Navajo State Park

4.02

63 reviews

Box 1697, Arboles, Colorado, 81121, United States

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

6,125 ft

Price

$15 - $51/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

118 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Colorado Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,125 ft

Price

$15 - $51/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

118 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Colorado Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website

Get Directions

Navajo State Park

$15.00 - $51.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary depending on the campsite type. Entrance fees apply in addition to camping fees. Standard tent-only sites cost $15 per night, while full...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$51.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.02

Satisfactory

Based on 63 reviews

428 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanshowers

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews for Navajo State Park are mixed, with many praising the clean facilities, spacious sites, and recreational opportunities, while others criticize the lack of shade, limited water access, and high summer temperatures."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Box 1697, Arboles, Colorado, 81121, United States

Navajo State Park

Box 1697, Arboles, Colorado, 81121, United States

Driving directionsTake US 160 west out of Pagosa Springs for 17 miles. Turn southwest on CO 151, go 18 miles to the town of Arboles. Go 2 miles south on County Rd 982.

The campground is accessible year-round and located off County Rd 982. Roads are paved, but the town of Arboles being 2 miles away makes this site relatively remote.

Nearby places

Pagosa Springs - 17 miles (approximately 25 minutes), Arboles - 2 miles (approximately 5 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be accessed in the town of Arboles, located 2 miles away from the campground. Additional supplies may be available in Pagosa Springs, 17 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Navajo State Park

Each season paints Navajo State Park in distinctly different hues. Winter transforms the landscape into a peaceful sanctuary where majestic bald eagles soar overhead and deer quietly graze along the shoreline. As spring awakens the high desert, wildflowers burst into bloom while aromatic sage fills the air with its distinctive fragrance. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for diving into water sports and lakeside relaxation. When autumn arrives, the crowds thin out as temperatures cool, creating an intimate atmosphere for those seeking solitude amid nature's changing palette.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Peak season for boating and water sports but hot, dry and limited shade can detract.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Pleasant weather, good hiking and wildlife viewing; quieter than summer peak.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 16% in CO

Spring brings blooming flowers, pleasant hiking and good conditions before summer heat.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 14% in CO

Open year-round; winter offers quiet, eagle watching and solitude though limited services.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season is likely during summer months when water sports and outdoor activities are more accessible.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, though amenities and facilities such as camper services buildings may vary by season. Off-season only Rosa Camper Services Building remains open.

About Navajo State Park

Often called Colorado's answer to Lake Powell, Navajo State Park beckons adventurers with its stunning 21-mile reservoir that stretches dramatically into New Mexico. This aquatic playground encompasses 15,000 surface acres of shimmering water and 150 miles of scenic shoreline, making it a premier destination for water enthusiasts and land lovers alike. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars, settling into a fully-equipped RV site, or relaxing in a cozy cabin, the park offers the perfect basecamp for your southwestern Colorado adventure.

Navajo State Park features various camping options, including full-service RV sites, electric-only RV sites, primitive tent sites, and group camping areas. There are also three full-service cabins available for rent.

Historical SignificanceNestled in one of Colorado's most storied and visually striking regions, Navajo State Park serves as a living testament to the area's rich heritage. The park's remarkable geological formations and diverse wildlife populations have long captivated visitors, weaving together natural history with cultural significance that spans generations.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Navajo State Park in distinctly different hues. Winter transforms the landscape into a peaceful sanctuary where majestic bald eagles soar overhead and deer quietly graze along the shoreline. As spring awakens the high desert, wildflowers burst into bloom while aromatic sage fills the air with its distinctive fragrance. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for diving into water sports and lakeside relaxation. When autumn arrives, the crowds thin out as temperatures cool, creating an intimate atmosphere for those seeking solitude amid nature's changing palette.

ElevationElevation data is not provided.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle lapping of waves against the shore, surrounded by a canopy of rustling trees that frame spectacular lake views. The campground's prime lakeside location offers front-row seats to nature's daily theater, where three major rivers converge to feed this vast aquatic wonderland. Keep your camera ready for frequent wildlife encounters – playful foxes darting through the underbrush, graceful deer browsing at dawn, grouse strutting through meadows, and wild turkeys parading past your campsite. The expansive reservoir invites endless exploration, from hidden coves to dramatic vistas that stretch to the horizon.

Geological RegionTucked into Colorado's captivating Southwest Region, this remarkable campground centers around the magnificent Navajo Lake Reservoir – a sprawling 15,000-acre aquatic jewel that flows seamlessly into New Mexico. Here, where three major rivers converge, the landscape tells a story of water's patient artistry carved over millennia. This ecologically rich haven supports a thriving community of wildlife, from the elusive fox padding through twilight shadows to majestic deer grazing in meadow clearings. Grouse and wild turkeys add their distinctive calls to the natural symphony, creating an immersive wilderness experience that captures the essence of the American Southwest.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Per CPW regulation, no individual may camp or park a motor vehicle, trailer or camper for more than 14 days in any 28-day period on a single park.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sites #121-128 are tent-only sites and accommodate only one vehicle.

