How much does camping cost at Paonia State Park?

Camping fees at Paonia State Park range from $14/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Paonia State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Paonia State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Paonia State Park before I book?

Yes! Paonia State Park has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Paonia State Park?

Paonia State Park is open Peak season and specific pricing periods have not been provided.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Paonia State Park?

Paonia State Park does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Paonia State Park have?

Paonia State Park has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Paonia State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Paonia State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Paonia State Park?

Paonia State Park offers: Restrooms, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Paonia State Park?

Popular activities at Paonia State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Paonia State Park

Q: Can I have a campfire at Paonia State Park?

Fire policies at Paonia State Park: Fire policies vary by season depending on fire danger. Campfires may be restricted during high-risk periods.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.33

9 reviews

PO Box 147, Crawford, Colorado, 81415-0147, United States

Top 22% in COFall

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,585 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Seasonal operation d...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Colorado Parks and Wildlife Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,585 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Seasonal operation d...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Colorado Parks and Wildlife Official Website

Get Directions

Paonia State Park

$14.00 - $14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The reservation fee for camping is $14 per day. In addition to this fee, an entrance fee is required at all Colorado state parks.

Standard Site Fee$14.00

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Provider

9709215721

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO Box 147, Crawford, Colorado, 81415-0147, United States

Paonia State Park

PO Box 147, Crawford, Colorado, 81415-0147, United States

Nearby places

Crawford (approx. null miles), Somerset (approx. null miles), Paonia (approx. null miles)

Nearby supplies

Firewood available on-site for $6 per bundle. General store down the road sells firewood for $12 per bundle. Drinking water is not available at the park

visitors must bring their own. Additional supplies location details are not provided.

Driving directionsPaonia State Park is located on Colorado HWY 133 between mile marker 24 and 29. Spruce Campground is located on HWY 133 at mile marker 28. Hawsapple Campground is located on Gunnison County Road 2. Anthracite Campground is located at 31111 County Road 12, Somerset CO 81434. Anthracite campground is on Kebler pass road.

Road access varies significantly across the campgrounds. Highway 133 provides paved access to Spruce Campground, but some roads are unpaved, such as Gunnison County Road 2 leading to Hawsapple Campground. Anthracite Campground is accessible via Kebler Pass Road, which is a dirt road described by users as being narrow, single-lane, and challenging to navigate, especially for trailers or motorhomes.

Weather at Paonia State Park

Current alert: Lake level can be low at certain times of the year, and fire danger may apply.

Best Time to Camp at Paonia State Park

Fall is the prime season. Daytime highs run 50s–60s°F, nights drop into the 20s–30s°F. Aspen color peaks, trails quiet down, and fishing stays good through early October. Layers are essential. Summer brings warm days and cool evenings. Winter turns the area into a snow-covered backcountry experience. Spring brings snowmelt and comfortable temps, though reservoir levels are fuller earlier in the year for water activities.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in CO

Fall is prime: aspen color peaks, cooler days, and fishing remains good through Oct.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season and specific pricing periods have not been provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Seasonal operation details not explicitly stated.

About Paonia State Park

Paonia State Park sits at 6,585 feet in the Ragged Mountains near Crawford, Colorado. The park has 13 sites (tent, RV, and primitive) along a reservoir, with fees at $14 per night. Cell service doesn't exist for miles. Reviewers praise the quiet and scenic views but warn about narrow roads, sparse signage, and outdated facilities.

The park offers three distinct camping types: primitive camping in Hawsapple and Spruce loops, and electric sites in the Anthracite loop.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the prime season. Daytime highs run 50s–60s°F, nights drop into the 20s–30s°F. Aspen color peaks, trails quiet down, and fishing stays good through early October. Layers are essential. Summer brings warm days and cool evenings. Winter turns the area into a snow-covered backcountry experience. Spring brings snowmelt and comfortable temps, though reservoir levels are fuller earlier in the year for water activities.

ElevationPerched high in Colorado's Western Slope, this mountain sanctuary sits at an elevation that delivers that coveted alpine atmosphere. The thin, crisp air and cooler temperatures remind visitors they've ascended into genuine mountain country, where the landscape shifts from foothills to dramatic peaks.

Natural Features and SceneryThe reservoir sits between steep mountainsides carved by ancient erosion. Mountain streams cut through bedrock, creating small canyons and waterfalls. The terrain mixes exposed rock faces with meadows. Elevation keeps temperatures cool. Reviewers mention fantastic views and good shade coverage at Spruce Campground, though the landscape also includes areas with weeds and poor landscaping at Anthracite.

Geological RegionCarved into the heart of the Ragged Mountains, Paonia State Park showcases Colorado's dramatic geological heritage. These ancient peaks, sculpted by millennia of wind, water, and ice, create a landscape of steep mountainsides and hidden valleys. The reservoir, cradled between towering ridgelines, serves as a testament to both natural forces and human ingenuity. Mountain streams have etched deep channels through the bedrock, creating intimate canyons and cascading waterfalls that reveal the area's complex geological story. This alpine environment, where exposed rock faces meet verdant meadows, offers visitors a front-row seat to the raw power of mountain building.

Scenic ViewsThe Spruce Campground offers beautiful vistas and shade coverage. User Pip Hall described it as having "fantastic views and shade coverage."

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no references to hotel-style accommodations or other non-camping lodging within the park.

Programs & ActivitiesNo details about cultural or educational programs were provided.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Per CPW regulation, no individual may camp or park a motor vehicle, trailer or camper on a state park for more than fourteen (14) days in any twenty-eight (28) day period on a single park. For the purposes of this regulation, an individual is defined as any person who has occupied a site, whether or not they are formally listed on the reservation as the reserving party or primary occupant.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 people per site allowed.

