Park Facilities

Accessible Facilities

The Yurts, restrooms, Visitor Center, and overlook are accessible year-round. Ridgway State Park also hosts a total of 7 handicap sites, which include 4 sites with electric only, 2 sites with full hookups, and 1 tent-only site. These sites (#44HD, 46HD, 105HD, 107HD, 230HD, 280HD, and 281HD) are only reservable through the call center. These sites require a handicap sticker, plate, or placard. Reservations: (800) 244-5613. Many of our other sites are Handicap Accessible and can be reserved via the call center or CPWshop.com. Sticker, plate, or placard are not required for HA designated sites.

Activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing are seasonally accessible (weather dependent). There are 2 Handicap accessible fishing opportunities with one pavilion. The pavilion is located at the end of the paved trail starting at the Boat Ramp Plaza and overlooks the water of the main reservoir. A second handicap accessible fishing area is located in the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk entrance. These paved trails can be accessed via the Loop G Camper’s Services building or the Fisherman’s parking lot.

(Updated: 7/16/2023 1:40 PM)

Boat Ramps

Dates - 2024	Days of the Week	Hours Open
April 1st - May 1st	7 days a week	8:00am - 4:00pm
May 1st - May 23rd	7 days a week	8:00am - 4:00pm M-Th, 7:00am - 6:00pm F-Sun
May 24th - Labor Day	7 days a week	7:00am - 8:00pm Daily
Labor Day - October 1st	7 days a week	7:00am - 7:00pm
Oct 1st - Oct 31	7 days a week	8:00am - 4:00pm
Nov 1st - April 1st	CLOSED	CLOSED

The boat ramp will close on October 31st for the winter, reopening around April 1st the following season, depending on ice melt.

As a reminder, to boat on Ridgway Reservoir, a pre-launch boat inspection for ANS is MANDATORY for all motorized vessels and trailered vessels. If you have any questions about launching or the inspection process, feel free to contact the park at (970) 626-5822. Thank you for your support in keeping Ridgway Reservoir free from destructive aquatic nuisances.

(Updated: 7/16/2024 8:50 AM)

Cabins and Yurts

Three yurts can be reserved year-round. For more information, see the Camping & Yurts page. For costs, see the Fees page. Discounted rates may be available from November 1st to March 31st of each year, offering a great opportunity for winter camping!

Each Yurt has amenities including heat, electricity, microwave, fridge, and sleeps up to six. Water hydrants are outside, as are the flush and vault restrooms. Showers are available during the summer. Yurt 10 and 14 are handicap accessible, and both yurt 12 and 14 are pet friendly, with an additional per-night fee. If an RV is placed at a Yurt site an RV fee is required in addition to the Yurt fee and will be sold upon arrival.

(Updated: 12/12/2022 12:27 PM)

Camper Services Building

All camper service buildings are open for the season. Camper Services buildings are normally open during the summer season and will close during the winter.

(Updated: 9/29/2023 2:43 PM)

Campgrounds

Camping is available by reservation only. To make a reservation go to cpwshop.com, or call (800) 244-5613. Both are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.

Campgrounds are anticipated to open in early to mid-April for the 2023 summer season. Call the park visitor center at (970) 626-5822 for more specific opening information.

The front half of E-Loop in Elk Ridge, Dakota Terraces Loop A (including the Yurts), and H-Loop walk-In Campsites are open year-round. Only sites 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 15, 18, 20, 121, 183, 184, 186, 187, and the Yurts are on reservations and plowed during the winter. All other sites in these areas are available for same-day reservations at the park’s visitor center but not plowed or shoveled.

During the summer, Ridgway has over 250 sites with a variety of amenities. Site types include walk-in tent, basic electric, full hook up, and Yurts. Sites photos are available at campsitephotos.com. RV sites have 20 & 30 amp service (120 V) therefore electric cars are only able to charge on 20 amp and it is a slow charge.

(Updated: 7/3/2023 10:44 AM)

Conference Rooms

The conference room is available for rent for $100/day.

(Updated: 6/12/2021 8:40 AM)

Dump Station

It is located at the Dutch Charlie entrance for registered campers in Dakota Terraces and Elk Ridge campgrounds.

Please Note: Non-camping customers are required to pay $28 + have a valid pass to enter the park.

(Updated: 7/2/2023 2:16 PM)

Entrance Station

All vehicles entering the park must have a valid vehicle pass. Entrance stations are manned each day, if arriving after hours, please use self-service station or the Iron Ranger Kiosk.

(Updated: 7/3/2023 10:45 AM)

Event Facilities

Weddings, family reunions, and group picnics can be held at any one (or any combination) of our Group Facilities. These facilities include the Group Event Facility, Group Picnic Areas, and Visitor Center Overlook.

The Visitor Center Overlook is located at the Visitor Center. It is overlooking the beautiful Ridgway Reservoir with Mt. Sneffels and the San Juan Mountains as a backdrop. The Overlook is available year-round for weddings.

Visit the Group Facilities page to see availability and make reservations.

The Group Event Facility is open May 1 thru September 30th. Reservations can be made up to 1 year in advance. This is an ideal setting to celebrate weddings, family reunions, company picnics, and parties of all kinds. You can rent one or both for an event.

There are also three smaller Group Picnic Areas that are available on a first-come/first-serve basis or reserved for a small fee by camping groups in the park.

