How much does camping cost at Ridgway State Park?

Camping fees at Ridgway State Park range from $28/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Ridgway 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 Ridgway State Park before I book?

Yes! Ridgway State Park has 8 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 Ridgway State Park?

Ridgway State Park is open Peak season dates were not explicitly noted.. 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 Ridgway State Park?

Yes, Ridgway State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Ridgway State Park have?

Ridgway State Park has 283 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Ridgway State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ridgway 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 Ridgway State Park?

Ridgway State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ridgway State Park?

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

Ridgway State Park

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

Fire policies at Ridgway State Park: Campfires are permitted but monitored even during rain. Firewood is available for purchase for $6 cash.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.55

197 reviews

28555 Highway 550, Ridgway, Colorado, 81432, United States

Top 5% in COSummer

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,978 ft

Price

$28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

283 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Ridgway State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,978 ft

Price

$28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

283 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Ridgway State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Ridgway State Park

$28.00 - $28.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Pass Campsite Description Single campsite (max 6 occupants) Duration 1 Night Cost $28 to $41

Standard Site Fee$28.00

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Campground Map

28555 Highway 550, Ridgway, Colorado, 81432, United States

Ridgway State Park

28555 Highway 550, Ridgway, Colorado, 81432, United States

Nearby places

Montrose (19 miles, approximately 25 minutes), Ouray (12 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Telluride (approximately 40 miles, around 50 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Ridgway town is nearby for groceries and essentials. Montrose has larger supply options for camping gear and fuel stations. Firewood is available within the park for $6 cash only as noted in user reviews.

Driving directionsPa Co Chu Puk Campground: 19 miles south of Montrose on Hwy 550, take first park entrance, below the dam. Dutch Charlie Area: 22 miles south of Montrose, take second entrance into park, first right leads to Dakota Terraces Campground, first left leads to Elk Ridge Campground.

Access is straightforward via Highway 550. Roads to the campgrounds are paved, and there are multiple entrances depending on the campground area. Seasonal conditions or closures were not indicated.

Weather at Ridgway State Park

Best Time to Camp at Ridgway State Park

Summer delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs run mid-70s to mid-80s, nights drop into the 40s and 50s. Full facilities operate, water recreation peaks, and trails stay accessible. July and August bring crowds and afternoon monsoon storms. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures for hiking, though some facilities may close. Winter snow is possible, and the park gets quiet.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 5% in CO

Best season: full facilities, peak water recreation, warm days and cool nights; reservations fill quickly.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates were not explicitly noted.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round with specific reservation windows for yurts.

About Ridgway State Park

Ridgway State Park sits at 6,978 feet in Colorado's high desert, offering 283 campsites and 3 yurts across three separate campgrounds. Sites run $28 per night and include options for tents, RVs (with full hookups), group camping, and glamping. The park provides full amenities: showers, flush toilets, laundry, a camp store, and a dump station. Reservations fill quickly in summer.

Ridgway State Park accommodates various camping preferences, including RVs, tents, group sites, and yurts. RV sites feature full hookups, and tent sites are gravel-based. Yurts provide a glamping experience.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs run mid-70s to mid-80s, nights drop into the 40s and 50s. Full facilities operate, water recreation peaks, and trails stay accessible. July and August bring crowds and afternoon monsoon storms. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures for hiking, though some facilities may close. Winter snow is possible, and the park gets quiet.

ElevationThe park's position in Colorado's diverse topography offers visitors a unique high-altitude experience.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies high desert steppe terrain where piñon pine, juniper, and sagebrush cover rolling hills. The Sneffels Range dominates the western horizon, its jagged peaks visible from most sites. Reviewers consistently mention the lake views. "The lake is just GORGEOUS! Bring your kayaks, paddleboards, or pedal boats," one camper wrote. Mule deer graze through campsites at dawn. Coyotes call at dusk. Eagles ride thermals overhead. The landscape trades forest shade for open sky and long sightlines.

Geological RegionDiscover Southwest Colorado's enchanting high desert steppe, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable diversity. Here, hardy piñon pines and aromatic juniper trees dot rolling hills covered in silvery sage and resilient bitterbrush, all thriving in this unique ecosystem. The magnificent Sneffels Range dominates the horizon, its dramatic peaks serving as a constant reminder of the powerful forces that shaped this extraordinary corner of Colorado – a perfect blend of desert serenity and mountain majesty.

Scenic ViewsReviews frequently praised the park's stunning views of mountains and lake/reservoir, especially from campsites on the ridge.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe park offers unique lodging options, including yurts equipped with air conditioning, gas heating, refrigerators, and microwaves. Yurts accommodate up to six people and are dog-friendly. RV and tent camping are also supported.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational programs are hosted by park staff, such as evening events for children. "Carrie, who ran the educational programs, is a gem," noted one visitor.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is not explicitly noted.

Check-out

Check-out time is not explicitly noted.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 12 days is noted in reviews.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One tent site is noted to accommodate up to two tents
however, space may be limited for additional tents.

Groups

Group sites include pavilions and ample space for multiple vehicles and tents.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThree campgrounds: Dakota Terraces, Elk Ridge, and Pa-Co-Chu-Puk. Sites feature paved drives, raised gravel tent pads, and concrete picnic areas. Spacing is generous. Some sites accommodate large RVs and trailers. Trade-off: reviewers mention lack of shade and greenery across the layout.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Ridgway State Park website or Aspira Call Center (1-800-244-5613).

