Rifle Gap State Park

Star4.25
60 reviews
5775 Highway 325, Rifle, Colorado, 81650, United States
Family FriendlySwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,791 ft

Price

$28 - $41/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

89 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Colorado Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website
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Rifle Gap State Park
$28.00 - $41.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard campsite fees start at $28 per night, with premium sites costing up to $41 per night. Additionally, there is a required day-use fee of $9...
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Standard Site Fee$28.00
Hookup Site Fee$41.00
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

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 60 reviews

239 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousstafffriendly

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews consistently praise Rifle Gap for its cleanliness, scenic views, and well-maintained facilities. Complaints include high fees and unreliable showers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Rifle Gap State Park

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

Driving directionsTake I-70 to the Rifle exchange, then proceed north on Hwy 13. Go through Rifle and continue for 3 miles before taking State Hwy 325 for 6 miles.
The park is accessible via paved roads, though it is located 6 miles off State Hwy 325. Seasonal conditions may affect road accessibility, particularly in winter.
Nearby places
Rifle (approx. 10 miles), Glenwood Springs (approx. 30 miles), Grand Junction (approx. 65 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Rifle, approximately 10 miles from the park.

Best Time to Camp at Rifle Gap State Park

Experience the dramatic personality of Colorado's changing seasons at Rifle Gap. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland where hardy anglers drill through ice and cross-country skiers glide across snow-dusted trails. As spring melts into summer, the park awakens with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for diving into refreshing waters or lounging lakeside. The dry mountain air and reliable sunshine create ideal conditions for those long summer adventures that stretch well past sunset.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Peak season: boating, fishing, water sports and beach use make summer the busiest/best season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Spring/fall described as quieter, good for a peaceful visit with scenic views.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring is quieter; water access and activity levels may be variable in shoulder season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 14% in CO

Open year-round; winter offers ice fishing and cross-country skiing but is more seasonal/limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season typically spans summer months, though exact dates are not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Rifle Gap State Park operates year-round; however, certain facilities such as water access may be seasonally restricted.

About Rifle Gap State Park

Nestled in Colorado's rugged northwest, Rifle Gap State Park unfolds across 1,305 pristine acres where adventure seekers discover their perfect outdoor playground. At its heart lies a sparkling 350-acre reservoir that beckons water enthusiasts from dawn to dusk. Whether you're descending into crystal-clear depths with scuba gear, carving wake patterns behind a speedboat, or casting a line from peaceful shores, this aquatic wonderland delivers year-round thrills. The park's well-appointed campsites stretch along the northern shoreline, welcoming everything from backpacking tents to luxury RVs, each offering front-row seats to Colorado's natural theater.
Rifle Gap State Park accommodates a variety of camping types, including tent, RV, and group camping. Primitive sites are available for tents, and RV spots offer full hookups.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Campers may not stay for more than 14 nights in any 28-day period at a single park.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
WiFi
Flush toilets
Dump station

Activities you can enjoy

Rifle Gap State Park offers diverse recreational opportunities. Official sources emphasize water-based activities such as scuba diving, boating, water skiing, and fishing in the reservoir. User reviews confirm these activities ('Fishing the reservoir was great,' 'Rifle Gap is great for kayaking'). Hiking trails are available but limited around the lake, and users recommend nearby Rifle Falls for more scenic trails ('Check out Rifle Falls'). Hunting and wildlife watching are additional options ('Pretty sure everyone was celebrating hunting season'). Winter sports such as ice fishing and cross-country skiing are noted in official descriptions, affirming year-round usability.
HikingLimited hiking trails are available at Rifle Gap; users suggest exploring nearby Harvey Gap and Rifle Falls for better hiking options ('Rifle Falls right up the road,' 'no hiking trail at the lake').
FishingFishing is popular within the reservoir, with users consistently highlighting its quality ('Fishing the reservoir was great,' 'Many people were fishing').
SwimmingSwimming is facilitated through a designated beach area, noted for cleanliness and shaded picnic tables ('Beach available,' 'covered seating and picnic tables').
BikingBiking is possible within parts of the park, with paved roads making it convenient ('roads paved; electric bike fun').
BoatingBoating options include a launch ramp; however, water levels vary. Some users report closures ('Boat ramp was closed,' 'Beautiful lake for SUPs').
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is highlighted, with common encounters including deer ('Doe and fawn spotted,' 'wildlife watching opportunities').
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWater levels in the reservoir fluctuate, sometimes affecting boating and swimming access. Wildlife like deer may roam the campsites, and some reviews mention issues with muddy or polluted shorelines.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Rifle Gap State Park

Reviews

4.3
60 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Rifle Gap State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently praise Rifle Gap for its cleanliness, scenic views, and well-maintained facilities. Complaints include high fees and unreliable showers.
Review Summaries
Based on 60 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, spacious sites, friendly staff, and diverse activities ('Hosts were great,' 'Beautiful place to camp').
Based on 60 reviews

Common Concerns

High camping fees, inconsistent WiFi, and occasional issues with coin-operated showers ('Showers require payment,' 'Internet requires password').
Based on 60 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend exploring nearby Rifle Falls, bringing water shoes for better beach comfort, and planning a star-gazing trip during meteor showers ('Pinion loop great for gazing').
Based on 60 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer sees peak activity with boating, fishing, and water sports, while winter offers ice fishing and skiing opportunities. Spring and fall provide a quieter camping experience.
Based on 60 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Hot showers are available, but coin-operated systems can fail.' 2. 'Covered picnic tables are a great feature.' 3. 'Lake water looked like ocean water, very colorful and stunning.'
Based on 60 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 69 in Cedar Loop praised for privacy and wildlife sightings ('Doe and fawn spotted'). Lakeview campsites receive high marks for views ('Stayed at site 28 with incredible views').
Based on 60 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA features noted but reviews lack detailed insights on accessibility.
Based on 60 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Park is dog-friendly, with poo bag stations provided ('Multiple poo-bag stations available').
Based on 60 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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