Elk Hunting in Craig, Colorado: Season Dates, GMU Strategy & RV Camping

Craig, Colorado wears the title “Elk Hunting Capital of the World,” and with a resident elk herd numbering over 25,000 animals, it’s a distinction that holds up under scrutiny. If you’re planning a Colorado elk hunting trip to northwest Colorado’s Game Management Units, you’ll need more than a rifle and a tag. You’ll need a solid basecamp. This guide covers season dates, GMU strategies, where to park your RV, and where to grab a post-hunt steak in Craig and Moffat County.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter returning to familiar ridgelines or a first-timer drawn by Colorado’s premier elk country, this will help you plan a hunt that’s both productive and comfortable from your RV.

At a Glance: Elk Hunting in Craig, Colorado

• Location: Craig, Moffat County, Northwest Colorado
• Elevation Range: 6,000 to 9,000 ft
• Primary GMUs: 10, 11, 12, and 4
• Estimated Elk Herd: 25,000+
• Hunting Seasons: Archery, Muzzleloader, 4 Rifle Seasons (Sept through Nov)
• Nearest Highway: US Highway 40
• Non-Resident Deer License: ~$481.52 + $12.15 habitat stamp
• 2026 Draw Application Window: March 1 through April 7 (closes 8 p.m. MT)

Why Craig, Colorado Is the Elk Hunting Capital of the World

Northwest Colorado’s Moffat County contains some of the highest elk densities in North America. The region’s mix of high-country aspen groves, sagebrush flats, dark timber, and vast tracts of public BLM and Routt National Forest land creates ideal elk habitat and hunting opportunities that range from guided ranch hunts to solo public-land grinds.

Game Management Units 10, 11, and 12 surround Craig and consistently produce impressive harvest numbers across all seasons. Local outfitters operate on private ranches spanning tens of thousands of acres (some guided 5-day bull elk hunts take place on properties exceeding 27,000 acres), while DIY hunters have access to millions of acres of public land in the adjacent Routt National Forest and BLM-managed parcels.

Craig is one of the few places in Colorado where hunters can realistically pursue both elk and mule deer on the same trip, with combined tags available during the 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons.

Colorado Elk Hunting Season Dates and Structure

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) approved a new 2025 through 2029 season structure in June 2024, bringing several changes that affect hunters planning trips to the Craig area.

Archery Season

• Dates: September 2 through 30 (fixed west of I-25)
• Tag Type: Over-the-counter (OTC) in many units
• Best For: Hunters who want to experience the elk rut in relative solitude

Muzzleloader Season

• Dates: Approximately September 12 through 21
• Tag Type: OTC in select units; draw required in others

Rifle Seasons

• 1st Rifle: October 14 through 19; draw-only for elk; 5-day season
• 2nd Rifle: October 24 through November 2; combined elk/deer tags available
• 3rd Rifle: November 7 through 16; extended to 9 days (previously 7); opens on Saturday
• 4th Rifle: November 18 through 23; draw-only; late-season opportunity
• Late Elk: Nov 23, 2026 through Jan 31, 2027; extended season in select units

Key 2025 through 2029 changes include a 5-day break between 1st and 2nd rifle seasons (reduced from 9 days), a longer 3rd season that now opens on Saturdays, and extended late elk seasons running through January 31.

Applying for Tags

For the 2026 draw, applications open March 1 and close April 7 at 8:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Non-residents should budget approximately $481.52 for a deer license plus $12.15 for the required habitat stamp. Some archery and muzzleloader units offer over-the-counter tags, but rifle elk and deer tags in Craig-area GMUs are typically draw-only. Apply early. These units are competitive.

Setting Up Your Elk Hunting Basecamp Near Craig

One of the real advantages of elk hunting in Craig is the ability to set up a comfortable RV basecamp with easy access to prime hunting units. A well-positioned basecamp puts you within 30 minutes of some of the best elk habitat in North America while giving you a warm bed, hot shower, and full hookups at the end of a long day in the field.

RV Parks and Campgrounds

For hunters who want full-service amenities after a day of glassing ridgelines and packing meat, the area offers several RV-friendly options:

• Tunatua RV Resort provides a convenient, comfortable basecamp for hunters heading into northwest Colorado’s prime elk units. Reliable hookups, a location that puts you close to the action, and the kind of campground where other guests understand why your truck smells like elk quarters. An ideal home base for your hunting trip.
• Craig KOA Journey (1400 E Victory Way, Craig, CO 81625) offers full hookups and pull-through sites suitable for larger rigs.
• Dispersed Camping is available throughout the Routt National Forest and on BLM lands around Sand Wash Basin for hunters who prefer boondocking closer to their hunting areas. Check Recreation.gov for current permit requirements.

Why an RV Basecamp Makes Sense for Elk Hunting

Elk hunting in the Craig area often spans 5 to 10 days or more, especially if you’re hunting multiple seasons. Hotels fill up fast during rifle season, and tent camping at 7,000+ feet in November can turn miserable in a hurry. An RV gives hunters the critical combination of proximity to hunting units, the ability to process and cool game efficiently, and a comfortable recovery space that makes the difference between a 5-day hunt and a 2-day burnout.

