Camping in Ridgway State Park

100% (5 reviews)

Pack up your boat or paddle-board for a camping excursion at this reservoir park.

Top public campgrounds in the park

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

100% (5 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Ridgway State Park adventure.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Ridgway State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

80%

(5)

Riverwood Resort on the Gunnison

42 sites · RVs20 acres · Delta, CO

Riverwood is your oasis in the high desert: we have a 1/3rd mile walking trail on the Gunnison River and a large pond, which allow for plenty of nature and shade. Guests have the best of both worlds: less than 20 minutes to the Gunnison Gorge NCA and Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Areas, but only a half-mile to the amenities of Delta including ample dining, minigolf, drive-in and vintage movie theaters and a large rec center. The Campground has nightly rentals, a bathhouse and grill station. Riverwood is your basecamp for adventure, whether that means gold medal fishing the Gunnison, ending a float from the Black Canyon or launching one through the Dominguez-Escalante NCA. Top-rated Colorado wineries, OHV Trails, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, mountain biking in Fruita or the Ridgway Area Trails (RAT) are all less than an hour away.

93%

(7)

Secluded Property Just Out of Town

1 site · RV, Tent9 acres · Paonia, CO

We have a lovely, shady, and quiet property about a mile outside of Paonia- just a 20 minute walk, or a few minutes bike ride into town. The camping spot is shaded and secluded with hookups on site, as well as a flush toilet and sink in rustic out house and is about 150 feet from the main house. There are a lot of birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and foxes around, and we do our best to respect them! The Entrance has been widened substantially to improve backing in and a deck, flushing toilet and sink have been added to the sight You can relax on the deck of the Dry Gulch Saloon mockup, or soak in one of the cool tubs while enjoying the serenity. Bathroom on site. Pets are welcome as long as they are well behaved and diligently picked up after :)

90%

(21)

Twilight Falls

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Silverton, CO

Twilight Falls is a 40 acres private paradise of natural forests, meadows, streams and waterfalls nestled within thousands of acres of San Juan National Forest. Come experience this amazing place. Words cannot describe it. This has been a family retreat for our family for decades, and we want to share it with you.

88%

(8)

Mesa Campground

12 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Gunnison, CO

Mesa Campground is located in a beautiful setting that boasts a multitude of activities including world class fishing, hiking, mountain biking, 4-wheeling, rafting/kayaking/paddle boarding, Colorado’s largest reservoir, Black Canyon National Park, amazing restaurants and specialty shops, wildflower festivals, rodeos and more! We offer both pull-thru and back in sites, 30 or 50 amp, patio sites, and we can accommodate any size rig. We also have van sites with full hook up for a special price. Our tent sites are grassy and provide shade. We have two beautifully kept modern cabins that you will find cozy and perfect for a get-away.

93%

(14)

Poplar Place

4 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Olathe, CO

Locally owned, this large tree grove with over 100 trees, was planted in 1979 for privacy and shade between 2 homes. Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent, sleep in a hammock or park your RV at the Poplar Place. Several campsites within a large grove of trees which provide privacy & shade. Enjoy the sounds of nature including but not limited to: woodpeckers, owls, hawks, farm animals, frogs, crickets & much more. Hammocks, local area maps & yard games available at our check-in station and don’t forget to carve your initials in the totem pole before you leave. You can enjoy visiting with friends around the fire pit, play a game of tic-tac-toe, have an axe throwing contest or hide out in the Tee-Pee, whatever your heart desires. **Pets are welcome, however, they MUST BE ON LEASHES AT ALL TIMES & PROPER DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL WASTE IS A MUST* Thank you

96%

(98)

Lazy Rooster Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, Tents50 acres · Rico, CO

The ranch was the site of a sawmill in the early 1900s when the old Rio Grande Southern and Galloping Goose Railroads ran through the property along the Dolores River. All that’s left now is a little shack in the middle of the meadow and some remnants of the railroad tracks in the river.

