The best camping near Paonia State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Paonia adventure.

Paddle or water ski amongst the wildflowers at this low-key state park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Paonia State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Paonia State Park

Spruce

6 sites · RVs, Tents In Paonia State Park

Hawsapple

7 sites · RVs, Tents In Paonia State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Paonia State Park

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Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents35 acres · Hotchkiss, CO

The House where we live is the corner stone of the Bruce Property and is on the Colorado Register of Historic Houses.The residence was constructed between 1905 and 1912, using red bricks made on the site. John and Sophia Bruce, early pioneers in the North Fork Valley, were first involved in cattle raising. The family later became successful fruit growers. Located along the West Elk Loop, a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway, the large two-story residence features a steeply pitched hipped roof with prominent attic dormers.As a guest of Riverwalk you will have full access to the river during your stay. In addition, there is the Riverwalk Trail System that skirts the North Fork of the Gunnison River from the top of the property, by the Riverwalk Yurt, (available on this site) meandering downstream past the Riverwalk TIPI (available on the site) passing the Grove Yurt (available on this site) and terminating at the bottom of the property with the sandy Riverwalk Beach. There is a trial that zigs through the Cottonwood Grove and zags back along the gentle Monitor Ditch skirting a newly planted grove of young trees.For RV Campers we provide 2- 30amp,1-50 amp and 1- 110-amp electrical services and potable water. There is a dump station available. There is also access to our heated shower house with running water and bathroom amenities (<3 min. walk, may be shared with other guests). The property is perfectly geared to groups of friends gathering in a central location between the onset of the Rockies and the termination high desert to the west. Friends or family will reserve both Yurts and the RV Site for a perfect reunion setting!

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Sage View Ranch

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Paonia, CO

After traveling the US in our motorhome for almost 5 years my husband Scott and I know the value of a smiling face and a helping hand after a day (or week) of travel. Exploring and experiencing this amazing country, its diversity and incredible people enhanced our lives in so many ways. In mid 2017 we found out our first grandchild was on the way. Long story short we parked the RV and parked ourselves here in Paonia, CO. In December of that year, we moved onto this amazing property full time and started the long list of fix ups (the list is still long). lol We are blessed to have our two adult sons and (aforementioned) grandson living on this property with us. Our philosophy is to live in the moment as the present is the gift. Whether enjoying a sunrise or a sunset or anytime in between you’ll likely find us outside most days. In that, we love all that nature has to offer including fresh fruits and veggies, animals, beauty and fragrances. Sage View Ranch is being created with the desire to have people experience the natural rustic beauty and magic of Paonia. Scott and I look forward to meeting you :)

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Tater's Black Canyon Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Crawford, CO

Coming soon! Hot showers and toilets will be available end of May. 35 acres of mountain bliss shared with 2 humans, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 3 horses and 5 chickens. Eggs may be available upon request. Incredible views and dark skies make the perfect respite for just hanging out, climbing in the Black, foodie time in the North Fork Valley or pretty much whatever you like to do.

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Zenzen Gardens

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Paonia, CO

We are now the official tasting room for Alfred Eames Cellars beginning May 15th. The tasting room will be open from 11:00am - 6:00 pm. Come sit under the veranda and taste some exceptional local wines. The property is also a music venue with two performance sites in the barn and a stage by the pond. We also offer farm-to-table dinners throughout the summer, and tapas on Thursdays. Check out our calendar for concerts and dinner dates at www.zenzengardens.com There is veranda seating to enjoy the beautiful flower gardens and where you can access the internet. At the turn of the century, this farm was a dairy operation with its huge old red barn built in the 1880's. The property is pastoral, relaxing, rural and beautiful! It is surrounded by hay and alfalfa fields. It is very quiet with wide open spaces. You might see deer, fox, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Red Tail Hawks and Red Wing Blackbirds, just to name a few.

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Oasis RV Resort & Cottages

71 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Gunnison, CO

Oasis RV Resort & Cottages Gunnison Lakeside offers a beautiful location for short and long-term RV vacationers all year round. Our facilities include free Wi-Fi, electric and sewer hookups, pure drinking water, and shaded sites. Take advantage of the coin-operated guest laundry. We also offer RV and boat storage, a dog park, a picnic area with tables, and on-site propane sales. Enjoy the convenience of our general store selling such items as groceries, toiletries, fishing tackle, RV supplies, as well as souvenirs. We are conveniently located right across from beautiful Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado’s largest body of water, and Kokanee salmon fishery, and just 12 miles west of Gunnison on Highway 50 between mm 146 and 145. Our park’s location offers lake views and high country scenery being only a few miles away from Gunnison River, and Dos Rios Golf Club, and we share a border with Curecanti National Recreation Area. So you are only a short drive away from a boat ramp and marina. Local dining establishments include Garlic Mikes, Mario's, OL' Miners Steakhouse, 5 B's BBQ, Gunnison Pizza Co., and The W Cafe! We offer great rates to make your RV Park camping experience more affordable and enjoyable.

