Camping By Boat

 

Campers set up at the West Elk boat-in campsite.

NPS/Sandy Snell-Dobert

Each reservoir has established boat-in campsites available. Blue Mesa Reservoir boat-in campsites have vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Morrow Point Reservoir and Crystal Reservoirs boat-in campsites are more primitive. All boat-in campsites are first come, first served.

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.

 

 

Blue Mesa Reservoir Boat-In Campsites

Blue Mesa Reservoir Boat-In Campsites

Campsite Name	Description	Location	Sites	Toilet?	Tables/fire grates?	Fee	Permit Required?

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Blue Mesa Backcountry Camping

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.

View boat camping map

 

Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs Boat-In Campsites

Hand-carried craft only. Sudden releases from Blue Mesa Dam or Morrow Point Dam may create hazardous boating conditions in either of these reservoirs. Swift currents exist for at least one mile downstream from where the Pine Creek Trail reaches the reservoir level.

Boaters are required to fill out a free backcountry use permit for Morrow Point Reservoir only. Permits are available at the Pine Creek trailhead. Map shows approximate location of campsites; most sites are not labeled with signage.

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Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs Boat-In Campsites

Campsite Name	Description	Location	Trailhead Access	Boat Restrictions	Sites	Toilet?	Tables/fire grates?	Fee	Permit Required?

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Picnic tables and fire grates are provided at campsites on Blue Mesa Reservoir.

NPS Photo

Camp Responsibly

• 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.