Camping in Rifle Gap State Park

100% (5 reviews)

Take advantage of 360 surface acres of crystalline reservoir water at this state park.

Top public campgrounds in the park

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

100% (5 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Rifle Gap State Park adventure.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Rifle Gap State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Dragonsong Sanctuary Forest Retreat

2 sites · Lodging40 acres · Cedaredge, CO

Dragonsong is home to our family and we are available to provide nourishment and nurturing if that is what you need. Tai Ji, Qi Gong, herbal consultations, Rune Readings, healthy organic homecooked meals (with advanced notice, vegan and gluten free too ), guided journeys to the Mesa or to your inner spaces, and hugs are always available. We also realize that sometimes what you need most is space and silence and that is something Dragonsong has in abundance. This is your journey and we want to support you in whatever way feels best! We're also here to host your joyful gatherings of friends who want to share stories, tasty beverages, and a beautiful fire. (weather and wind permitting) We are 25 minutes from the Grand Mesa and it's breathtaking 500 square miles of wilderness and 300 mountain lakes. Dragonsong Sanctuary sits amidst 40 acres of Juniper and Pinion forest with incredible views of the San Juan and West Elk Mountains. There are trails running through the property for you to explore and all well behaved dogs are welcome. We have a unique and colorful tiny home, several camp sites with a compost potty nearby, paddleboards available for adventures on the Mesa, a 23 ft Star Belle tent, and big open skies perfect for catching meteor showers and basking in the wonder of the Milky Way. We are 10 minutes from the town of Cedaredge, where you will find restaurants, galleries, a beautiful town park with playgrounds and a creek for the kiddos, free live music Friday nights through the summer at the Grand Mesa Arts and Event Center, antique shops, Snow Capped Cider tasting room, SIPS wine bar, and Applefest, our annual fall festival. Stop by the Appleshed, our local indoor art mall and enjoy a wine tasting from Williams Cellars, with Sugar Mama's bakeshop inside providing cafe faire and mouth watering fresh breads. Just add a well stocked local grocery store, golf course, thrift shops and wonderful boutiques, Cedaredge has something for everyone! We are an hour from The Black Canyon, Paonia and Palisade and their incredible wineries and organic farms, an hour and 20 min from Orvis Hot springs in gorgeous Rdigeway,and only 15 more min to Ouray, called the Switzerland of Colorado. National monuments, forests, canyons, hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, ancient culture, petroglyphs, rivers, mountains, incredible fall foliage and kind folks at every turn, there is something for everyone close by! Our mission at Dragonsong Sanctuary is to provide a space of safety, love and belonging while helping people connect deeply to the heart of Nature. We foster kindness, compassion, inclusivity, and believe in celebrating life with mirth and reverence. We welcome groups and retreats in alignment with that vision. We hold all life as sacred and ask that you honor the land and all the creatures who call this forest home. We look forward to sharing this beautiful landscape with you. Bright Blessings and lovelovelove, Kaewyn, Jory, Tirion, Nana Karen and Russ

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Erman Zoo Hip-Camp L.L.C .

5 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · Palisade, CO

With Mt Garfield looming in close proximity and views to take in from every direction, Erman Zoo Hip-Camp is located on the farm property of the Erman family, which have been part of the Palisade community for 50 years. This family has adopted 22.....yes 22 children and fostered many more. The site has almost no light pollution and the stars are yours to stare at when they visit at night. The site is in walking distance of all festivals, events, wineries, distillery, parks, fruit stands, the Colorado River, and downtown Palisade, so parking at events should prove no issue for occupants. Leave your vehicle and take a short walk to take in the scenery and air. Before you realize, you're at your preferred destination and now, more Palisade than you ever were. The Erman property has farm animals that can be visited and feel free to introduce yourself to them. Gail Erman is the Erman matriarch and resides on the farm. Chad Erman is her adopted son, who resides on the property as well, and will be your camp host, as well as his 7 year old son. Come stay, relax, and if you find the time or want to, familiarize yourself with this family and the stories they may have waiting, as they have many.

