The best camping near Rifle Gap State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Rifle Gap State Park adventure.

100% (5 reviews)

Take advantage of 360 surface acres of crystalline reservoir water at this state park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Rifle Gap State Park

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Rifle Gap State Park

100%

(1)

Lakeview

46 sites · RVs, Tents In Rifle Gap State Park

100%

(1)

Cedar

15 sites · RVs, Tents In Rifle Gap State Park

100%

(1)

Cottonwood

8 sites · RVs, Tents In Rifle Gap State Park

Pinyon

5 sites · RVs, Tents In Rifle Gap State Park

100%

(2)

Sage

14 sites · RVs, Tents In Rifle Gap State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Rifle Gap State Park

86%

(38)

Hillside Park

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

Located 5 minutes from Highway 70. (Exit 105) 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. ***Please text or call before or after arrival***

86%

(22)

Glenwood Springs Lodging & RV Sites

175 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Glenwood Springs, CO

Glenwood Canyon Resort, located just east of Glenwood Springs, CO is the only lodging, camping, and RV resort in beautiful Glenwood Canyon, where Hanging Lake resides and the mighty Colorado River flows. Learn more about our newest addition, The Sprinter Village. A beautiful area custom designed for Sprinter vans, small RVs, truck campers, pop-up campers, and Rooftop Campers. Guests enjoy rafting, fly-fishing, and canyon bike path access, and package deals with Glenwood Hot Springs and Iron Mountain Hot Springs and deals for skiing and snowboarding at Sunlight Mountain Resort in the winter. Our variety of cabins is available year-round and perfect for couples getaways, family fun vacations, reunions of all kinds, RV & travel groups, and corporate retreats. Not only does the Glenwood Canyon Resort boast the most scenic and gorgeous location in all of the western slopes, but we also have some of the coolest (and most convenient) amenities to offer our guests. From the most adventurous activities requiring nerves of steel and uncommon strength to the least adventurous activity of doing your laundry, we’ve got what you’re looking for right here on site. Need camping supplies or maybe a souvenir for those back home? Stop by our resort office and store where we have basic camping needs including wood & fire starters, ice, cold drinks, tent stakes, propane, and all the s’mores fixings you may need. Don’t miss out on trying our favorite s’mores recipe with peanut butter cups! You’ll find other items for your laundry and RVing needs as well. Also located in our resort store are fun little trinkets and things that make great gifts for the ones back at home as well as souvenirs in the form of hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and such.

90%

(171)

Vail Valley BackCounty Access

6 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Eagle, CO

This Gorgeous 6 acre property has DIRECT PRIVATE ACCESS to Hardscrabble Mountain, The Holy Cross Wilderness and The White River National Forest. There are 24,000 acres of BLM public land and also The White River National Forest with over 3,500 square miles, both with thousands of miles of recreation trails for mountain biking, hiking, ATVing, MOTO X Dirtbiking, SidebySide UTVing, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, 4x4 Jeeping/Mudding and snowmobiling. Walk out of your tent, your RV or my cabin and you are in of BLM and The White River National Forest. Plenty of flat, shaded ground with water and electiric available. The biggest shade trees in Eagle County, firepits, and a creek with pond and waterfall with sand beach await. Incredible views of Castle Peak, The Flat tops Wilderness, Red Canyon and Hardscrabble Mountain right from the Property. Vail and Beaver Creek Ski Resorts with the best skiing and powder in the world and Glenwood Springs with the world famous Hot Springs Pool and Glenwood Caverns Amusement Park ( amusement park on top of a mountain) and the Iron Mountain Hot Springs Each 25 minutes away. Aspen is a little over an hour away. Pets are welcome and can be off leash if they can respond to voice controls and owners are responsible for their pets at all times. Dogs love it here! All poop must be picked up, $25 per pet per night. GoPro Mountain Games June 6-9, 2024, Eagle County Rodeo July 24-27, 2024, Eagle is the county seat of Eagle County and is know for the Eagle and Colorado River and the amazing system of biking and hiking trails.

