📷 NPS Photo, Public domainBlue Mesa Reservoir
Gunnison, CO
Colorado’s largest body of water, in Curecanti National Recreation Area along US-50, with campgrounds and boat ramps.
Blue Mesa Reservoir is a lake on the Gunnison River in southwestern Colorado, about 30 miles (48 km) west of the town of Gunnison. It is part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area, which stretches across three reservoirs along roughly 40 miles of the Gunnison River. At nearly 20 miles (about 32 km) long and roughly 9,180 acres (3,720 ha), it is, according to Fodor's, Colorado's largest body of water; the National Park Service calls it the largest body of water entirely within Colorado.
US Highway 50 runs along the north shore, crosses the lake on the Middle Bridge and continues to the dam. Blue Mesa Dam was built between 1962 and 1966, mainly for hydropower. Today you can go boating, fishing, camping, hiking and horseback riding; according to Fodor's, only Blue Mesa has boat ramps among the three lakes. The NPS also points to the largest kokanee salmon fishery in the US (a statement from a 2004 plan).
The Elk Creek Visitor Center is on US 50 and serves as a base for planning. Check current information on campgrounds, boat ramps and opening hours before you go.
- Nearest town
- Gunnison, CO
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 38.4710, -107.1700
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Elk Creek CampgroundCampsite0 mi from Blue Mesa ReservoirTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Dry Gulch CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Blue Mesa ReservoirTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Blue Mesa Recreational RanchMotorhome stopover3 mi from Blue Mesa ReservoirMotorhomes
- Gunnison Lakeside RV Park & CabinsMotorhome stopover4 mi from Blue Mesa ReservoirMotorhomes
- Stevens Creek CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Blue Mesa ReservoirTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Tall Texan RV ParkMotorhome stopover16 mi from Blue Mesa ReservoirMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Colorado · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Blue Mesa Reservoir?
Blue Mesa Reservoir is in Gunnison, CO, at GPS 38.4710, -107.1700. It is about 29 mi from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Can you camp near Blue Mesa Reservoir?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Elk Creek Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 28 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Blue Mesa Reservoir?
Blue Mesa Reservoir is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Black Canyon and the West Elk Loop and From Gunnison over passes, lakes and peach orchards – by camper through Colorado’s Western Slope: Curecanti, Black Canyon, Grand Mesa and Palisade.
What is there to see near Blue Mesa Reservoir?
Places worth a stop nearby: Kebler Pass (26 mi), Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim (32 mi), Ute Indian Museum (38 mi) and Maroon Bells (43 mi).
When is the best time to visit Blue Mesa Reservoir?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)