National Recreation Area · Colorado
Curecanti National Recreation Area
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.
Things to do
- 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
Weather & when to go
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).
Operating hours
Curecanti National Recreation Area
Open 24 hours per day, 365 days a year.
Campgrounds
Elk Creek Campground
Lake Fork Campground
Stevens Creek Campground
Cimarron Campground
Ponderosa Campground
Dry Gulch Campground
East Portal Campground
East Elk Creek Group Campground
Red Creek Campground
Gateview Campground
FAQ
- Is Curecanti National Recreation Area free to visit?
- Curecanti National Recreation Area does not charge a standard entrance fee. Check the official NPS page for the latest details on any activity or permit fees before you go.
- What are the hours at Curecanti National Recreation Area?
- Open 24 hours per day, 365 days a year.
- Do I need a reservation for Curecanti National Recreation Area?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Curecanti National Recreation Area. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.