100%

(8)

Beautiful Valley

10 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Marble, CO

Nestled high in the mountains of Colorado is a respite from the summer heat. This property has a beautiful log cabin along with several choice tent camp sites. Ponds and wild flowers and high mountains surround this property. Great hiking, access to rivers near by for fishing. Pet and kid friendly. Perfect for families, groups and smaller special occasions.

98%

(97)

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 stone. 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 Harrison. 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. Please contact us if you’re looking for single night reservations during the week - we will be more than willing to accommodate you if we have the room!

94%

(25)

Stoneyard Distillery Awesome Possum RV Camping

1 site · RV1 acre · Gypsum, CO

Stoneyard Distillery, producing Beet Sugar Spirits since 2013. Taking its name from the old stoneyard surrounding it. Upstream from the confluence of the Eagle and Colorado Rivers, this site was chosen for it's private water source. Rocky Mountain water pulled directly from the river. The Distillery sits on a 4000 year old lava flow from the Dotsero Volcano. This lava rock provides the vapor refining distillation packing in the still hand built by the owners. With it's scratch built process, Stoneyard distills the true Spirit of Colorado into every last drop. Get Hammered... Responsibly!Learn more about this land:With beautiful Rocky Mountain views, the Distillery sits on a 4000 year old lava flow from the Dotsero Volcano. River access just a short walk away! 10 minutes to Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Eagle River Water Park. 25 minutes to Hot Springs, 35 minutes to World-Class Skiing! 40 Flavorful & Smooth Spirits distilled from Colorado beet sugar and rocky mountain water from the pristine Eagle River Craft Cocktails Production Tours

97%

(74)

Palisade Vista

1 site · RV40 acres · Palisade, CO

Learn more about this land:Canyon and orchard views await. Only a short drive (≈2.5 Miles) or bike ride to Palisade, less then a mile to vineyards and wine tasting. BookCliff Vinyards, Vines 79 Winery, Savage Spectrum Winery all within 1.5 miles. Clark Family Orchards, Juicy Acers, Ball Fruit, and Cunningham Orchards also with 1.5 miles if you are looking for fresh fruit. A put in to the Colorado river is also close by (≈2 miles) if you are looking for a leisurely float. Palisade Rim Trail and Mount Garfield trail are also near by for those looking for a hike or bike adventure. The newly opened Palisade Plunge mountain bike trail which takes you from over 10000' to 4700' exits just about 2 miles below the camp site if you are looking for a thrill.A rustic camp site with privacy and access great night sky viewing and amazing sunsets and sunrises.

98%

(81)

Trail and Hitch Tiny Home Hotel

54 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Meeker, CO

Trail and Hitch Tiny Home Hotel and RV Park is on 20 acres with the 8 tiny homes on the back of the property. The land is across the White River, 2 miles from downtown Meeker, a bike ride away from mountain biking trails and ON 250 miles of OHV trails. The 8 tiny homes are spread out in a circle surrounding 2 large firepits and a covered deck with a long farmhouse table. The tiny homes can be booked individually or as a group of 4 or 8.

100%

(10)

Kiser Creek Cabins LLC

5 sites · Lodging4 acres · Cedaredge, CO

7 quaint and rustic cabins located on 4 acres next to the majestic Grand Mesa. Quiet and relaxing venue lying in an Aspen ForestLearn more about this land:Surrounded by Aspen Trees. Beautiful views of the West Elk mountains. Over 300 lakes to fish on. Hiking trails. ATV trails. Gunnison River is 12 miles south of camp. Abundant wildlife to watch all over the Grand Mesa.

97%

(145)

Ute Lodge - At the End of the Road

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents300 acres · Meeker, CO

The Ute Lodge was homesteaded in the 1930’s by Joe Fox who after leaving the military came west to settle in the White River valley. Joe was known for his friendliness, hospitality and wild stories. Today you might find much of the same. From Joe’s day to today it is a place where families come together to get away. The Ute Lodge is now owned by Karl and Mona Maser who celebrated 20 years of ownership summer of 2019! All summer our cabins are filled with guests from all over the US as well as international travelers. One of our favorite things about the summer is our weekly potlucks where we all share an outdoor meal. All of our visitors have a standing invitation to join us around the community campfire at night. From our beautiful private lake (where you can paddle-board, kayak and fish), to immediate access to the Papoose and Crooks Park Trails on National Forest land, as well as the vast variety of wildlife that roams around, you can find what you need here to unplug and get away from it all.

