Rifle Gap State Park – Rifle, CO

A short drive from downtown Rifle, Rifle Gap State Park offers water sports galore amid rugged wilderness. It’s centered around a clear alpine lake, which provides boating, fishing, swimming, water-skiing and windsurfing.

The main draw is the large 350 acre reservoir perfect for water sports. The park is open year round for recreation and located about 15 minutes from downtown Rifle. During warmer seasons boating, fishing and swimming are popular. During winter, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing are common.

Rifle Gap State Park Visitor Center — Visitor Center also serves Rifle Falls & Harvey Gap.

After hours is a special time at this park. Midnight anglers can be seen casting lines off their boats into the wee hours of morning. Another benefit of the park’s seclusion and high-elevation is the millions of stars visible in the sky. There’s a true feeling of wilderness at Rifle Gap.

There are 89 campsites, mostly lake-side. Camping fees vary depending on basic, electric or full hook-up. Rifle Falls also has a small campground. It’s located 5 miles north on Co Rd 325 and offers unique recreation, including caves and waterfalls.

The visitor center is open 8am to 4pm, Monday through Friday. It has public restrooms, pay phone, gift shop, fishing and ice conditions, boat and snow mobile registrations, internet access, exhibits and first aid. Nearby Harvey Gap and Rifle Falls share the visitor center.

Activities at Rifle Gap Reservoir

Rifle Gap State Park Cottonwood Campground — Cottonwood Campground is closest to the entrance.

Boating: Boat ramp open April 1 – October 31. A long, narrow reservoir welcomes boats, jet skis, water skis.

Camping: Yes, 5 campgrounds, 89 sites, open year round.

Fees for Basic, Electric and Full hook-up
Cottonwood Campground
Lakeview Campground
Cedar Campground
Sage Campground
Pinion Campground

Fishing: Small & largemouth bass, rainbow & brown trout, pike, walleye and yellow perch are common year round. Rifle Gap is recognized for its outstanding fishing.

Swimming: Swim beach located on west side of reservoir with lots of picnic areas.

Winter Recreation: Ice fishing permitted depending on conditions. Cross country skiing is welcomed but there are no trails. Several campsites are also open during the winter.

Outside Park: Big game hunting exists adjacent to park in White River National Forest. The closest snowmobile trails are located at the Rifle Creek Trailhead in Rifle Mountain Park, 10 miles from Rifle Gap.

Rifle Gap Reservoir at sunrise.