Rifle Falls State Park

4.70

37 reviews

5775 Highway 325, Rifle, Colorado, 81650, United States

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Colorado RV Camping Colorado Tent Camping Colorado +1 more

Quick Facts

6,624 ft

Price

$10 - $14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Colorado Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,624 ft

Price

$10 - $14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Colorado Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website

Get Directions

Rifle Falls State Park

$10.00 - $14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Entrance fee for the park is $10 per vehicle, which also grants access to other nearby parks such as Rifle Gap State Park. Camping fees start at $14...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Hookup Site Fee$14.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

9706251607null

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.70

Top-Rated

Based on 37 reviews

2107 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadewater

"Reviews of Rifle Falls State Park are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the beauty of the waterfalls, the lush surroundings, and the convenience of the trails. The campground is well-maintained and offers a peaceful, intimate experience."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5775 Highway 325, Rifle, Colorado, 81650, United States

Rifle Falls State Park

5775 Highway 325, Rifle, Colorado, 81650, United States

Driving directionsI-70 to Rifle exchange. Then take Hwy 13 north, go through Rifle 3 miles. State Hwy 325 for 9.8 miles.

Road access is via State Highway 325, which is paved and easily accessible year-round. There are no specific mentions of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.

Nearby places

Rifle (approximately 13 miles, 20-minute drive)

Glenwood Springs (approximately 30 miles, 35-minute drive)

Grand Junction (approximately 60 miles, 1-hour drive)

Nearby supplies

Supplies including groceries, fuel, and camping gear are available in Rifle, approximately 13 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Rifle Falls State Park

Experience Colorado's dramatic seasonal tapestry at Rifle Falls, where summer transforms the park into a verdant oasis with temperatures climbing above 80°F—perfect for cooling off in the waterfall's misty embrace. As autumn paints the landscape in amber and gold, crisp air signals the approach of winter's crystalline beauty. When snow blankets the park and temperatures plunge below freezing, the falls take on an ethereal quality, creating frozen sculptures that defy imagination. Throughout the year, moderate mountain breezes carry the constant melody of cascading water.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season: lush greenery, strong waterfall flow and cooling mist make summer especially appealing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fewer crowds and pleasant weather; scenic but less emphasized than summer in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 16% in CO

Spring snowmelt likely increases flows and vegetation, offering lush scenery with milder crowds.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 14% in CO

Open year-round; visitors note frozen waterfalls and some snow but limited winter recreational offerings.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season takes place in the summer months, generally June to August.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: No active alerts are mentioned.

About Rifle Falls State Park

Nestled in Colorado's northwest wilderness, Rifle Falls State Park beckons adventurers with 19 thoughtfully positioned campsites that bring you face-to-face with nature's grandeur. Choose from 12 convenient drive-in sites perfect for RV enthusiasts and car campers, or embrace a more intimate wilderness experience at one of 7 secluded walk-in tent sites. Here, the thundering cascade of a magnificent triple waterfall creates a natural amphitheater where photographers chase golden hour light, hikers discover hidden limestone caves, and families gather for unforgettable picnics surrounded by emerald greenery.

The campground features a mix of accommodations suited for tents, RVs, and group camping. There are 12 drive-in sites and 7 walk-in sites, with separate areas for RVs and tents.

Historical SignificanceRifle Falls has long captivated the human imagination, serving as a muse for generations of artists and storytellers. This natural wonderland has played starring roles on the silver screen, with Hollywood film crews drawn to its otherworldly beauty and dramatic limestone formations. Professional photographers from around the globe make pilgrimages here, seeking to capture the interplay of light, water, and stone that makes this park utterly unique in the American West.

Weather and SeasonsExperience Colorado's dramatic seasonal tapestry at Rifle Falls, where summer transforms the park into a verdant oasis with temperatures climbing above 80°F—perfect for cooling off in the waterfall's misty embrace. As autumn paints the landscape in amber and gold, crisp air signals the approach of winter's crystalline beauty. When snow blankets the park and temperatures plunge below freezing, the falls take on an ethereal quality, creating frozen sculptures that defy imagination. Throughout the year, moderate mountain breezes carry the constant melody of cascading water.

