Gunnison, CO

Lake Fork Campground

Availability

Each day shows how many of this campground’s sites are open.

About this spot

Overview

Lake Fork Campground is on the Blue Mesa Reservoir, near the reservoir's dam. It is a part of the historic Curecanti Recreation Area and is an ideal place to stay for days of boat recreation, hiking and taking in the views of the Black Canyon.

Recreation

Jet skiing, water skiing and canoeing are some of the many water activities available on the reservoir. Bird Watching is also rewarding, with chances to see the black-billed magpie. Along the shrubland, visitors can spot Gunnison's Prairie Dogs popping out of their holes.

Facilities

Flush toilets are available in summer months.   Cell phone service is limited. For anglers, a fish cleaning station is provided for conveniently preparing the days catch.    Elk Creek, Lake Fork and Iola boat ramps are OPEN for the season.

Natural Features

The steep canyon walls in this part of the reservoir were carved out by the Gunnison River, which once flowed with powerful intensity fueled by the snowmelt of nearby mountains. Today, the Gunnison river is dammed in three places, creating three large and beautiful reservoirs to be enjoyed by visitors. The land is characterized by semi-arid shrubland with vast expanses of sagebrush. The natural features and ecosystems of Curecanti vary greatly, with Riparian habitats, epic canyons and lush patches of Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and aspen trees.

Nearby Attractions

The recreation area is just south of Gunnison National Forest and east of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. There's no shortage of options for Scenic Drives and Hiking. Try hiking the Curecanti Creek Trail or Hermit's Rest Trail off HWY 92..

Typical weather

Blue Mesa Reservoir

Average water temperature
Average water temperature for Blue Mesa Reservoir, January through DecemberEach point shows the monthly average water temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.33°JJanuary: average water temperature 33°F33°FFebruary: average water temperature 33°F35°MMarch: average water temperature 35°F40°AApril: average water temperature 40°F46°MMay: average water temperature 46°F53°JJune: average water temperature 53°F58°JJuly: average water temperature 58°F60°AAugust: average water temperature 60°F57°SSeptember: average water temperature 57°F46°OOctober: average water temperature 46°F37°NNovember: average water temperature 37°F34°DDecember: average water temperature 34°F

Water: Water Quality Portal — 107 field-sample stations

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