Yampa River State Park

3.97

73 reviews

6185 US Highway 40 PO Box 759, Hayden, Colorado, 81639, United States

Quick Facts

6,306 ft

Price

$31 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Colorado Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,306 ft

Price

$31 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Colorado Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website

Get Directions

Yampa River State Park

$31.00 - $32.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees range from $31 to $32 per night. Additional fees include a $9 daily Colorado State Park entrance fee unless a State Park Pass is held.

Standard Site Fee$32.00

Hookup Site Fee$32.00

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

3.97

Mixed Reviews

Based on 73 reviews

248 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousstafffriendly

Some mention

noisemosquitoes

"User reviews for Yampa River State Park are generally positive, highlighting the cleanliness of facilities, friendly staff, and the park's natural beauty. However, some users mention drawbacks such as road noise, mosquitoes, and limited hiking trails."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

6185 US Highway 40 PO Box 759, Hayden, Colorado, 81639, United States

Yampa River State Park

6185 US Highway 40 PO Box 759, Hayden, Colorado, 81639, United States

Driving directionsYampa River State Park is located just west of the Town of Hayden on US Highway 40. The Headquarters park office is located on Highway 40 between the cities of Craig and Hayden. Yampa River State Park offers several public access sites along a 134-mile stretch of the Yampa River between Hayden and the Dinosaur National Monument near the Utah border.

The park is directly accessible from US Highway 40, with no reports of unpaved roads or seasonal closures impacting access. However, highway noise can affect the camping experience as noted in multiple user reviews.

Nearby places

Nearby cities include Hayden (approximately 1 mile), Craig (14 miles, roughly 20 minutes), and Steamboat Springs (approximately 30 miles).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies can be obtained in Hayden, which is approximately 1 mile away, or in Craig, which is 14 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Yampa River State Park

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the high desert, where winter wraps the landscape in a crystalline blanket of snow and temperatures plunge to a brisk 10°F, creating a wonderland for the hardy soul. As spring melts into summer, the mercury climbs to a pleasant 89°F, perfect for river adventures and evening campfires. While winter brings moderate snowfall that transforms the valley into a serene escape, summer arrives with brilliant blue skies punctuated by dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the desert, bringing brief but spectacular light shows and the sweet scent of rain on sagebrush.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer weather pleasant but increased mosquitoes and more visitors reported.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall likely offers cooler weather, fewer bugs and excellent views (less explicit data).

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring snowmelt increases flows and wildlife; good activity but variable conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year‑round; cross‑country skiing possible but cold (temps can reach ~10°F).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season pricing data not explicitly defined in sources.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Campground is open year-round, though some amenities may vary seasonally.

About Yampa River State Park

Nestled in the heart of Colorado's scenic Yampa Valley, Yampa River State Park offers adventurers a gateway to unforgettable outdoor experiences. Whether you're pulling in with your RV to one of the well-equipped electric hookup sites, pitching a tent under the expansive western sky, or gathering your tribe for a memorable group camping adventure, this riverside haven has something for everyone. Modern conveniences like hot showers and laundry facilities ensure comfort after days spent exploring, while the gentle murmur of the nearby Yampa River provides nature's soundtrack. While the distant hum of highway traffic and summer's buzzing mosquito population remind you of civilization's proximity, they're small trade-offs for the remarkable access this park provides to one of Colorado's most cherished waterways.

Yampa River State Park accommodates a variety of camping styles, including RV, tent, primitive, and group camping. The park also offers tipi rentals for a unique camping experience.

Historical SignificanceStanding at the doorstep of the legendary Dinosaur National Monument, this campground serves as your basecamp for exploring millions of years of Earth's history. The Yampa River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the Colorado River system, has carved not just canyons but also a rich cultural legacy. For generations, this corridor has drawn adventurous rafters and boaters who've made pilgrimage to navigate its wild waters, creating a living tradition of river running that continues to this day. Here, ancient geology meets modern adventure in a landscape that has inspired explorers for centuries.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the high desert, where winter wraps the landscape in a crystalline blanket of snow and temperatures plunge to a brisk 10°F, creating a wonderland for the hardy soul. As spring melts into summer, the mercury climbs to a pleasant 89°F, perfect for river adventures and evening campfires. While winter brings moderate snowfall that transforms the valley into a serene escape, summer arrives with brilliant blue skies punctuated by dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the desert, bringing brief but spectacular light shows and the sweet scent of rain on sagebrush.

ElevationWhile specific elevation data awaits official documentation, visitors will find themselves immersed in the characteristic high-desert environment of northwestern Colorado, where the thin, clear air enhances star-filled nights and amplifies the vastness of the western landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Yampa River serves as the lifeblood of this stunning high-desert oasis, creating a ribbon of green through an otherwise austere landscape. Towering sandstone formations stand sentinel over ancient juniper canyons, their twisted branches telling stories of centuries past. The contrast between the lush riparian corridor and the surrounding desert creates a diverse ecosystem that attracts an impressive array of wildlife. Lucky visitors might witness the magnificent sight of osprey diving for fish or catch a glimpse of a bald eagle soaring overhead, while the riverside cottonwoods provide shade and shelter for countless other species that call this unique environment home.

