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Ridgway State Park

Ridgway Reservoir is a major recreational resource at the heart of Ridgway State Park, surrounded by an outdoor playground with five square miles to explore and enjoy.
  • Published: Nov 25, 2016
  • By: Tanya Ishikawa
  • Edited: Feb 14, 2023
Paddle boarding at Ridgway State Park
Paddle boarding at Ridgway State Park

With unparalleled scenery, the park is an inviting destination with diverse amenities to keep all ages occupied for an afternoon or several days. While summer offers a wide range of water sports, fishing is available year round. Visitors can also enjoy nearly 14 miles of developed trails for hiking and biking, along with birding and wildlife viewing opportunities in every season. The park also offers campgrounds, event facilities, a marina, and picnic and playground areas.  

Winter camping fees range from $28 to $60 a night for tent, electric RV spots, and yurts. The daily park pass is $9 per vehicle and is separate from the camping fee. Starting January 1, 2023, Colorado residents can opt in for the $29 annual Keep Colorado Wild park pass with their vehicle's plate registration through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Out-of-state residents will still need a daily or annual park pass. Keep Colorado Wild pass information: https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/pages/keep-colorado-wild-pass.aspx

In winter, the park is a peaceful, beautiful place to stay when visiting for skiing, ice climbing, snow shoeing, and hot springs. A yurt stay surrounded by snow-covered mountains is simply magical. The RV/yurt area has a heated flush restroom accessible year round. Plus, a walk-in type of camping site is open during the colder months for the very hearty. 

Education programs for the public begin on Memorial Day weekend and go throughout the summer each year. Program dates and times can be found on the park's Facebook page.


Undoubtedly one of the nicest state parks in Colorado if not the entire US. Incredible park staff, too. Beautiful and well maintained park thanks to the hard working and dedicated professionals at Ridgway State Park. You won't be disappointed if you visit.
DM Carnahan

The Park Visitor Center is open seven days a week all year except Thanksgiving and Christmas days, and rangers offer various family-friendly programs when conditions allow. The Visitor Center has many items that it lends for free, including fishing poles and tackle, life jackets, and "Family Activity Backpacks" fully equipped with journals, binoculars, magnifiers, guidebooks and magnifying bug boxes, along with suggested activities and fun facts sheets. Snowshoes are lent out in the winter as well.