Groups

Group sites are available, but specific details about the number of people or vehicles allowed were not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of Rosa, Carracas, and Tiffany loops with sections for full-service, electric-only, and primitive camping.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through www.cpwshop.com or via the call center at 1-800-244-5613.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites #84 and #103 are reservable through the call center only, and other tent-only sites (#121-128) are limited to one vehicle per site.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled or changed on www.cpwshop.com. Reservations made with one or more days outside of the 6-month reservation window will be frozen for changes for 14 days from the reservation date.

AccessibilityThe park provides handicap-accessible sites (#84 and #103), which require a handicap sticker, plate, or placard. These sites must be reserved through the park directly.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating large tents, RVs, and multiple vehicles. Some sites are described as spacious, while others are more compact (e.g., '20x15 gravel pit' noted by Karrie Bottke).

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; some sites are noted as being close together, such as in Rosa Campground, while other areas offer more seclusion.

Total Campsites118 campsites

Recommended SitesFor tent camping, choose sites with overhead shelters as not all have them. Rosa Campground offers cleaner bathrooms and free showers (when not coin-operated).

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Navajo State Park provides a wide range of activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. The park is well-suited for water sports, with opportunities for jet skiing, water skiing, and sailing. Several reviews highlight the abundance of recreational activities, with one reviewer stating, 'Great lake for camping, swimming, and fishing.'

HikingMultiple hiking trails are available, though some users expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of trails near the lake. David Dornbrack commented, 'No hiking of any value near the lake. But still lots of great hiking nearby.'

FishingFishing is a popular activity with opportunities to catch German brown trout and catfish. The lake features a variety of fishing spots, though Max Garascia mentioned 'shore fishing is treacherous with steep sides and dangerous rocks.'

SwimmingSwimming areas are limited. Cheryl Wolfe noted, 'No swimming areas, so hard to cool off.' However, others mentioned water access through off-road areas or designated beaches.

BikingBiking is available within the park, and some users enjoyed exploring the campgrounds and surrounding areas on bikes. Badnonnie stated, 'Rode our e-bikes all over.'

BoatingIdeal for boating enthusiasts, the lake offers boat rentals, a marina, and opportunities for various water sports. Troy Case commented, 'Love this lake and campground!!! Easy to get in and out, and if your camp spot is in the right place you can tie your boat to the shoreline.'

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as foxes, deer, grouse, and turkeys can be seen. Winter visitors often see bald eagles. A reviewer mentioned sharing the campground with deer during off-season visits.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe lack of natural shade, steep shorelines making water access difficult, and seasonal mosquito problems are common concerns.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire pits with grills.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include the ranger station at 970-883-2208, and additional services are presumably located in Pagosa Springs, which is 17 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available within the campground; however, detailed schedules or locations are not specified in the sources.

Water FeaturesDespite proximity to Navajo Lake, direct water access is limited due to steep shorelines, requiring use of the marina or off-road paths.

Camp HostCamp hosts receive praise for their attentiveness. In 2022, a host in the Tiffany loop was mentioned as 'the greatest camp host ever met,' offering tips for setting up tents during windy conditions.

Weather at Navajo State Park

Reviews

4.0

63 reviews

Satisfactory

Navajo State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Navajo State Park are mixed, with many praising the clean facilities, spacious sites, and recreational opportunities, while others criticize the lack of shade, limited water access, and high summer temperatures.

Review Summaries

Based on 63 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms and showers, good for boaters, wide range of water activities, spacious sites, 'peaceful and quiet' during the off-season.

Based on 63 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of natural shade, hot and dry conditions during summer, limited swimming areas, gravel tent pads, and some sites being small.

Based on 63 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring shade shelters and bug spray. Reserve sites with shade shelters. Visit in the off-season for a quieter experience.

Based on 63 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is hot and dry with limited shade. Winter provides a quiet atmosphere with wildlife viewing opportunities. Spring features blooming flowers and pleasant conditions for hiking.

Based on 63 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Bathrooms were very clean.' (Joy Again); 'Free hot showers.' (Lauren Feldman); 'Love this lake and campground!!!' (David Luna)

Based on 63 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Rosa Campground: Spacious sites, clean restrooms; Carracas Campground: Electric-only sites, less crowded; Tiffany Campground: No hook-ups, gravel tent pads, described as windy by some users.

Based on 63 reviews