Yampa River State Park - Hayden, CO

Yampa River State Park is the widest-ranging state park in Colorado, spanning over 100 miles. While it’s not the biggest in actual acreage, it’s located in the charming Yampa Valley west of Steamboat Springs. Yampa River State Park has 3 parks in one.

The headquarters in Hayden features a visitor center, a 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 on the Yampa River

Paved trail on the Yampa River in Colorado — Trail at Yampa River State Park. Photo by: J Iannone

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

Camping: There are a variety of campgrounds in and around the state park. The headquarters campground has 50 sites, 35 of which have electric hookups for RVs, 10 tent sites, and 5 group sites. There is also a tipi for rent, showers, and laundry available. There are an additional 6 primitive camping areas, with 5 – 10 sites. Along the river from Hayden to Dinosaur National Monument.

Furthermore, there are undeveloped areas for camping along the Yampa and Elkhead Reservoir, located 11 miles west of the headquarters, has camping.

Read about the camping near Craig and Hayden.

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

Yampa River State Park Craug — Fishing on Yampa River outside Craig.

Hiking: There is a 1.25-mile nature hike with interpretive displays at headquarters.

Hunting: There is no hunting in the park, however, 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. Several commercial rafting companies raft the Yampa River.