Practical Tips for RV Hunters in Northwest Colorado

Gear and Vehicle Preparation

• Four-wheel drive is essential for accessing backcountry roads, especially during 3rd and 4th rifle seasons when snow is common at higher elevations.
• Fuel up in Craig before heading into the field. Gas stations are sparse in the backcountry.
• Cell service is spotty to nonexistent in most hunting areas. Download offline maps (onX Hunt and COTREX are both solid) and carry a satellite communicator.
• Pack bear spray. Black bears are active in the area, and over-the-counter bear add-on tags are available from CPW.

Game Processing

Several local shops in Craig offer game processing services, and many outfitters include processing as part of guided hunt packages. If you’re processing your own game at your RV, bring quality coolers and plan for ice runs. Daytime temperatures can still climb into the 50s during early rifle seasons, which is warm enough to spoil meat faster than you’d expect.

Regulations to Know

• Always carry your valid hunting license, habitat stamp, and appropriate tags in the field.
• Familiarize yourself with the specific regulations for the GMU you’re hunting, as season dates and tag types vary by unit.
• CPW occasionally expands over-the-counter bear license availability. Check current regulations before your trip.

What to Do Beyond the Hunt

Even the most dedicated hunters need a break, and the Craig area has enough off-duty diversions to fill a rest day.

Dining in Craig

• Mountainside Grill (456 Main St): The go-to for a celebratory steak dinner after a successful harvest.
• Craig BBQ Company (55 E Victory Way): Quick, hearty meals perfect for hungry hunters heading back to the RV park.
• Barrel Ridge Brewing (1550 E Main St): Local craft brews and occasional live music. A good spot to swap hunting stories over something that isn’t camp coffee.

Nearby Attractions

• Yampa River (Downtown Craig): Fly-fishing, rafting, riverside trails
• Sand Wash Basin (~20 miles north): Wild horse viewing, OHV trails (BLM-managed)
• Steamboat Springs (~40 miles east): Strawberry Park Hot Springs, skiing, dining
• Dinosaur National Monument (~60 miles west): Petroglyphs, rafting, dinosaur quarry
• Meeker / White River National Forest (~50 miles south): Hiking trails, historic museum

Sand Wash Basin, about 20 miles north of Craig, is home to one of Colorado’s most iconic wild horse herds and offers excellent OHV trails for a rest-day adventure.

If you’re traveling with family members who aren’t hunting, Steamboat Springs is only 40 miles east and offers hot springs, shopping, and dining worth the drive. For those who love exploring Colorado’s RV-friendly destinations, consider extending your trip with stays at Cortez RV Resort near Mesa Verde or Applewood RV Resort in the Denver foothills.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many elk are in the Craig, Colorado area?

Craig and Moffat County are home to a resident elk herd estimated at over 25,000 animals, which is why the city has earned the nickname “Elk Hunting Capital of the World.” Game Management Units 10, 11, and 12, which surround Craig, consistently rank among Colorado’s most productive for elk harvest.

Do I need a draw tag to hunt elk near Craig, Colorado?

It depends on the season. Archery elk tags are available over-the-counter (OTC) in many northwest Colorado units, and some muzzleloader tags are OTC as well. Rifle elk tags in the Craig-area GMUs are typically draw-only. Applications for the 2026 draw open March 1 and close April 7 at 8:00 p.m. Mountain Time through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

What is the best rifle season for elk hunting in Craig?

The 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons (late October through mid-November) are widely considered the most productive near Craig. The 2nd season often coincides with the tail end of the rut, while the 3rd season benefits from snow pushing elk to lower elevations. The 3rd season has been extended to 9 days under the new 2025 through 2029 structure.

Can I park my RV near elk hunting units in Craig?

Yes. Craig offers several RV parks with full hookups, including Tunatua RV Resort by RJourney, which provides a convenient basecamp near prime hunting units. Dispersed camping is also available on BLM and National Forest lands closer to backcountry hunting areas, though amenities are limited to whatever you brought with you.

What should I pack for an elk hunting RV trip to northwest Colorado?

Beyond your standard hunting gear: warm layering systems (temperatures can drop below freezing during rifle seasons), a 4WD-capable tow vehicle or truck, bear spray, quality coolers for game storage, offline GPS maps, a satellite communicator, tire chains for November snow, and enough provisions for your entire hunt. Grocery options in Craig are limited compared to larger Colorado cities, so stock up before you arrive or plan a supply run to Steamboat Springs.

Conclusion

Elk hunting in Craig, Colorado offers massive elk herds, expansive public-land access, and a small-town hub that makes logistics easier during the busiest seasons. With GMUs 10, 11, and 12 surrounding Craig, you can tailor your trip to archery rut action, muzzleloader tactics, or the snow-driven movement that makes late rifle seasons productive. Confirm CPW regulations, apply during the March 1 through April 7 draw window, and organize your gear for cold weather and remote access. For a comfortable, hunter-friendly basecamp, reserve your RV stay early at Tunatua RV Resort, arrive with time to scout, and set yourself up for a safe, efficient hunt. Browse all RJourney RV parks and campgrounds.