Groups

No designated group camping areas were mentioned in any source materials.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThree loops: Spruce, Hawsapple, and Anthracite. Spruce offers better scenery. Anthracite has electric sites but limited facilities and maintenance issues. Roads are narrow and single-lane. Spacing varies, with some poorly landscaped areas.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via www.cpwshop.com. ReserveAmerica.com has limited functionality for CPW customers.

Walk-in AvailabilityCampground requires reservations only. User reviews indicate no cell service for miles, making on-site reservations challenging.

Cancellation PolicyAny reservations made with one or more days outside of the 6-month reservation window will be frozen to changes for 14 days from the date the reservation was made. Specific cancellation penalty details not provided.

AccessibilityThe park includes handicapped-accessible facilities, but user reviews highlight significant issues. For example, at Anthracite Campground, the vault toilet is located directly behind the accessible site, requiring other campers to trespass through the site to access it.

Site SizeSites across the park accommodate equipment lengths ranging from 10 to 70 feet.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, with some reviewers mentioning issues like poorly landscaped sites and weeds at Anthracite Campground.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesSpruce Campground is recommended for shade, quietness, and scenic beauty. Bug spray is advised due to gnats.

Best CampsitesSpruce Campground gets the best reviews for views and quiet. Anthracite has electric hookups but suffers from poor landscaping, weeds, and wasp nests. Sites across the park handle equipment from 10 to 70 feet.

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Amenities available

The park offers a mix of primitive and electric sites spread over three distinct campground loops: Anthracite, Hawsapple, and Spruce. Amenities include bird watching, boating, a comfort station, cross-country skiing, firewood sales, fishing, handicapped accessible facilities, hiking, hunting, jet skiing, natural shade, photography, picnicking, a ranger station, sailing, snowshoeing, water skiing, and wildlife viewing.

Electricity hookups

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Paonia State Park stands out for its diverse recreational offerings, including water-based activities like boating and fishing, as well as land-based activities such as hiking, bird watching, and picnicking. Winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also supported.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFire danger can apply seasonally. User reviews mention wasp nests in shelters and biting gnats at Spruce Campground.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFire policies vary by season depending on fire danger. Campfires may be restricted during high-risk periods.

Emergency ServicesDirect Line and Ranger Station contact available at 9709215721. Specific hospital or police locations not provided.

Trash & RecyclingNo references were provided regarding trash and recycling facilities in the park's official description or user reviews.

Water FeaturesCampgrounds are located near streams and reservoirs. Streams are muddy in certain seasons, as noted by user Pip Hall.

Camp HostRanger Chuck was described as "super knowledgeable about the local hikes in the area." Rangers typically visit once a day and sell firewood.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

9 reviews

Recommended

Paonia State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User experiences at Paonia State Park are mixed. Positive reviews praise the park's quiet environment, scenic views, and friendly rangers, while negative reviews highlight issues such as outdated facilities, poor signage, and maintenance challenges.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciated the 'fantastic views and shade coverage' at the Spruce Campground, as well as the 'friendly and knowledgeable' rangers. One reviewer described it as a 'beautiful park away from...

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Several users mentioned poor signage, lack of cell service, and maintenance issues such as weeds and wasp nests at Anthracite Campground. The placement of the vault toilet behind the accessible site...

Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Spruce Campground received the highest praise for its scenic beauty and shade. Anthracite Campground was noted for its maintenance issues, including weeds and wasp nests. Specific sites were not...

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own drinking water, as none is provided on-site. Firewood can be purchased from rangers for $6 per bundle, which is cheaper than off-site options. Visit earlier in the year for fuller...

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Water levels in the reservoir are lower later in the year, affecting boating and other water activities. Fall brings beautiful foliage due to the abundance of aspen trees.

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The sunset here behind the mountains is one of the best I've ever seen in Colorado!' 2. 'Spruce is the better of the 2 campgrounds. Beautiful setting. Quiet. Take bug spray. Gnats are biters!' 3....

Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

Several accessibility challenges were noted in Anthracite Campground, such as the placement of the vault toilet behind the accessible site. This was described as 'very awkward' by at least one...

Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The park is described as 'very dog-friendly' by reviewers, with no specific restrictions or challenges for pet owners mentioned.

Based on 9 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Spruce loop is the reason to come. Fall temperatures, aspen color, and near-total silence suit hikers and anglers who can pack water and don't need hookups. Ranger Chuck knows the local trails well and firewood runs $6 a bundle on-site.

Skip if

Anthracite's electric sites have wasp nests, weeds, and a vault toilet planted directly behind the accessible site. No cell service for miles complicates any emergency. RVs will find the narrow single-lane roads genuinely tight.

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Erickson Springs sits in mid-elevation forest within Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, offering tent and RV camping alongside a cold mountain creek. The campground serves as a quiet base for forest recreation, with reviewers praising the creek for cooling off and the serene setting for picnics and day use. Summer brings the most reliable weather, with daytime highs in the 60s–70s°F and cool nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F.

Lost Lake Campground-Paonia Rd

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Lost Lake Campground sits at 9,300 feet in Gunnison National Forest's Paonia Ranger District, where three alpine lakes reflect the Ruby Mountain Range. The 18 first-come, first-served sites fill quickly on summer weekends, so arrive by 7:30 AM or earlier to claim a spot. Fees run $6–24 per night. No potable water, no cell service, no reservations.