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Trail and Hitch Tiny Home Hotel

54 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Meeker, CO

Trail and Hitch Tiny Home Hotel and RV Park is on 20 acres with the 8 tiny homes on the back of the property. The land is across the White River, 2 miles from downtown Meeker, a bike ride away from mountain biking trails and ON 250 miles of OHV trails. The 8 tiny homes are spread out in a circle surrounding 2 large firepits and a covered deck with a long farmhouse table. The tiny homes can be booked individually or as a group of 4 or 8.

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Perfectly Palisade

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Palisade, CO

Nestled at the foot of 6,765 ft Mt Garfield which rises 2,000 feet above the Western Colorado desert landscape. Our 1998 Komfort 5th wheel camper is equipped to make your stay comfortable and relaxing. Perfectly Palisade describes the camper as well as your stay at Pearadise Acres, named for our 60 year old Kieffer Pear trees. We are located in the heart of fruit and wine country and have two wineries less than 1/2 mile from your front steps and over 20 in the area accessible by bicycle. Local rentals for e-assist bikes makes wine touring possible for all. If you love amazing sunrises and sunsets, hearing roosters crowing in the distance, and the peace and quiet of a five acre oasis, this camper opportunity is for you. Come to rest and re-energize in one of the most beautiful places in the United States. We look forward to hosting you.

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Juniper Yurt

2 sites · Lodging35 acres · Basalt, CO

Basalt Mountain Oasis is perched on a south facing mountainside with incredible views of 3 14ers including Capitol Peak. It is a completely private location in the middle of nature yet only two miles from Basalt, and 20 miles from Aspen and Carbondale. We have produce growing in the gardens and greenhouse and herbal products for sale and will email you what is available before you check in and can have it stocked in the fridge.

Booked 2 times

Double D Farm

3 sites · Lodging, RVs2 acres · Palisade, CO

Rustic Orchard Campsite in Palisade Wine Country Location: Palisade, Colorado Description: Unplug and unwind at our peaceful orchard campsite nestled in the heart of Colorado’s wine country. Surrounded by peach trees and panoramic views of the Grand Mesa, this spot offers a truly serene escape just minutes from Palisade’s renowned wineries, fruit stands, and scenic bike trails. What You’ll Love: • Wake up to the scent of blooming fruit trees • Sip local wine under starry skies • Walking distance to vineyards and the Colorado River • Stunning mountain views & golden hour sunsets • Fresh fruit available in-season Nearby Attractions: • Wineries and cideries just minutes away • Ride the Fruit & Wine Byway • Kayak or float the Colorado River • Hike Grand Mesa or Colorado National Monument • Explore lavender farms, orchard stands & downtown Palisade

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Marble Mountain Yurt

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Marble, CO

Enjoy hut-style glamping at its finest in our modern mountain yurt. Bask in the sun and take in the stunning panoramic mountain views on our one-acre property above the quirky town of Marble, CO. With immediate access to public lands and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, biking, lakes, rivers, and BBQ in Colorado, there is truly something for everyone to love! The heated bathhouse features a toilet and foot pump sink. Purified drinking water is available from May - September. You must bring your own water from October - April. The kitchen features an oven/range and basic cooking and serving supplies. There is no refrigerator, so please bring your own cooler and ice. Campfires are allowed, but it is your responsibility to determine if there is a fire ban in effect. Firewood may be available or dead wood can be collected on the property. There is a picnic table nestled in the scrub oaks. We only rent one side and the entire property is private to you! We do have neighbors, but the property is pretty well tucked away. You may see the occasional vehicle or hiker on the road or hear someone doing some yard work, but it is generally very quiet and secluded at the yurt. Our neighbors have chosen to live in Marble for its privacy and tranquillity. Please show them respect by keeping the noise down and leaving them be. If you have questions or need help, call us from the yurt landline. Winter camping experience/equipment and a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle with severe snow-rated tires and chains may be required to access the yurt Oct-April. During large snow events, driving to the yurt may be impossible in any vehicle. Skiing to the yurt may be an option Dec - Feb. Gear sleds are available at the yurt for your use.

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Kiser Creek Cabins LLC

5 sites · Lodging4 acres · Cedaredge, CO

7 quaint and rustic cabins located on 4 acres next to the majestic Grand Mesa. Quiet and relaxing venue lying in an Aspen ForestLearn more about this land:Surrounded by Aspen Trees. Beautiful views of the West Elk mountains. Over 300 lakes to fish on. Hiking trails. ATV trails. Gunnison River is 12 miles south of camp. Abundant wildlife to watch all over the Grand Mesa.