99%

(111)

Riverside Rest for RVs

2 sites · RVs30 acres · Gypsum, CO

The original homestead cabin from 1903 is still here! This became our home when my husband retired because it is his dream. Our Highland cattle have personality plus!! The river wrapping around the ranch at the foot of the mountain washes away the stress and leaves a peace here that fills the spirit with calm. We love the land, the bald eagles, the wildlife, our guests and each other! Learn more about this land: Sleep in your RV with the sound of the river lulling you to recharge and just breath in the peace. We have a great boat ramp with a put-in and a place to kayak, tube, raft or fish! Great hiking trails nearby and a quiet country road to bike that the big bike races use. Our Scottish Highland cows give kisses are happy to share your carrots, apples and watermelon! We only rent two spots to keep it peaceful here.

100%

(2)

Erman Zoo Hip-Camp L.L.C .

5 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Palisade, CO

With Mt Garfield looming in close proximity and views to take in from every direction, Erman Zoo Hip-Camp is located on the farm property of the Erman family, which have been part of the Palisade community for 50 years. This family has adopted 22.....yes 22 children and fostered many more. The site has almost no light pollution and the stars are yours to stare at when they visit at night. The site is in walking distance of all festivals, events, wineries, distillery, parks, fruit stands, the Colorado River, and downtown Palisade, so parking at events should prove no issue for occupants. Leave your vehicle and take a short walk to take in the scenery and air. Before you realize, you're at your preferred destination and now, more Palisade than you ever were. The Erman property has farm animals that can be visited and feel free to introduce yourself to them. Gail Erman is the Erman matriarch and resides on the farm. Chad Erman is her adopted son, who resides on the property as well, and will be your camp host, as well as his 7 year old son. Come stay, relax, and if you find the time or want to, familiarize yourself with this family and the stories they may have waiting, as they have many.

The best camping near Rifle Gap State Park guide

Overview

About

Situated at the base of the Grand Hogback ridge in western Colorado, Rifle Gap is popular among water-sports enthusiasts, due to its prime location on the banks of the Rifle Gap Reservoir. Popular activities here include fishing, and waterskiing, and there are multiple picnic areas plus a swim beach right in the park. For those wishing to spend the night, Rifle Gap offers 89 campsites spread across over five campgrounds, some with electric hookups. Other park facilities include a seasonal boat ramp, a visitor center with a gift shop, coin-operated showers, and a dump station.

Notable campgrounds

Best for families: Cottonwood Campground offers coin-operated showers and easy-access to the dump station.
Best for boaters: Pinyon Campground is conveniently situated right by the park’s boat ramp.
Best for off-highway vehicles (OHV): Sage Campground is right by a stretch of BLM land that many use for OHV driving.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve one of the 89 campsites at Rifle Gap by calling Colorado Parks and Wildlife or using their online reservation system.
If you plan to come in the summer, reserve well in advance. Reservations are available up to six months in advance online or over the phone.
Same-day reservations are also available online, over the phone, and in person.
If you can’t find a site in the park, you may have better luck at Rifle Falls State Park nearby or at one of the private campgrounds or Hipcamps in the area.

When to go

The most popular time of year to visit Rifle Gap State Park is between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend, when the weather in the area is generally hot. However, this is also the busiest time of year—for good weather with fewer crowds, consider coming in May or September. If you’re a fan of birdwatching, you’ll likely see the largest number of migratory species in spring or autumn. Note that all of the campgrounds, except Lakeview, are open in winter.

Know before you go

The closest place to pick up groceries and supplies is the city of Rifle, about a 15-minute drive from the park.
All boaters must have their boats inspected for aquatic nuisance species before they will be allowed to launch.
Dogs are welcome at the park, but must remain on six-foot leashes and may not be left unattended.
ADA sites are available in Cottonwood, Lakeview, and cedar Campgrounds.
All visitors will need to purchase and display a single-day or annual parking pass, irrespective of whether they are camping or just coming for the day.