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Kayakers, tubers, and snorkelers who want a wooded, full-hookup site without sacrificing river access, Loop B's tree canopy and spacing beat the other loops, and weekday bookings mean you'll actually have elbow room on the water.
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$2 - $18/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Pets Allowed
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$2 - $18/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Pets Allowed
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Learn more about alerts →Kayakers, tubers, and snorkelers who want a wooded, full-hookup site without sacrificing river access, Loop B's tree canopy and spacing beat the other loops, and weekday bookings mean you'll actually have elbow room on the water.
Weekend warriors expecting a quiet float will hit crowds at the main headspring day-use area; raccoons and ants are active at some sites, and the carry from drop-off to river launch is real, bring wheels for your kayak or you'll regret it.
Context for the broader area surrounding Rainbow Springs State Park Loop B, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.
Recreation at Jackson Gulch Reservoir (Mancos State Park) is managed by the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Western Colorado Area Office - Southern Division, Durango, Colorado. <A HREF="https://www.usbr.gov/projects/index.php?id=156">Jackson Gulch Dam</a> was completed in 1950 and is the principal feature of the <A HREF="https://www.usbr.gov/projects/index.php?id=347">Mancos Project</a> in southwestern Colorado. An inlet canal from the West Mancos River feeds the small reservoir which is an off-stream storage impoundment with 4 miles of shoreline. The reservoir is located 5 miles north of Mancos, Colorado, and 10 miles from Mesa Verde National Park, a World Heritage Site. The reservoir provides important recreation, fish and wildlife benefits; it has about 36,000 visitors per year. The average elevation is about 7,800 feet above sea level. Call 1-800-678-2267 for camping reservations.
Take U.S. Highway 160 west from Durango, Colorado to the intersection of State Highway 184 in Mancos, a distance of about 27 miles. Turn right and take State Highway 184 north from Mancos for 1/4 mile, then turn right on County Road 42 to the intersection of County Rd. N, a distance of about 5 miles. Turn left on County Road N for 1/4 mile to the Mancos State Park entrance.
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Spring offers the best balance of comfortable air temperatures. Roughly mid-60s to low-80s. And low humidity, while the river holds steady at 72°F for excellent swimming, tubing, and kayaking. Wildflowers and active wildlife make hiking and birding especially rewarding, and the shaded sites in Loop B keep campsites pleasant as days warm. Expect moderate crowds; peak weekends and spring break see more visitors, so weekday stays mean quieter river access. Summer brings warmth and longer days but also larger crowds escaping Florida's heat. Fall, winter, and early spring mean cooler air, fewer bugs, and more comfortable camping, though the constant 72°F spring water can feel cold when you first jump in.
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.
Developed family campsites include an in-ground grill, picnic table, site water and electric, and access to a centrally located bathhouse. The park also offers primitive backpack sites (Sweetwater Lake) with primitive restrooms and a campfire circle, a group camping area with 16 cabins (no electricity), and an on-site camp store and coin laundry (reported by visitors).
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