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Wild Abandon Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent50 acres · Paonia, CO

Wild Abandon Ranch is a gorgeous 50 acre property that we just acquired in March of 2023. Sadly, the property had been abandoned and neglected for over 20 years and we are doing our best to breath some new life into her. We are chasing those land dreams! This property has a wild amount of potential and an endless story of labor and we hope to bring a new vision and purpose to this very special place. The Hipcamp site is located down by the creek (on the SOUTH side of Minnesota Creek Rd) where you'll have total privacy and room to relax and explore. The deer trails are a great way to get lost amongst the trees and the rhythm of the creek. Just down the road further on Minnesota Creek Road is direct access to National Forest. Our property is only 3.5 miles from the town of Paonia so you're oh-so-close yet so far away from it all. Paonia is central to the abundant North Fork Valley and there is so much to experience in this area. From hiking, biking, camping, or swimming to touring the many vibrant vineyards or galleries. Your visit is directly contributing to this land's second chance. We hope you'll visit again and follow along in the evolution of Wild Abandon Ranch. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!

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Rain Crow Farm

10 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Paonia, CO

Rain Crow Farm is a small, organic farm located in the pristine North Fork Valley on Colorado’s Western Slope. The campsites here are right along the river, surrounded by tall cottonwoods and stunning Mountain View’s. There is a shallow swimming hole and plenty of riverbank hangout spots. The farm is walking distance from Paonia and hiking, biking, fishing, wine tours and ATV tracks are all within a few miles reach. Campers who stay with us with have access to produce from the farm, including eggs, goat milk, and loads of fresh salad greens. Wake up to sound of birds and rivers’ flow. Because of our diverse livestock, dogs must be on a leash at all times here. Thank you!

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Marble Mountain Yurt

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Marble, CO

NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS FOR THE 2024 SEASON (May-October)! A little about our reservation process. We accept two group reservations per week: 1) A discounted mid-week booking (Checking-in Tuesday or Wednesday) for 1-2 nights minimum (depending on the season) 2) A weekend booking starting Thursday, Friday, or Saturday weekly with a 2-3 night minimum. Enjoy hut-style glamping at its finest in our modern mountain yurt. Bask in the sun and take in the stunning panoramic mountain views on our one-acre property above the quirky town of Marble, CO. With immediate access to public lands and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, biking, lakes, rivers, and BBQ in Colorado, there is truly something for everyone to love! The heated bathhouse features a toilet and foot pump sink. Purified drinking water is available from May - September. You must bring your own water from October - April. The kitchen features an oven/range and basic cooking and serving supplies. There is no refrigerator, so please bring your own cooler and ice. Campfires are allowed, but it is your responsibility to determine if there is a fire ban in effect. Firewood may be available or dead wood can be collected on the property. There is a picnic table nestled in the scrub oaks. We only rent one side and the entire property is private to you! We do have neighbors, but the property is pretty well tucked away. You may see the occasional vehicle or hiker on the road or hear someone doing some yard work, but it is generally very quiet and secluded at the yurt. Our neighbors have chosen to live in Marble for its privacy and tranquillity. Please show them respect by keeping the noise down and leaving them be. If you have questions or need help, call us from the yurt landline. Winter camping experience/equipment and a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle with severe snow-rated tires and chains may be required to access the yurt Oct-April. During large snow events, driving to the yurt may be impossible in any vehicle. Skiing to the yurt may be an option Dec - Feb. Gear sleds are available at the yurt for your use.

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Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven

7 sites · Lodging22 acres · Paonia, CO

Formerly known as the North Fork Tipi Haven, this 22 acres was once owned by International sculptor Lincoln Fox, and built by Mr. Wooten in the early 1900's as an apple orchard, Old Moon Acres is now home to Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven. The North Fork Valley of the Gunnison River, encompassing Crawford, Hotchkiss and Paonia, was an important fruit orchard area in the late 1800's and well into the early 1900's. The valley's climate is a banana belt, perfect for fruit with the cold air coming down from the mountains at night and the heat from the mesas warming up the valley during the day. Coal mines up the road in Bowie and Somerset paid better, so many of the orchards languished over the years. Since the closing of all the mines but one, today the NFV is home to the largest concentration of organic farms in the state of Colorado as well as becoming a state Creative District serving the multitudes of artist and creatives that call the valley home. There are many pick-your-own peaches, cherries, apples, pears, nectarines and if we are lucky, apricots, in the valley. Delicious Orchards, 1 mile down Hwy 133, is an excellent place to pick your own, drink local hard cider and listen to live music on the weekend over a wonderful brunch. It is all about the farms, cattle, art, music, outdoor adventure, fun and relaxation here in the North Fork Valley. The tipis are custom made by the Colorado Yurt Company in Montrose, Colorado where they have been making yurts, tents and tipis since 1976. The tipis are expertly designed and made with custom paintings invoking the animal spirits that inhabit our land. These are a Sioux design tipi as the Ute's mainly lived in wiki-ups until they were introduced to the tipi in the 1800's. The Ute's appropriated the tipi design from the Sioux or Plains Natives. We have solar showers (solar bags of water heated by the sun during the day) available for free. Showers are also available at the local laundromat in Hotchkiss. Our goal is to awaken your sense of wonder by sleeping out in nature and waking up to the Colorado blue sky in clean, clear air at 5500 ft. You can visit the many high altitude wineries, fruit orchards, organic farms, farm-to-table restaurants, great music, interesting movies at the community owned Paradise Theater, art at the Creamery Arts Center in Hotchkiss, stand-up paddle boarding, WSSUP, at Crawford reservoir, mountain biking in Grand Mesa, hiking in the West Elks, rafting down the Gunnison river in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, fishing up canyon in the coolness of the forest or relaxing in one of many hot springs within an hour of us. Colorado Detours is highly recommended by us to take you and yours on a hiking, farm, wine, or geology tour of the area. Aspen, Crested Butte (over Kebler Pass), Glenwood Springs, Gunnison, Ouray, Grand Junction, Ridgeway and Telluride all are about an hour or two away by car. Welcome to Colorado.