Top-rated campgrounds near Rifle Gap State Park

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Colorado River Camp Has It All!

4 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · New Castle, CO

One of the valleys last original stone homes dating back to 1845. We have been restoring the buildings made from the stone. The main house which is not yet finished has beautiful etched glass windows of the cattle drives. James Hinds the homesteader and original owner of the ranch created the ware and hinds ditch which supplies our abundant Valley water. He was a prominent attorney and got our water rights given to us forever from President Harrison. It includes water that extends to the middle of the Colorado River and the one mile of our shoreline. Everyday that we live here we give thanks for his wisdom and foresight. The once huge ranch that used to extend across I -70 and to the far side of the Colorado River is now reduced to our beautiful 110 acres, but it is the most beautiful and historic part of his astounding empire. Please contact us if you’re looking for single night reservations during the week - we will be more than willing to accommodate you if we have the room!

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Ute Lodge - At the End of the Road

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents300 acres · Meeker, CO

The Ute Lodge was homesteaded in the 1930’s by Joe Fox who after leaving the military came west to settle in the White River valley. Joe was known for his friendliness, hospitality and wild stories. Today you might find much of the same. From Joe’s day to today it is a place where families come together to get away. The Ute Lodge is now owned by Karl and Mona Maser who celebrated 20 years of ownership summer of 2019! All summer our cabins are filled with guests from all over the US as well as international travelers. One of our favorite things about the summer is our weekly potlucks where we all share an outdoor meal. All of our visitors have a standing invitation to join us around the community campfire at night. From our beautiful private lake (where you can paddle-board, kayak and fish), to immediate access to the Papoose and Crooks Park Trails on National Forest land, as well as the vast variety of wildlife that roams around, you can find what you need here to unplug and get away from it all.

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Hillside Park

4 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · New Castle, CO

Located 5 minutes from Highway 70. (Exit 105) Hillside Park is near the river with public access only 2 minutes away. 3 minute hike to a beautiful sunset view. Borders public State Wildlife property. Within Colorado Unit 42 for hunting easily reached by OHV on county road 312. 15 minutes from Rifle and Glenwood Springs. ***Please text or call before or after arrival***

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Vistas & Vineyards

2 sites · Lodging, RVs1 acre · Palisade, CO

Rural area in the middle of fruit and wine country in western CO. Hiking, mtn biking and river adventures are only a few miles away. This listing is for our cute bunkhouse at the rear of our BnB property.

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Vail Valley BackCounty Access

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Eagle, CO

This Gorgeous 6 acre property has DIRECT PRIVATE ACCESS to Hardscrabble Mountain, The Holy Cross Wilderness and The White River National Forest. There are 24,000 acres of BLM public land and also The White River National Forest with over 3,500 square miles, both with thousands of miles of recreation trails for mountain biking, hiking, ATVing, MOTO X Dirtbiking, SidebySide UTVing, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, 4x4 Jeeping/Mudding, Jeep, Bronco, Land Rovers, OffRoad, Bike, Hike and snowmobiling. Walk out of your tent, your RV or my cabin and you are in BLM and The White River National Forest. Plenty of flat, shaded ground with water and electric available. The biggest shade trees in Eagle County, firepits, and a creek with pond and waterfall with sand beach await. Incredible views of Castle Peak, The Flat tops Wilderness, Red Canyon and Hardscrabble Mountain right from the Property. Vail and Beaver Creek Ski Resorts with the best skiing and powder in the world and Glenwood Springs with the world famous Hot Springs Pool and Glenwood Caverns Amusement Park ( amusement park on top of a mountain) and the Iron Mountain Hot Springs Each 25 minutes away. Aspen is a little over an hour away. Pets are welcome and can be off leash if they can respond to voice controls and owners are responsible for their pets at all times. Dogs love it here! All poop must be picked up, $25 per pet per night. GoPro Mountain Games June 5-8, 2025 Eagle County Rodeo July 21-26, 2025, Eagle is the county seat of Eagle County and is know for the Eagle and Colorado River and the amazing system of biking and hiking trails.