96%

(42)

CampV Colorado

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Naturita, CO

Inspired Shelter for the Spirited Wanderer CampV was established in 1942 by the Vanadium Corporation to house the engineers who worked in the uranium mines outside of Naturita, Colorado. In 2020, this historic gem was restored by StudioVille Crew to welcome wanderers to a remote and scenic corner of SW Colorado. Discover your Wild without the crowds. Beautiful with a tiny bit of dirt under the fingernails and 120 acres to explore, travelers can sleep well in one of the newly reimagined historic cabins, glamping tents, Jupes, airstreams or river front camping. Through our arts non-profit WEarts, explorers can experience our curated art and support art and creative programming in a rural community. When you’re ready for a mission, check out Planet V, our annual arts and music gathering over Memorial Day and prepare to lift off.

100%

(4)

The Cabin

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents66 acres · Dolores, CO

Escape to our tranquil 66-acre family homestead, where the welcome mat is out for campers seeking serenity amidst nature's embrace. With trails for hiking and biking, ample camping spots to pitch a tent under the stars, and the promise of true disconnection from the digital world, our retreat beckons those yearning for a genuine getaway. The Dolores river is right across the street, listen for the soothing sound of flowing waters or bring your fishing pole. We invite guests to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with the simplicity of outdoor living.

Top-rated campgrounds near Ridgway State Park

98%

(22)

Down at the Hop Yard Camping

12 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Montrose, CO

Wake up to the fresh aroma of hops, enjoys beers made with the hops grown next to your sleeping bag, have a campfire with an incredible view of the San Juan Mountains and open night sky, take a tour and learn about the unique world of hops, walk around an 18-foot tall, 32-acre hop trellis, and adventure in all that the Western Slope of Colorado has to offer. This is a perfect basecamp for adventure! The attractions are endless: Exploring Black Canyon NP, Curecanti NRA, and Gunnison Gorge NCA; fly fishing in gold metal waters; hunting; hiking, climbing, and traversing the Via Ferrata in the San Juan Mountains; rafting, kayaking, or SUPing on three different rivers, including a wave park right in town, as well as on reservoirs and lakes; relaxing in mineral-rich hot springs; shopping for unique souvenirs and gifts; and enjoying the activities, restaurants, and shopping of nearby Ouray and Telluride!

96%

(181)

Zenzen Gardens

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Paonia, CO

Zenzen Gardens is now the official tasting room for Alfred Eames Cellars, a local winery located 3 miles south of Paonia. Come enjoy some local wines in the garden with a beautiful mountain view. Our tasting room is open May 1st to November 1st from 12 PM - 6 PM. We will be hosting several Farm to Table Dinners along with a Summer Concert Series, Water Lantern Festival and Masquerade. Check out our calendar for concerts and dinner dates at www.zenzengardens.com There is veranda seating to enjoy the beautiful flower gardens and where you can access the internet. Wine tastings are offered daily 12pm-6pm. The veranda is open until 8pm. At the turn of the century, this farm was a dairy operation with its huge old red barn built in the 1880's. The property is pastoral, relaxing, rural and beautiful! It is surrounded by hay and alfalfa fields. It is very quiet with wide open spaces. You might see deer, fox, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Red Tail Hawks and Red Wing Blackbirds, just to name a few.

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(354)

Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents35 acres · Hotchkiss, CO

The House where we live is the corner stone of the Bruce Property and is on the Colorado Register of Historic Houses.The residence was constructed between 1905 and 1912, using red bricks made on the site. John and Sophia Bruce, early pioneers in the North Fork Valley, were first involved in cattle raising. The family later became successful fruit growers. Located along the West Elk Loop, a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway, the large two-story residence features a steeply pitched hipped roof with prominent attic dormers.As a guest of Riverwalk you will have full access to the river during your stay. In addition, there is the Riverwalk Trail System that skirts the North Fork of the Gunnison River from the top of the property, by the Riverwalk Yurt, (available on this site) meandering downstream past the Riverwalk TIPI (available on the site) passing the Grove Yurt (available on this site) and terminating at the bottom of the property with the sandy Riverwalk Beach. There is a trial that zigs through the Cottonwood Grove and zags back along the gentle Monitor Ditch skirting a newly planted grove of young trees.For RV Campers we provide 2- 30amp,1-50 amp and 1- 110-amp electrical services and potable water. There is a dump station available. There is also access to our heated shower house with running water and bathroom amenities (<3 min. walk, may be shared with other guests). The property is perfectly geared to groups of friends gathering in a central location between the onset of the Rockies and the termination high desert to the west. Friends or family will reserve both Yurts and the RV Site for a perfect reunion setting!

