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 Reservation
- 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.
Paonia State Park
Paddle or water ski amongst the wildflowers at this low-key state park.
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).
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).
Activities in the park
2 campgrounds in Paonia State Park
The campsites at Paonia State Park flank the narrow Paonia Reservoir. If you’re all about the west side (story), then Spruce is likely to be your jammy jam. The lake is seriously so narrow on this end that you could probably skip a rock and hit the other campground on the east side. Whether you’re a Jet or a Shark, you can definitely agree on the Read more...
The campsites at Paonia State Park flank the narrow Paonia Reservoir. If you’re more of an eastside, then Hawsapple is the place for you. The lake is seriously so narrow on this end that you could probably skip a rock and hit the other campground on the west side. Whether you’re a Jet or a Shark, you can definitely agree on the epic-ness of the fi Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
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.
Read more...Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
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
Public campgrounds (book externally) —