Yampa River State Park - Hayden | Colorado State Parks

Located in the charming Yampa Valley west of Steamboat Springs, Yampa River State Park is actually 3 parks in one.

Headquarters on the Yampa River in Hayden
A 134-mile stretch of Yampa between Hayden and Dinosaur National Monument near Utah border
The Elkhead Reservoir which has 2 swim beaches and is popular for boating and fishing.

The headquarters in Hayden features a visitor center, modern campground, tepees for rent, shower facilities, access to the Yampa River, volleyball and picnicking. Other highlights include numerous sites on the Yampa River along its 100+ mile stretch.

Activities

Boating: There are 13 access points with boat ramps along the 134-mile stretch of Yampa River. Some may close if water levels are to high/fast.

Camping: Yes, offers a variety of campgrounds in and around state park.

Headquarters campground near Hayden; 50 sites – 35 of them have electric hook-ups for $20/night, 10 are basic walk-in tent-only sites for $16/night, 5 group tent-only sites for $16/night, 1 tipi for rent for $25/night. Showers and laundry available.
6 primitive camping areas along a 134-mile stretch of the Yampa River from Hayden to Dinosaur National Monument on the CO/Utah state line. Each campground has 5-10 sites, $10/night.
Undeveloped camping along various stretches of the Yampa River.
Elkhead Reservoir located 11 miles west of the headquarters in Hayden has camping.

Fishing: The Yampa River starts in the Flat Top Mountains near Yampa, goes past Steamboat and west to Dinosaur. Fish along any point of it with a valid license. All park sites have easy fishing access.

Hiking: 1.25 mile nature hike with interpretive displays at headquarters.

Hunting: There is no hunting in the park, but Hayden is centrally located around BLM and National Forest hunting lands.

Whitewater Rafting: Most sections of the Yampa River are relatively calm, with Class I-II rapids, but there are sections with Class III-V rapids. There are several commercial rafting companies that raft the Yampa River.

Visitor Center.