Colorado State Parks

Colorado State Parks 2

Attracting nearly 12 million visitors per year, Colorado’s 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado’s economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 225,260 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state’s favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities.

Camping, Cabins & Yurts

With over 4,000 campsites and 58 cabins and yurts located throughout the state, Colorado State Parks’ affordable accommodations offer something for everyone. Many of our campgrounds have restrooms, hot showers and some even have laundry facilities. From the outdoor enthusiast to the family looking for a relaxing weekend, the perfect escape is only a click or phone call away, 303-470-1144 in Denver or 800-678-CAMP (2267).

Colorado State Parks 3A best-kept secret is that Colorado State Parks offers a variety of cabins that make them the perfect, affordable vacation spot. All cabins are heated and available year round. You choose the amenities you desire – from basic camper cabins that sleep six people to larger lodges with kitchens and hot showers that can accommodate 20 guests. Check out our Cabin web page to find the perfect cabin to suit your needs.

Six of our state parks have yurts available to rent year round. These round tents built on wooden frames have circular skylights and windows and are heated with propane or gas-log fireplaces. These yurts can sleep up to six people and are a cozy accommodation after a day of outdoor adventures. Visit our  Yurt page for details on these unique and fun places to stay.

Colorado State Parks 4Activities

Biking is a great way to discover the beauty of Colorado State Parks. Whether you desire a scenic, level trail or a strenuous climb with tight switchbacks, you can find it on Colorado State Parks’ 500 miles of trails. Hikers can explore the hiker-only or multi-use trails, and share the scenery with horseback riders. Some of our parks offer horse corrals and allow visitors to camp with their four-legged friends.

Soak in the Colorado brilliance with a late afternoon picnic. You may even catch a glimpse of deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, fox or coyote. Some of our parks offer motorized trails for off-highway vehicles, while others provide an ideal basecamp for exploring miles of open trails on nearby national forest land.

Colorado State Parks 5Colorado’s rivers, lakes and reservoirs are great places for a variety of boating sports. State Parks’ boatable waters range from the 150-mile-long Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area to small mountain lakes and large reservoirs. Whether you desire adrenalin-packed water sports like waterskiing, whitewater rafting and kayaking, or a more peaceful afternoon of sailing and canoeing, there is a park to meet your needs. More than 16 Colorado lakes and reservoirs offer full-service marinas where you can rent a boat slip on a seasonal basis or take a sailboat out for the day.

Fishing is a popular activity at many of our parks. Anglers can fly fish in one of several rivers that flow through our different parks, or troll for bass, trout and walleye in our many reservoirs.

Education programs and naturalist-led hikes are a great way for kids to learn about the park and its inhabitants. Most parks offer summer programs and some have year-round nature programs. State Parks also provide unique outdoor opportunities such as model airplane flying, hot air ballooning, rock climbing, geocaching, and there is even a golf course.

To search the activity of your choice, visit our Parks Search page, click the ‘Activities’ tab and check the ones you desire.
Visit our Calendar of Events page to discover seasonal nature activities and programs at all state parks.

All Seasons

With parks open 365 days a year, there’s beauty and fun in all seasons at Colorado State Parks. Fall brings mountainsides ablaze in golden hues against the backdrop of bright blue skies. Winter’s blanket of white snow beckons visitors to snowshoe, cross country ski, sled, ice skate or ice fish in the park. Colorado State Parks provides priceless relaxation, affordable memories and countless ways to recharge. Renew your spirit at one of our 42 unique parks today. Learn more at  http://parks.state.co.us.

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