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

Hawsapple

7 sites · RVs, Tents In Paonia State Park

Spruce

6 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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Tater's Black Canyon Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Crawford, CO

Hot showers and toilets are now available! (more details to follow). 35 acres of bliss shared with 2 humans, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 horses and 3 chickens. Eggs may be available upon request. Black Canyon National Park is a short drive to the west. Conveniently located to Crawford and the North Fork Valley to wineries, music fests and local eateries. 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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Campfire Ranch on the Taylor

2 sites · Tents10 acres · CO

We believe campgrounds should be more fun, more accessible and more inclusive for all kinds of campers - that's why we started Campfire Ranch to make camping easier. Our campground is nestled between the granite walls of Taylor Canyon alongside the Taylor River in central Colorado, halfway between Gunnison and Crested Butte, CO. If you've never been to the area, get ready to be amazed, with over 2,500 square miles of public land, 700+ miles of singletrack trail and countless rivers, creeks and lakes to explore. We'll see y'all in the woods! Learn more about this land: *We will open May 19th for the 2023 season!* Camp and adventure in the Gunnison-Crested Butte valley at Campfire Ranch on the Taylor. Book now on our website for additional availability and site details at: Campfireranch.co - we feature walk-in tent only campsites, convenient amenities, demo camping equipment and a full Adventure Concierge service! Please contact us before booking if you are seeking a family focused experience - we do not have a kids area or playground and require that children under the age of 16 be in the company of an adult at all times due to our proximity to Co Rd 742 and the Taylor River. No multi-room tents are allowed at camp, we simply don't have the room, the largest tent size we can accommodate is 12'x12' - please inquire if you have specific tent questions. You can check-in with us anytime after 3pm the day of your reservation, please message us if you need to check-in after 8pm. All campers will be required to sign our release of liability waiver before camping (parents/guardians will have to sign for minors in your group) - you can review these terms and rules on our website: CampfireRanch.co

Booked 17 times

Hillside Park

6 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · New Castle, CO

Located 5 minutes from Highway 70. Hillside Park is near the river with public access only 2 minutes away. 3 minute hike to a beautiful sunset view. Borders public State Wildlife property. Within Colorado Unit 42 for hunting easily reached by OHV on county road 312. 15 minutes from Rifle and Glenwood Springs.

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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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River Side

1 site · RV4 acres · New Castle, CO

Learn more about this land:At River Side you will have an overlook of the Colorado River with river access. You will wake up to a breathtaking view of the river winding west towards the Anvil Points and Roan Plateau. The property is an easy 7 minute drive from old town New Castle where you can find a grocery store, gas and basic amenities. The town of New Castle is up and coming with several restaurants and a new local's favorite, Colorado Drifters Coffee and Fly shop. You can rent paddle boards, and book guided fishing trips on the river right there. A 20 minute drive from New Castle you can find a popular lake called Harvey Gap. The lake is great for paddle boarding and fishing. Ten minutes away from Harvey Gap is another beautiful area called Rifle Falls which is truly a hidden gem. Climbing and rafting are also available up Canyon. There are many great hikes around the area. Our favorite is Rifle Arch which is about 25 minutes away right outside of the town of Rifle. New Castle has mountain biking trails everywhere and is home to some of the best mountain biking trails in the Roaring Fork Valley. Glenwood Springs is 11 miles away and is the home of the famous hot springs. Aspen is about an hour from our property. Please note our home is located on this property as well. You will have an OPEN (no trees) grassy flat spot to the right of our home that overlooks the river with a view. Just realize you also have a view of our backyard to your west. Due to very high fire danger on the Western Slope we kindly ask you to refrain from using a fire while staying on our property. Please clean up after yourselves, your dogs, and be respectful of noise. Campers or self contained bathrooms are best. We ask that you come prepared and bring your own bathroom at this time. Please message or call when you arrive at our property. We are happy to answer any of your questions. Happy HipCamping to All!

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Coworking Space with Mountain Views

5 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Montrose, CO

We bought a school house! Our long-term plan is to build out a full campground on the property, but in the interim we will be offering boondocking. While we are under construction on the outdoor space, the main building that we have converted into a coworking space is available for our guests to use from the hours of 9AM - 6PM. Unfortunately, we are on old agricultural land so the sites are in the direct sun during the day. Please be aware that it gets hot out here in the summer and take this into consideration when booking your stay with us. Please note that there is only one camping structure allowed per site (one tent, one rv, one van, etc.). Since we are under construction we ask that you use caution when pulling into the lot. Our property is also on a bike trail that connects to 70 miles of (mostly paved) bike trails across the town of Montrose. Please reach out with any questions. We look forward to hosting you!

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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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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.

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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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Colorado River Camp Has It All!

4 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · New Castle, CO

One of the valleys last original stone homes dating back to 1845. We have been restoring the buildings made from the limestone. The main house which is not yet finished has beautiful etched glass windows of the cattle drives. James Hinds the homesteader and original owner of the ranch created the ware and hinds ditch which supplies our abundant Valley water. He was a prominent attorney and got our water rights given to us forever from President Harris.. It includes water that extends to the middle of the Colorado River and the one mile of our shoreline. Everyday that we live here we give thanks for his wisdom and foresight. The once huge ranch that used to extend across I -70 and to the far side of the Colorado River is now reduced to our beautiful 110 acres, but it is the most beautiful and historic part of his astounding empire.

Booked 13 times

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.

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.