ElevationPerched at the characteristic elevation of Colorado's Northwest Region, Rifle Falls State Park offers that perfect mountain atmosphere where the air feels lighter and every breath connects you more deeply with the wilderness. This Rocky Mountain setting provides the ideal climate for the park's distinctive ecosystem to flourish.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted microclimate where perpetual mist from the triple waterfall nurtures a lush botanical paradise rarely seen in Colorado's typically arid landscape. Beneath the 70-foot cascade, mysterious limestone caves invite exploration, their cool chambers carved by centuries of patient water. Rifle Creek winds through this verdant sanctuary, its crystal-clear waters reflecting towering cliff faces draped in hanging gardens of ferns and moss.

Geological RegionRifle Falls State Park stands as a geological marvel in Colorado's Northwest Region, where ancient limestone cliffs give birth to a spectacular triple waterfall. This rare geological formation creates a unique ecosystem—the constant spray nurtures an unexpected rainforest pocket in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Below the falls, limestone caves whisper stories of millennia past, offering glimpses into the powerful forces that sculpted this extraordinary landscape where water, stone, and time converge in perfect harmony.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

1:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 days within any 28-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 guests per site.

Groups

No specific details about group camping sites were provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into Falls Campground and Squirrel loops.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on www.cpwshop.com or by calling the Aspira Call Center at 1-800-244-5613.

Walk-in AvailabilityLimited availability for walk-up camping due to the small size of the campground. Early arrival is recommended.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are subject to fees according to notification timeframes: 25% for cancellations 28 days or more, 50% for 8-27 days, and 100% for cancellations within 7 days or less.

AccessibilityADA-accessible sites are available, such as Rifle Falls Falls Campground 002HD Electric, but broader accessibility details are not provided.

Site SizeMaximum equipment lengths vary by campsite, ranging from 0 feet (walk-in tent sites) to 49 feet for RV-compatible sites.

PrivacyReviews suggest that the campground is small and intimate with considerable natural shade from trees.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites near Rifle Creek for soothing water sounds; tent-only sites provide privacy. Electric sites are recommended for RV campers.

Amenities available

Electricity hookups

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Rifle Falls State Park offers a variety of recreational activities, including easy hiking trails, fishing, cave exploration (spelunking), wildlife viewing, photography, and picnicking. The waterfalls serve as a major attraction, and the lush vegetation and natural shade make it a popular spot, especially during warmer months.

HikingThe park features multiple hiking trails, including a loop walk that takes visitors past caves and to the top of the waterfalls. Trails are described as "very easy" and "not too strenuous," making them accessible to a wide range of visitors. Some trails involve rocky paths and steps, as noted by reviewers.

FishingFishing opportunities are available, with one review mentioning that "the fishing 🎣 is great." No specific details on fish types or locations were provided.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a noted activity, with opportunities to observe the park's natural fauna in the lush, shaded environment.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive programs and historical sites are available, although details about the topics or schedules were not provided.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVault toilets are mentioned as being potentially unpleasant. Wildlife and rocky trails could pose minor hazards.

Active AlertsNo active alerts are mentioned.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted in designated areas.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are located in Rifle, approximately 13 miles away, including hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities were not specifically mentioned; however, the park emphasizes cleanliness based on user reviews.

Water FeaturesLocated near Rifle Creek and a triple waterfall.

Camp HostA campground host is available and reportedly attentive.

Weather at Rifle Falls State Park

Reviews

4.7

37 reviews

Top-Rated

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

Reviews of Rifle Falls State Park are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the beauty of the waterfalls, the lush surroundings, and the convenience of the trails. The campground is well-maintained and offers a peaceful, intimate experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praised the park's scenic beauty, "lush greenery," and "stunning waterfalls." The trails were frequently described as "easy" and "accessible." The clean and shaded environment was a...

Based on 37 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited parking and the lack of cellphone service were noted as drawbacks. Some issues with the cleanliness of vault toilets were mentioned, and one reviewer noted that signage around the falls was...

Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend arriving early to avoid parking issues and bringing cash for park passes. Exploring the caves and carrying a flashlight were suggested for an improved experience. Visiting during...

Based on 37 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews emphasize the lush greenery and refreshing mist from the falls, while winter visitors expressed interest in seeing the frozen waterfalls. Seasonal crowding was noted during summer...

Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "One of the coolest waterfalls I've ever seen in my life. The whole area looks like it was stripped out of Avatar and belongs on Pandora." - Kyle Kempf 2. "This was a wonderful surprise to find...

Based on 37 reviews