Camping By Boat

Each reservoir has established boat-in campsites available. In addition, backcountry camping is permitted except within 1/2 mile of any developed area, bridge, maintained public road or boat-in campsite.

Boat-in and backcountry camping is limited to a visit of 14 consecutive nights, and a total limit of 30 days during the calendar year.

Overnight boat camping is not allowed within the main channel of Iola, Cebolla and Sapinero basins, or within 1/2 mile of any developed area.

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BLUE MESA RESERVOIR

TURTLE ROCK
This site is especially popular with people in canoes and other hand-carried craft due to the close proximity to Elk Creek.
Photo »
Distance: 10 minutes east of Elk Creek Marina
Sites: 3
Vault toilets: yes
Tables/fire grates: yes
Fee: Free

CEBOLLA
Surrounded by cottonwood trees, Gambel oak, juniper, sagebrush, tree snags and rocky cliffs.
Photo »
Distance: 1 hour from either marina
Sites: 2
Vault toilets: yes
Tables/fire grates: yes
Fee: Free

WEST ELK
Located next to the inlet of West Elk Creek, where remnants of sawmill and homesteading operations still stand. It is recommended that campers moor their boats on the west shore just before the bottleneck at the creek to avoid submerged timber. A trail leads to the campsites from this point.
Photo »
Distance: 1 hour from either marina
Sites: 2
Vault toilets: yes
Tables/fire grates: yes
Fee: Free

LAKE FORK
This site is located near a secluded cove and is shaded by spruce and fir trees.
Distance: 30 minutes southeast of Lake Fork Marina
Sites: 2
Vault toilets: yes
Tables/fire grates: yes
Fee: Free

BLUE MESA BACKCOUNTRY LOCATIONS
Camping is permitted along the south shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir, and on Red Creek Island, except within a half-mile of any developed area, bridge, maintained public road or other boat-in/backcountry campsite.

Map: Blue Mesa Reservoir Backcountry/Boat-in Campsites »
Detail of Blue Mesa Reservoir showing available backcountry, boat-in and developed campgrounds (162k pdf).

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MORROW POINT RESERVOIR
Hand-carried craft only. Accessed via the Pine Creek Trail, which has 232 stairs. Sudden releases from Blue Mesa Dam may create hazardous boating conditions.

CURECANTI CREEK
This site is surrounded by steep cliffs at the bottom of the Curecanti Creek Trail, just north of the Curecanti Needle.
Photo »
Sites: 1
Vault toilets: yes
Tables/fire grates: no
Fee: Free

HERMIT'S REST
This site is at the bottom of the Hermit's Rest Trail, approximately 1 mile east of Morrow Point Dam.
Photo »
Sites: 1
Vault toilets: yes
Tables/fire grates: no
Fee: Free

MORROW POINT BACKCOUNTRY LOCATIONS
Four primitive sites exist for boat-in campers on Morrow Point Reservoir. No amenities exist at these sites. Please see the map below for approximate locations.

Map: Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs Backcountry/Boat-in Campsites »
Detail of Morrow & Crystal Reservoirs showing available backcountry and boat-in sites (319k pdf).

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CRYSTAL RESERVOIR
Hand-carried craft only. Accessed at the Mesa Creek Trail trailhead at Cimarron immediately west of Morrow Point Dam. Sudden releases from Morrow Point Dam may create hazardous boating conditions.

CRYSTAL CREEK
The campsite is in a secluded cove at the mouth of Crystal Creek, approximately 4 miles from the put-in.
Sites: 1
Vault toilets: yes
Tables/fire grates: no
Fee: Free

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BOAT-IN/BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING REGULATIONS

Use a campstove or burn driftwood only. Even dead trees are used by eagles, hawks and other birds of prey as hunting and nesting roosts.

Ground fires are only allowed below the high water line on each reservoir. If a fire grate is provided, please use it.

Pack out all trash.

Camp in spaces provided. To preserve the area, please do not pitch tents outside the spaces provided at the boat-in sites or the disturbed areas at backcountry sites, and do not trench around your tent.

Pets must be on a leash. Please help protect the wildlife in these isolated locations.