Oasis Cottages

6 sites · Lodging20 acres · Gunnison, CO

Our Vacation Cottages at Gunnison Lakeside Oasis vary in size and sleeping capacities. A two-night minimum stay applies to all. Pricing starts at $109/night All of our cottages/cabins are equipped with restroom facilities, including a shower. From a two-bedroom cottage to 12×12 and 12×16 cottages with and without covered porches all the way to a 1960 Retro Trailer await you close to the shores of Colorado’s largest body of water, the Blue Mesa Reservoir!

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(229)

Tater's Black Canyon Campground

4 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Crawford, CO

Hot showers and toilets are now available! Tater's was voted a 2024 top runner up as 'Best Hipcamp in Colorado'. 35 acres of bliss shared with 2 humans, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 3 horses and 4 chickens [Eggs may be available upon request]. Black Canyon National Park is a short drive to the west. Conveniently located to Crawford and the North Fork Valley to wineries, music fests and local eateries. Incredible views and dark skies make the perfect respite for just hanging out, climbing in the Black, foodie time in the North Fork Valley or pretty much whatever you like to do. Hunters are welcome as this is a perfect base camp to Unit 63.

91%

(17)

Oasis RV Resort

104 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Gunnison, CO

Nestled beside Colorado’s expansive Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest body of water in the state, our location offers unparalleled access to serene waters and breathtaking views. Our Gunnison Lakeside Oasis Vacation Cottages offer a range of sizes and sleeping capacities, with a two-night minimum stay requirement. Each cottage includes restroom facilities, including a shower. Options include two-bedroom cottages, 12×12 and 12×16 cottages with or without covered porches, and even a 1960 Retro Trailer. Enjoy your stay close to the beautiful Blue Mesa Reservoir! Discover the exceptional amenities at Oasis RV Resort and Cottages where modern comforts meet the tranquility of nature. Equiped with fiber optic internet, stay connected to the world while surrounded by the serene beauty of our natural surroundings.

100%

(1)

Hartwork Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Placerville, CO

A beautiful 40 acre ranch on Hastings Mesa with views of Alder Canyon and Hayden’s Peak. You can hear Alder Creek flowing through the canyon from the comfort of your campsite. Many nearby options for bicycling, hiking, kayaking and skiing in the area. Once you pull out the driveway you are a few minutes from Last Dollar Ranch Road (hike, bike, or 4x4) and about a 25 minute drive to Telluride, 30 minutes to Ridgway, and 30 minutes to Norwood. Just outside of Ridgway is Orvis Hot Springs, and more hot springs can be found in Ouray. The property offers access to Alder Creek and our beaver ponds down in the canyon. The fields are blanketed with Iris and clematis flowers in May and June and other wild flowers throughout the summer including pentstemon, larkspur, and wild roses. There are patches of scrub oak and fields with cinquefoil bushes in the camping areas, and as you go down in the canyon there’s aspen groves, blue spruce, and ponderosa pines. We raise ducks for eggs, so there are usually duck eggs available.

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(466)

Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven

7 sites · Lodging22 acres · Hotchkiss, CO

Formerly known as the North Fork Tipi Haven, this 22 acres is now home to Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven. This property offers spectacular views, a large grass field for activities and games, a short hike up Mandala Mountain (behind the solar panels), and relaxion by Love Gulch in the many hammocks. Two mile drive from Big B's and even closer to the nearest winery (Storm Cellar). Tipi camping offers an authentic camping experience, complete with possible bugs and other critters one would expect to find in nature.

91%

(16)

Arrowhead Getaway

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Cimarron, CO

Come to a private camping space with great scenery and access to lakes. This space provides access to water, a tent, fire pit/grill with an additional tent pad and rv pad. There is also an additional shower and bathroom tent on the premise. Arrowhead lodge has live entertainment throughout the summer as well as dining and additional housing if needed.