Geological RegionDiscover the raw beauty of Colorado's Northwest Region, where the Yampa Valley unfolds as a testament to the power of water and time. This remarkable high-desert environment showcases nature's artistry through dramatic sandstone formations sculpted by wind and weather, while ancient juniper canyons reveal layers of geological history. The life-giving Yampa River has created a lush riparian corridor that stands in striking contrast to the surrounding desert tableau, forming a diverse landscape where multiple ecosystems converge in spectacular fashion. This unique geographical setting offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the rugged beauty that defines Colorado's western frontier.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Day check-ins allowed
specific hour not listed.

Check-out

Late departure policies are unclear.

Stay Limit

14 consecutive days within a 28-day window.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy per site is undefined.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutIncludes RV loops, tent areas, and group camping sections. Tent sites are reportedly more secluded.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at www.cpwshop.com or by calling 1-800-244-5613.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are mandatory and walk-up availability is not mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made 28+ days before arrival retain 25% of one night’s fee. Those made 8-27 days before arrival retain 50%, and cancellations within 7 days of arrival retain 100% of one night’s fee. Changes to reservations before arrival incur escalating fees depending on timing, but adding days incurs no extra fees except cost differences.

AccessibilityThe campground offers spacious and well-laid-out sites, some of which are close to the river. However, no specific details about ADA-compliant features are mentioned.

Site SizeThe sites are described as spacious and level, with a mix of RV and tent camping spots. RV sites have electrical hookups, and some tent areas are more secluded and wooded.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some tent sites are described as secluded, especially those near the creek or river. However, other areas are noted as lacking tree coverage and being close to each other.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesWhen reserving, consider riverside tent sites for added serenity. Avoid sites close to the highway for reduced noise.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Yampa River State Park provides opportunities for various outdoor activities. These include hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The park is close to the Yampa River and Elkhead Reservoir, offering water-based activities. Some reviews highlight the park's trail system and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

HikingThe park includes a short one-mile nature trail at the headquarters campground. Additionally, there are hiking opportunities on BLM lands nearby, including Duffy Mountain and Cross Mountain, which offer diverse experiences and scenic views.

FishingFishing is popular along the Yampa River, with several access points throughout the park. Specific types of fish are not mentioned in the reviews.

SwimmingSwimming opportunities are available at the Elkhead Reservoir, which features swim beaches during certain seasons.

BikingA short gravel walking/biking trail is available in the park, providing views of the river and surrounding meadows.

BoatingThe Yampa River offers boating opportunities, including flat-water boating and Class I-V river boating. Elkhead Reservoir is open for boating from 8 am to 10 pm.

Wildlife viewingThe park offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including sightings of mule deer, ospreys, and bald eagles. Some campers have also observed frogs and crawdads near the water.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHighway noise is a consistent complaint. Mosquito infestations during summer months are reported by multiple users. Some reviews also mention the stark, treeless landscape.

Fire PolicyFire bans may apply during certain periods, as mentioned in user reviews.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly defined.

Emergency ServicesHayden provides the closest emergency services, including police stations and medical facilities. Craig, 14 miles away, offers additional emergency infrastructure.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but no detailed description of locations or schedules is provided.

Water FeaturesCampground is adjacent to the Yampa River, offering boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities.

Camp HostCampground hosts are frequently described as friendly and helpful in reviews.

Weather at Yampa River State Park

Reviews

4.0

73 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Yampa River State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Yampa River State Park are generally positive, highlighting the cleanliness of facilities, friendly staff, and the park's natural beauty. However, some users mention drawbacks such as road noise, mosquitoes, and limited hiking trails.

Review Summaries

Based on 73 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained facilities, friendly staff, spacious campsites with covered picnic tables and fire pits, proximity to the Yampa River, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Based on 73 reviews

Common Concerns

Highway noise, mosquitoes, some areas lacking tree cover, and limited hiking trails.

Based on 73 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend choosing sites near the river or creek for more privacy and better views. Bringing bug spray is advised due to mosquitoes. Early morning walks on the nature trail are suggested for...

Based on 73 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months see an increase in mosquitoes, but the weather is generally pleasant. Winter activities like cross-country skiing are available, making it a year-round destination. However, during...

Based on 73 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The night sky was amazing!" - Andrew Castillo. "The tent section is also a bit wooded so it feels more secluded." - Sam Wright. "Great park. Stayed in the campground. Great host. Desert camping at...

Based on 73 reviews