(Updated: 3/12/2021 1:28 PM)

Fishing Piers

Two fishing piers are located in the park; one at the Uncompahgre River, just off the paved ‘River Walk’ Trail, and the other just off the boat ramp on the Fish Tale Trail path. ALL piers are handicapped accessible. These piers are available year-round, as conditions allow.

(Updated: 6/22/2016 8:56 AM)

Group Picnic Area

There are two shelters located in the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk area of the park. Shelter A accommodates 150 people; shelter B accommodates 100 people. Both are next to the Uncompahgre River offering an ideal setting to celebrate weddings, family reunions, company picnics, and parties of all kinds. You can rent one or both for an event. The Overlook is available year-round for weddings, check with the park for seasonal hours. The shelters are available May thru September.

Visit the Group Facilities page to see availability and make reservations.

There are also three smaller Group Picnic Areas that are available on a ‘first come first served’ basis or reserved for a $50 fee by camping groups in the park. These areas are available on a seasonal basis.

(Updated: 7/2/2023 3:10 PM)

Marina

The Blue Heron Marina Office is closed for winter but can be reached at (970) 318-9689. Call for rental availability, fees, and information on all services. Non-alcoholic beverages, ice cream, snacks, ice, and worms can be purchased at the Marina Office.

Marina services are available April - September. Short-term slips and buoys are available through the Marina office from May to Oct. Please contact the Marina Office to check availability, via phone at (970) 318-9689 or via email at dnr_ridgway.marina@state.co.us.

Pontoon boats, paddleboards, and pedal boat rentals are available May - September at the Marina Office. Please contact the Marina Office for availability (970) 318-9689.

Long-term seasonal mooring balls and boat slips are in high demand and there is a waitlist. If you are interested in being on the waitlist, please fill out the Marina Waitlist Form to be added to the list.

Dry Storage is also available and in high demand. Please fill out the Dry Storage Waitlist Form to be added to the list.

(Updated: 7/16/2024 8:51 AM)

Park Office

The Visitor Center is open daily from 8 am to 4:00 pm, excluding some major holidays.

(Updated: 10/15/2023 11:28 AM)

Picnic Sites

Besides the Group Picnic Areas and Event Facilities, there are other picnic sites throughout the park, available on a first-come-first-served basis.

There are some picnic sites with a charcoal grill, picnic table, and shade shelter at Dallas Creek as well as the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk day-use area, and the day-use areas located near the swim beach and along Mears Bay in Dutch Charlie.

There are also more secluded, less developed picnic sites at Dutch Charlie near the reservoir, behind the boat ramp parking lot. Please contact the park office at (970) 626-5822 for details.

(Updated: 12/15/2020 6:02 PM)

Playground

Playgrounds are open.

(Updated: 6/12/2021 8:49 AM)

Retail Store

The Retail Store at the Visitor Center is open from 8:00am to 4:30pm and sells books, guides, and t-shirts. Snacks, novelties, firewood, worms, and ice can also be purchased at the Visitors Center.

(Updated: 7/2/2023 3:00 PM)

Showers

All showers within the camper service buildings and the Dutch Charlie Swim Beach are closed for the season. Showers are not available during the winter season, usually from October to May.

(Updated: 10/8/2023 9:48 AM)

Swim Beach

Dutch Charlie Designated Swimbeach is CLOSED for the 2023 season due to low water levels. Wading is allowed; however, free swimming is not allowed in the areas from the Swimbeach to the channel entering the main reservoir. This is a heavy boat traffic area and free swimming is not allowed for safety.

Dogs are not allowed on the beach or in the beach area. Glass containers, hard-sided paddle craft, and fishing are not allowed in the Dutch Charlie Swim beach. The swimbeach area is tested for water contaminants twice weekly to ensure a safe swimming experience.

Dallas Creek Open swimming area allows swimming from the shoreline in the designated NO WAKE AREA ONLY. Swimming in this area is at your own risk. There are no specific rules prohibiting motorized boats or activities such as having glass, alcohol, pets, fish hooks or fishing gear, and we do not test the water at this site. For more information contact the park at (970) 626-5822.

(Updated: 9/9/2023 8:31 AM)

Trails

There are 14 miles of trail; all are currently open for hiking, snowshoeing, or x-country skiing. Please check the conditions or call the Visitor Center (970) 626-5822 x10 for current trail conditions. Trail maps are available at our Visitor Center, Marina Office, and the Entrance Gates.

(Updated: 7/3/2023 10:47 AM)

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center hours are 8:00am - 4:00pm. The Visitor Center is open year-round except state holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas).

(Updated: 7/2/2023 2:58 PM)

Visitor Center Overlook

The Overlook at the Visitor Center gives a dramatic backdrop of the San Juan Mountains and Ridgway Reservoir. It is a perfect place for events such as wedding ceremonies and can accommodate up to 100 people. Fees for events include ranger time for parking duty and patrol of trails to ensure privacy. There is also a dressing area.

Visit the Group Facilities page to see availability and make reservations.

(Updated: 3/12/2021 1:53 PM)

Wedding Facilities

Ridgway State Park is a popular place to stage a wedding because of the natural beauty and modern facilities. The Visitor Center Overlook and the shelters at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk are ideal areas to hold a wedding.

Visit the Group Facilities page to see availability and make reservations.

(Updated: 3/12/2021 1:53 PM)