campground uses the Recreation.gov app's Scan & Pay option. Please have the app downloaded before arrival. Registration for campsites are in-person through the app. Elevation: 7540 feet","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/camp_stevens_creek.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234055","sites":53},{"name":"Cimarron Campground","description":"Cimarron Campground is located 20 miles (32 km) east of Montrose, CO on U.S. Highway 50 at the site of Cimarron, a historic narrow gauge railroad town. The campground accommodates tents to medium sized RVs. All sites are first-come, first-served and the campground rarely fills. Railroad exhibits are adjacent to the campground. Crystal Reservoir near Morrow Point Dam is approximately 1.5 miles away (2.4 km).","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/camp_cimarron.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":21},{"name":"Ponderosa Campground","description":"Ponderosa Campground is located at the northwest end of the Soap Creek Arm of Blue Mesa Reservoir. From U.S. Highway 50, follow CO Highway 92 1/2 mile past Blue Mesa Dam to Soap Creek Road. Proceed 7 miles north on the gravel Soap Creek Road. Tents and medium sized RVs can be accommodated at Ponderosa. All sites are first-come first-served. Elevation: 7880 feet Note: During dry conditions, the first 7 miles of Soap Creek Road are passable to trailers and RVs. Rain can make the Soap Creek Road impassable.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/camp_ponderosa.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":28},{"name":"Dry Gulch Campground","description":"Dry Gulch Campground is located 17 miles west of Gunnison just north of U.S. Highway 50. The campground is shaded by large cottonwood trees and can accommodate tents or medium sized RVs. All sites are first-come first-served. A horse corral is available. Elevation: 7560 feet","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/camp_dry_gulch.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":9},{"name":"East Portal Campground","description":"East Portal Campground is located within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but is adjacent to and only accessible from Black Canyon National Park ($30 entrance fee). This small campground is located at the bottom of the canyon along the Gunnison River, shaded by box elder trees. The campground is closed in winter. East Portal Road is closed to vehicles in winter but open to pedestrians and cyclists. The Bureau of Reclamation determines when East Portal Road closes. Elevation: 6526 feet (1989 m)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/camp_east_portal.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10104819","sites":15},{"name":"East Elk Creek Group Campground","description":"East Elk Creek is a group campsite that can accommodate a total of 50 people. The site is located 16.5 miles west of Gunnison just north of U.S. Highway 50. The campsites are located under large cottonwood trees, and space is available for tents or RVs. Elevation: 7535 feet","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/camp_east_elk.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234057","sites":1},{"name":"Red Creek Campground","description":"Red Creek Campground is located 19 miles west of Gunnison just north of U.S. Highway 50. There is only 1 site--a group site available by reservation only. The group site can accommodate a maximum of 20 people. RVs longer than 22 feet are not recommended due to a lack of space to turn around. Elevation: 7542 feet","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/camp_red_creek.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234056","sites":1},{"name":"Gateview Campground","description":"Gateview Campground is located in a deep, narrow canyon at the extreme south end of the Lake Fork Arm of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Take CO Highway 149 7 miles west of Powderhorn, then 6 miles north on the gravel Blue Mesa Cutoff Road. All sites are first-come first-served. Gateview is best suited for tent camping. Due to the narrow gravel road, even small RVs or pop-up trailers are not recommended. Elevation: 7538 feet","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/camp_gateview.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":6}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-national-park","km":36},{"slug":"gunnison-national-forest","km":39},{"slug":"gunnison-gorge-national-conservation-area","km":50},{"slug":"grand-mesa-national-forest","km":86},{"slug":"uncompahgre-national-forest","km":93},{"slug":"dominguez-escalante-national-conservation-area","km":97}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=cure"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"}],"editorialStatus":"draft","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.610Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Caution","title":"Toxic Algae May Be Present In Blue Mesa Reservoir","text":"Cyanotoxin levels in the Blue Mesa Reservoir are now below state thresholds. Toxins are still present at low levels, therefore keep kids and pets out of the water. Avoid all contact with algae. If exposed, shower immediately.","url":null,"updated":"2026-10-13 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-295CEAEC-B2E5-4008-A18C-FE1E743BEB70"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/curecanti-national-recreation-area/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/curecanti-national-recreation-area.geojson"}