Crawford State Park - Crawford | Colorado State Parks

Secluded near the Black Canyon of the Gunnison on Colorado’s Western Slope, Crawford is a beautiful state park to escape to. Fishing, boating and hiking are among some of the activities found in this inspiring location.

Activities

Biking: 1.3 miles of disconnected trails, from the swim beach south to Iron Creek Campground along Highway 92; Also .3 miles trail in Iron Creek interior.

Birding: Hundreds of birds species.

Boating: Capacity is 60 boats (20 water skiing, 40 slow trollers fishing). Sailboats take up more capacity. Jet skiing and water skiing popular mid May through August.

Camping: Yes, 2 campgrounds: Iron Creek (45 sites) and Clear Fork (21 sites); $16/site/night. Some sites offer electrical hookups. Winter camping is available.

Cross-County Skiing – Allowed, conditions permitting.

Fishing: Known for perch, crappie. channel catfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, and rainbow trout.

Hiking: Same 2 trails as biking, plus a 0.5 mile Indian Fire Nature Trail on west side.

Horseback Riding: Not permitted in park.

Hunting: Waterfowl hunting allowed in the fall seasons; hunters must be 100 yards from anyone fishing and 150 yards away from campground. Big game hunting allowed in season under above conditions.

Ice Fishing – Allowed anywhere on lake, when there is at 6+ inches of ice.

OHV Riding: Not permitted in park.

Picnicking: Several areas throughout park, each with a grill or fire ring. Groups of up to 100 people at Peninsula day-use area; located near swim beach, outdoor shower and comfort station. Register at park office.

Sailboarding: Allowed, but not common. Late May and June gets most wind but water is cold.

Sledding – The Peninsula is only good area, conditions permitting.

Snowmobiling – Not allowed in park. Many areas exist around park.

Snowshoeing – Anywhere in park, conditions permitting.

Swimming: Only permitted in the Peninsula day-use area at swim beach; Open late spring through summer season.

Winter Recreation – Camping permitted in Clear Fork Campground, which is plowed; only vault toilet, no water or flush facilities open. Recreation includes cross country skiing, ice fishing, ice skating and snowshoeing.

The North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is only ten miles from the park.

Crawford Reservoir.