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability for campsites is limited; reservations are strongly recommended for summer months as indicated by reviews.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made 28+ days before arrival retain 25% of one night's fee. Cancellations within 7 days are non-refundable. Changes to reservations within 7 days retain 20% of one night's fee. Weather, bugs, and fire bans do not qualify for refunds.

AccessibilityADA-accessible features include trails, campsites with ramps, widened restroom entryways, and accessible picnic tables. The park also provides floating wheelchairs and track chairs for visitors with mobility issues to enjoy swimming and hiking.

Site SizeCampsites are spacious, with some accommodating large RVs and trailers. Sites include paved drives, gravel tent pads, and concrete picnic areas.

PrivacyCampsites are well-spaced, offering significant privacy. One reviewer noted, "Plenty of room between campsites - usually more than 20 or 30 feet if not more, neighbors are barely seen.

Total Campsites283 campsites

Recommended SitesPa-Co-Chu-Puk sites are spacious and shaded. Elk Ridge Loop offers great views and amenities.

Best CampsitesReviewers recommend Elk Ridge Loop specifically. Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground also receives positive mentions. No specific site numbers appear in the feedback, but campers note that spacing exceeds 20-30 feet between sites in most areas, with neighbors "barely seen.

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Amenities available

Ridgway State Park offers an extensive range of amenities designed to meet the needs of diverse campers. The park provides ADA-accessible facilities, including trails, restrooms, and campsites with ramps, all adhering to ADA guidelines. Highlights include the swimming beach, multiple picnic spots, fishing facilities, and a well-organized campground with clean restrooms and modern showers. "The bath house and lavatory are excellent!" noted one reviewer. Visitors have access to potable water, firewood for $6 (cash only), and laundry facilities. Fire rings and picnic tables are available at most sites, along with paved drives and gravel tent areas. Some areas also have covered pavilions.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Ridgway State Park offers a broad spectrum of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and wildlife watching. The park is known for its well-maintained trails, swimming beach, and large reservoir. "Great hiking trails, swim beach, stocked reservoir, boat rental," noted one user. Cultural programs and educational events are also available.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal hazards include yellow jackets and unpredictable weather changes such as fast-moving storms. Wildlife like deer and coyotes are present but not noted as dangerous.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted but monitored even during rain. Firewood is available for purchase for $6 cash.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours after 10 PM are expected but enforcement is inconsistent.

Emergency ServicesRanger Station within the park at 970-626-5822. Additional emergency services may be available in close proximity, such as hospitals in Montrose (19 miles away).

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, and a user praised the park for its recycling options, describing it as "the first park that I have been at with recycling too."

Water FeaturesThe park includes Ridgway Reservoir, which is excellent for boating, kayaking, and fishing. However, campsites are not directly on the water.

Camp HostHosts received mixed reviews; some were praised as friendly and helpful, while others were described as rude or overly strict.

Cell CoverageSome reviewers noted spotty or unavailable cell service in the park. For example, T-Mobile service is non-existent in certain areas, while Verizon provides better coverage.

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

4.6

197 reviews

Top-Rated

Ridgway State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Ridgway State Park receives praise for its cleanliness, wide range of amenities, and scenic beauty. Visitors appreciate the spacious campsites and friendly staff, though some mention issues with strict enforcement of rules and noise at night.

Review Summaries

Based on 197 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean facilities, well-spaced campsites, accessible amenities, and a variety of recreational activities. "The lake is just GORGEOUS! Bring your kayaks, paddleboards, or pedal...

Based on 197 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include limited cell service, noise issues at night, and strict rule enforcement by park staff. One visitor mentioned, "One campground host made our visit miserable. He drives...

Based on 197 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Elk Ridge loop is noted for having flush toilets and laundry facilities. Pa-Co-Chu-Puk is praised for its trout fishing and clean facilities. Group sites are spacious and include pavilions.

Based on 197 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book reservations well in advance, especially for summer months. Bring your own gear for water sports as rentals require prior reservations. Explore the Elk Ridge loop, which is highly recommended.

Based on 197 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter sees fewer visitors due to closed facilities like bathhouses. Summer is busy, with activities like swimming and boating in full swing. Spring and fall offer moderate weather and fewer crowds.

Based on 197 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground is VERY clean and the bath house and lavatory are excellent!" "This park has it all! My third time here, and I will be back as much as I possibly can." "The park's accessibility...

Based on 197 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews highlight the park's excellent ADA-compliant features, such as wide restroom entryways and accessible trails. One reviewer noted, "The visitor center staff went above and beyond to...

Based on 197 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The park is pet-friendly, and dogs are allowed in yurts. "Dog-friendly to yurt," mentioned one user.

Based on 197 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Families and water-focused campers who book Elk Ridge early: flush toilets, laundry, and paved sites with 20-plus feet between neighbors, plus a swim beach and stocked reservoir with rainbow trout and kokanee salmon within walking distance.

Skip if

Shade matters to you, the open high desert layout gets real sun exposure across all three loops, T-Mobile users will have no signal, and at least one host has a reputation for aggressive rule enforcement that frustrated multiple reviewers.

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