99%

(62)

Coworking Space with Mountain Views

6 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Montrose, CO

We bought a school house! Our long-term plan is to build out a full campground on the property, but in the interim we will be offering boondocking. While we are under construction on the outdoor space, the main building that we have converted into a coworking space is available for our guests to use from the hours of 9AM - 6PM. Unfortunately, we are on old agricultural land so the sites are in the direct sun during the day. Please be aware that it gets hot out here in the summer and take this into consideration when booking your stay with us. Please note that there is only one camping structure allowed per site (one tent, one rv, one van, etc.). Since we are under construction we ask that you use caution when pulling into the lot. Our property is also on a bike trail that connects to 70 miles of (mostly paved) bike trails across the town of Montrose. Please reach out with any questions. We look forward to hosting you!

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Sage View Ranch

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Paonia, CO

After traveling the US in our motorhome for almost 5 years my husband Scott and I know the value of a smiling face and a helping hand after a day (or week) of travel. Exploring and experiencing this amazing country, its diversity and incredible people enhanced our lives in so many ways. In mid 2017 we found out our first grandchild was on the way. Long story short we parked the RV and parked ourselves here in Paonia, CO. In December of that year, we moved onto this amazing property full time and started the long list of fix ups (the list is still long). lol We are blessed to have our two adult sons and (aforementioned) grandson living on this property with us. Our philosophy is to live in the moment as the present is the gift. Whether enjoying a sunrise or a sunset or anytime in between you’ll likely find us outside most days. In that, we love all that nature has to offer including fresh fruits and veggies, animals, beauty and fragrances. Sage View Ranch is being created with the desire to have people experience the natural rustic beauty and magic of Paonia. Scott and I look forward to meeting you :)

96%

(25)

Delta Hobby Farm

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Delta, CO

We are a working hobby farm, complete with orchard, goats, pasture, and yurts. We love this slice of Western Colorado beauty... so close to the Grand Mesa, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and the Uncompaghre Plateau. So many outdoor possibilities! We build a brand new shower house with flushing toilet to share between all guests as we also have 2 yurts. We also welcome pets that don't chase the free range chickens and are on a leash when out n about. We have recently installed a Pergola for shade! Tent camping is in side the square (if you'd like!) as its lined with peegravel. There is a gate at the entrance of the field and there is a horse fence around the field is twine, so please use the gate! The share shower and bath house has on-demand hot water and a flushing toilet. We encourage all guests to be tidy and efficient as the yurts also share the same bath house.

The best camping near Ridgway State Park guide

Overview

About

Just north of Telluride, Ridgway State Park is a popular summertime getaway, with a large reservoir for swimming and boating plus around 14 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. With almost 300 campsites (many with full hook-ups), plus plenty of yurts, the park is a popular spot for camping year-round. While Ridgway is at its busiest in the summer months, the park is a year-round destination, particularly among fans of ice-fishing, snow-shoeing, and cross-country skiing. All of the yurts and a handful of campsites are available in the winter months.

Notable campgrounds

Best for swimmers: Dakota Terraces Campground has 79 campsites and three yurts, all within a short walk of the swim beach.
Best for longer stays: Elk Ridge Campground offers a mix of RV sites with full hook-ups and tent sites, with easy access to laundry and showers at the camper services building.
Best for getting away from it all: Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground has 15 secluded walk-in tent sites set amongst the trees (plus another 81 options with full hookups).

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations are only available through Colorado Parks and Wildlife online reservation system or over the phone
Reservations can be made from six months in advance up to your arrival date. Book early, particularly if you are looking for a summer weekend reservation.
Camping is available throughout the year, but only 20 RV sites and 15 walk-in tent sites are available from November through March. Yurts are available year-round, and are cheaper in the wintertime.

When to go

High season for camping at Ridgway State Park runs from April through October, but the busiest time is between Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends, when the weather is at its finest. July through September are the rainiest months in the area, so be prepared. Autumn and spring attract birdwatchers, while winter is a good time for cross-country skiing (although trails are not groomed). Limited winter camping and yurt rentals are also available.

Know before you go

You can pick up supplies and groceries in Ouray, about a 20-minute drive southeast of Ridgway.
Coin-operated showers, vending machines, and laundry facilities are available during the high season.
Dogs are welcome at the campgrounds and elsewhere in the park (except at the swim beach) provided they remain leashed. Yurts 12 and 14 are both pet friendly.
Horses and off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are not permitted in the area, although there are plenty of spots to ride either within a short drive of the park.
Wifi is not available at the park and cell coverage is limited.

100%

5 ratings · 1 review

Recommends

· February 2019

Elk Ridge

This view is amazing!