Ridgway State Park – Ridgway, CO

Situated at the entrance to the staggering San Juan Mountains, Ridgway State Park is a very stunning place. The Uncompahgre River runs through the park, though the main attraction is the Ridgway Reservoir. The reservoir is 5 miles long with 1,030 surface-acres of water.

Ridgway is a great state park located in the scenic San Juan Mountains. There are three sections to the park each with water access, either lake, river or both. The park is located on the scenic Highway 550, just north of downtown Ridgway.

A variety of campgrounds are available. Most are good for RVs and offer electric hookup. There is one primitive, “walk-in” campground located in a forest hill-side. It’s very nice and unique for a state park. It costs $16 for walk-in and $20 for drive-up.

While in the area, visit a local visit a hot springs. Both Orvis and Ouray are close-by, all within a 30 minute drive or less south of the park.

Activities at Ridgway Reservoir

Biking/Hiking: Fourteen miles of trails.

Boating: Boat ramp closes November 1st. Water skiing, jet skiing and wakeboarding are popular during the summer. Sailboarding launch from Dallas Creek shoreline.

Cabins & Yurts: There’s 3 yurts for rent year round in the Dutch Charlie area; $70/night; includes heat, electricity, microwave, fridge, and sleeps up to six, water hydrants outside & flush & vault restrooms outside; showers open in summer.

Camping: Yes, open year round; 258 sites electrical sites + 25 walk-in sites. There are 3 campgrounds: Dakota Terraces, Elk Ridge, and Pa-Co-Chu-Puk; Fees vary depending on time of year and amenities.

Equipment Rental: Available for loan at no charge are – fishing poles & tackle; infant, child & youth PFD’s; “family activity backpacks” come equipped with journals, binoculars, magnifiers, guidebooks and magnifying “bug” boxes, along with suggested activities and “fun facts”.

Fishing: There’s lots of great fishing at Ridgway. The Uncompahgre River, Ridgway Reservoir, as well as several ponds within the park are open year round. Artificial flies and lures only in the Uncompahgre River; Use of bait is permitted in the ponds.

Geocaching: There are 4 geocaching sites within the park. Use GPS to find these four hidden treasures.

Horseback Riding: Permitted only on road shoulders and in the meadows.

Hunting: Limited hunting is available. Big & small game hunting starts Tuesday after Labor Day and extends through the Friday before Memorial Day. Waterfowl hunting is permitted on the Dallas Creek shoreline between October 1-April 30. Check with park for current regulations.

Picnicking: 87 picnic sites throughout park.

Rock Climbing: Limited, check with Park Office.

Swimming: Swim beach is now closed.

Volleyball: Courts located on the swim beach, group picnic area, and Pa-Co-Chu-Puk day use area.

Winter Camping: RV and walk-in tent sites are available first-come, first-serve during winter. Yurts are also available.

Outside Park: Multiple Gold Panning and OHV Trails exist outside the park. Kayaking and small rafts use the Uncompahgre River south of the park, as conditions allow.

The Dam separates Ridgway Reservoir and this section of the Park.