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Riverside Rest for RVs

2 sites · RVs30 acres · Dotsero, CO

The original homestead cabin from 1903 is still here! This became our home when my husband retired because it is his dream. Our Highland cattle have personality plus!! The river wrapping around the ranch at the foot of the mountain washes away the stress and leaves a peace here that fills the spirit with calm. We love the land, the bald eagles, the wildlife, our guests and each other! Learn more about this land: Sleep in your RV with the sound of the river lulling you to recharge and just breath in the peace. We have a great boat ramp with a put-in and a place to kayak, tube, raft or fish! Great hiking trails nearby and a quiet country road to bike that the big bike races use. Our Scottish Highland cows give kisses are happy to share your carrots, apples and watermelon! We only rent two spots to keep it peaceful here.

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Palisade Basecamp RV Resort

93 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents14 acres · Palisade, CO

Palisade Basecamp RV Resort, your premier camping destination, offers Cabins, RV Sites, and Riverside Tent Camping. Nestled between fruit orchards and wine vineyards along the river in picturesque Palisade, Colorado. The 14-acre campground and RV resort is conveniently located near I-70 and Highway 6, directly off the Fruit and Wine Byway of North River Road. We are only one mile from historic downtown Palisade and located near the world-renowned mountain bike trails, wineries, orchards, and festivals of western Colorado. Choose your site along a vineyard, down along the river, or up on the bluff looking over the river and surrounding peach orchards, and encounter a one-of-a-kind camping experience.

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Palisade Vista

1 site · RV40 acres · Palisade, CO

Learn more about this land:Canyon and orchard views await. Only a short drive (≈2.5 Miles) or bike ride to Palisade, less then a mile to vineyards and wine tasting. BookCliff Vinyards, Vines 79 Winery, Savage Spectrum Winery all within 1.5 miles. Clark Family Orchards, Juicy Acers, Ball Fruit, and Cunningham Orchards also with 1.5 miles if you are looking for fresh fruit. A put in to the Colorado river is also close by (≈2 miles) if you are looking for a leisurely float. Palisade Rim Trail and Mount Garfield trail are also near by for those looking for a hike or bike adventure. The newly opened Palisade Plunge mountain bike trail which takes you from over 10000' to 4700' exits just about 2 miles below the camp site if you are looking for a thrill.A rustic camp site with privacy and access great night sky viewing and amazing sunsets and sunrises.

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3 Pond Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Rifle, CO

This property is nestled right between two great Colorado reservoirs, Harvey Gap and Rifle Gap. The camping area is right beside a beautiful pond with live fish. There is a picnic table and small firepit for activities. Harvey Gap is about a 1 mile walk from the property and Rifle Gap is a 7 min drive. This property is situated right beside BLM land with a trail head for 4x4 and hiking just 30 seconds down the road or out the back door.

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Stoneyard Distillery Awesome Possum RV Camping

1 site · RV1 acre · Gypsum, CO

Stoneyard Distillery, producing Beet Sugar Spirits since 2013. Taking its name from the old stoneyard surrounding it. Upstream from the confluence of the Eagle and Colorado Rivers, this site was chosen for it's private water source. Rocky Mountain water pulled directly from the river. The Distillery sits on a 4000 year old lava flow from the Dotsero Volcano. This lava rock provides the vapor refining distillation packing in the still hand built by the owners. With it's scratch built process, Stoneyard distills the true Spirit of Colorado into every last drop. Get Hammered... Responsibly!Learn more about this land:With beautiful Rocky Mountain views, the Distillery sits on a 4000 year old lava flow from the Dotsero Volcano. River access just a short walk away! 10 minutes to Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Eagle River Water Park. 25 minutes to Hot Springs, 35 minutes to World-Class Skiing! 40 Flavorful & Smooth Spirits distilled from Colorado beet sugar and rocky mountain water from the pristine Eagle River Craft Cocktails Production Tours