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Muskitty Acres Farm

6 sites · Tents26 acres · Paonia, CO

Muskitty Acres Farm is on the site of the oldest certified organic orchard in Colorado. Only three miles from the nearest town, Paonia, our farm borders on the north fork of the Gunnison river to the north, the ditch line to the south, and farms to the west, which means there are no main roads and no traffic at all, save from the railroad line that runs near the ditch. (Trains tned to go by 1-3 times in every 24-hour period). Expect the land to be bumpy and somewhat overgrown.

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Hollow Horn Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Hotchkiss, CO

This old orchard/grazing land has been neglected for over a decade. Over run with invasive elm trees and prairie dogs it has been in serious need of help. As new stewards of the land we have already taken steps to reclaim this land's former glory. Elm trees removed and prairie dog numbers down we have seeded the land to radishes (soil structure) and legumes (nitrogen) to focus on soil health so that it can support a future planting of high elevation vineyards for wine production.Learn more about this land:Our farm is 22 acres of mostly pasture land that we plan on developing into high elevation vineyards. We have a whole slew of animals...goats, cows, chickens, turkeys, and a couple of farm dogs. Nestled in the beautiful North Form Valley on the Western slope of Colorado between Aspen & Telluride, you'll find spectacular views of the West Elk Mountains and many of the mesas and valleys that make up this region. Folks dont realize that the West Elks is an established AVA and we have some phenomenal wineries in the area including Stone Cottage, Jack Rabbit Hill Farms and Azura all well within 20min drive..... Mesa Winds Winery is practically our neighbor and is a walk or 3min drive. Amazing opportunities to float, swim, kayak, paddle board and fish gold medal waters just 10min away at pleasure park. Hiking, biking, climbing are all exceptional here. Eagle rock shelter is the oldest known archeological site in CO and top 5 in USA and its 15-20 min drive and 1/4 mile hike! A true outdoors paradise! We have 4 amazing neighbors and you can see their homes from most of our property but they are far enough that you will forget they are there.

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Basalt Mountain Oasis

1 site · Lodging35 acres · Basalt, CO

Basalt Mountain Oasis is perched on a south facing mountainside with incredible views of 3 14ers including Capitol Peak. It is a completely private location in the middle of nature yet only two miles from Basalt, and 20 miles from Aspen and Carbondale. We have produce growing in the gardens and greenhouse and herbal products for sale and will email you what is available before you check in and can have it stocked in the fridge.

The best camping near Paonia State Park guide

Overview

About

Situated in a canyon surrounding the long, narrow Paonia Reservoir, this state camp is a popular choice for campers and water skiing enthusiasts in the summer months and cross-country skiers come winter. The park feels a bit wilder than the average Colorado State Park, with wildflowers, mountain scenery, and a two-mile long reservoir, but not much in terms of creature comforts. In other words, if you want to camp here, be prepared to bring your own drinking water—facilities are limited to two primitive campgrounds with vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings (though one does have a boat launch).

Notable campgrounds

Best for tree-lovers: As the name suggests, Spruce Campground is surrounded by blue spruce trees.
Best for water skiers: Hawsapple Campground has its own boat ramp for easy access to the water.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve a site at one of Paonia State Park’s two campgrounds by using the Colorado Parks and Wildlife online reservation system or over the phone, but not in person.
Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
The campgrounds are only open from May through September. If you are looking for something outside of those months, or simply can’t find a site in the park, consider a Hipcamp instead.

When to go

Paonia State Park is open throughout the year. While some people come here for cross-country skiing during the snowy winter, the park is at its most popular in the summer months when the weather is warm enough for camping and water sports. Boating is allowed in the park from mid-June until usually about August, depending on the water level. Once the water gets too low to use the boat ramp, only carry-on boats are permitted.

Know before you go

The best nearby town for stocking up on supplies and groceries is Paonia, about a 25-minute drive away.
Parking is not included in the price of camping reservations. You can purchase day passes or an annual pass online or at the park.
Dogs are welcome in the park and at its campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet in length.
There’s no potable water at the park, so make sure you bring your own.
Jet skiers and water skiers are required to travel in a clockwise direction.