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River Camp RV Park

25 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Meeker, CO

River Camp RV Park is located directly on a beautiful bend of the famed White River near the base of the iconic Flat Tops Wilderness near Meeker, Colorado. The park is nestled in a scenic valley, surrounded by beautiful ranches and mountains. The 13 acre property is well laid out and provides spacious sites that afford great privacy and quiet. Mature trees on the property offer great shade and the grounds are covered with a beautiful lawn. The RV park is well maintained and always clean. There is an abundance of wildlife in the area. Turkeys and deer wander through the park and the bird watching is stellar. Keep your speed at 10 mph upon entry and 5.5 mph once you enter the RV sites. We MUST keep our wildlife and guests safe! The Speed Limit begins at the Park entry gate and all through the park. River Camp RV Park offers 20 well-situated RV sites, each with a level gravel pad. Each site has full hook ups, including water (with great water pressure), sewer, and 30 and 50 amp outlets. Most sites will accommodate a 38' RV and Class A, B, and C Motorhomes. A majority of the sites will also accommodate a 44' RV. In addition to the RV Sites with full hook-ups, we also offer dry camping and can accommodate large groups. We can provide water for our campers that are in the dry camp areas and we have a dump station area for you before you leave. Water is also provided for those that are in their tents or small camper trailers. Please note: we do not have a bathhouse. Porta-potties are near the dry camp area marked 20A-20E. Each site, including dry camp, has a picnic table and fire pit. Firewood is available for purchase. WiFi is also provided. Please keep in mind we are in a rural location and can NOT promise perfection when it comes to the WiFi. There is NO public boat launch for the river. Guests do have access to the river for leisure fishing with fly's and lures only. ATV's and Side-by-Sides; we do not have a trail from the park, however, we do have trailers for rent and we will guide you to get you to the trails with the available trailers. Please see our "Things to Do" page for more information. Camp Managers, James and Amy are onsite at site 13. They are always available to help.

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Muddy Creek At McClure Pass

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Marble, CO

3 acres of land with the Muddy Creek flowing through the property near McClure Pass in Colorado near Aspen, Carbondale, Marble, and Somerset Colorado. Paved road to the bridge, gravel just past the bridge which is where the property begins. Just pull off the road by the power pole (21-242 1/2 pole numbers) on the right side past the bridge after pulling off of hwy 133. There is no cell service in the immediate area so make sure to download maps in that the property has the river through it so down in the valley.

The best camping near Rifle Gap State Park guide

Overview

About

Situated at the base of the Grand Hogback ridge in western Colorado, Rifle Gap is popular among water-sports enthusiasts, due to its prime location on the banks of the Rifle Gap Reservoir. Popular activities here include fishing, and waterskiing, and there are multiple picnic areas plus a swim beach right in the park. For those wishing to spend the night, Rifle Gap offers 89 campsites spread across over five campgrounds, some with electric hookups. Other park facilities include a seasonal boat ramp, a visitor center with a gift shop, coin-operated showers, and a dump station.

Notable campgrounds

Best for families: Cottonwood Campground offers coin-operated showers and easy-access to the dump station.
Best for boaters: Pinyon Campground is conveniently situated right by the park’s boat ramp.
Best for off-highway vehicles (OHV): Sage Campground is right by a stretch of BLM land that many use for OHV driving.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve one of the 89 campsites at Rifle Gap by calling Colorado Parks and Wildlife or using their online reservation system.
If you plan to come in the summer, reserve well in advance. Reservations are available up to six months in advance online or over the phone.
Same-day reservations are also available online, over the phone, and in person.
If you can’t find a site in the park, you may have better luck at Rifle Falls State Park nearby or at one of the private campgrounds or Hipcamps in the area.

When to go

The most popular time of year to visit Rifle Gap State Park is between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend, when the weather in the area is generally hot. However, this is also the busiest time of year—for good weather with fewer crowds, consider coming in May or September. If you’re a fan of birdwatching, you’ll likely see the largest number of migratory species in spring or autumn. Note that all of the campgrounds, except Lakeview, are open in winter.

Know before you go

The closest place to pick up groceries and supplies is the city of Rifle, about a 15-minute drive from the park.
All boaters must have their boats inspected for aquatic nuisance species before they will be allowed to launch.
Dogs are welcome at the park, but must remain on six-foot leashes and may not be left unattended.
ADA sites are available in Cottonwood, Lakeview, and cedar Campgrounds.
All visitors will need to purchase and display a single-day or annual parking pass, irrespective of whether they are camping or just coming for the day.

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5 ratings · 0 reviews