Park Activities
Boating
In the summer, the crystal clear water of Rifle Gap Reservoir is a haven for water enthusiasts. The long, narrow reservoir is inviting to water-skiers, jet-skiers, and boaters and often has great conditions for sailing.
Rifle Gap has one boat ramp on the north side of the lake. The beach on the west side of the reservoir is popular for its swimming and picnic sites.
Boaters be aware that you must stop and get your boat inspected for Aquatic Nuisance Species prior to launch.
Visit the “Conditions” page for current boating information.
(Updated: 7/17/2021 10:32 AM)
Camping
Rifle Gap State Park has 89 campsites that can accommodate tents, small trailers, pickup campers, and RVs. Some pull-through campsites for larger units are available. The walk-in tent sites are for ground tents only.
- Make sure you have a reservation for a campsite before occupying. Camping reservations can be made the same day of your stay or up to six months in advance. Please remember you will need a valid daily parks pass or annual parks pass in addition to your camping.
See the Camping section for more information.
Several electric sites and basic sites are open to campers throughout the winter. Rifle Gap is close to many ski areas and 40 miles from Glenwood Springs’ famous hot springs.
View the Rifle Gap brochure with map.
(Updated: 2/17/2024 9:15 AM)
Cross-country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is permitted but there are not any groomed trails in the park. If you feel adventuresome, you may make your own!
(Updated: 7/17/2021 10:33 AM)
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome in the park as long as:
- they are on a six-foot or shorter leash at all times
- their waste is properly disposed of
- they are not left unattended even in the campgrounds
(Updated: 8/6/2021 9:25 AM)
Education Programs
Please call the park office for detailed information on the programs at: (970) 625-1607!
(Updated: 9/29/2022 10:25 AM)
Fishing
Anglers enjoy catching rainbow and German brown trout, walleye, pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and yellow perch all seasons of the year.
Rifle Gap is widely known as one of Colorado’s premier ice fishing locations. Rifle Gap has one boat ramp on the north side of the lake. Pike can be caught throughout the year. Trout are always catchable with CPW stocking the lake every few months.
View the Rifle Gap brochure with map.
NOTE: There are a couple of fishing regulations that are specific to Rifle Gap:
Walleye:
- Bag/possession limit = 3 fish
- Size = Must be at least 15”
- Only one can be more than 18”
Perch:
- Bag/possession limit for perch is 20.
All other species:
- Same as statewide regulations.
(Updated: 7/15/2023 3:02 PM)
Hiking
There are close to five miles of designated hiking trails located within the park that can be accessed from any of the camping loops as well as the VC parking lot and the swim beach. It is possible to walk the perimeter of the lake as well. Adjacent to the park is BLM land which offers a multitude of dirt roads that you can hike.
(Updated: 9/15/2023 11:36 AM)
Hunting
Excellent deer hunting and fair elk hunting areas are located adjacent to the park. Several hunting groups set up base camps in the campgrounds at Rifle Gap.
(Updated: 7/17/2021 10:37 AM)
Ice Fishing
Always use caution when fishing on the ice and be sure to fish with a buddy. Ice fishing on the lake can be tricky here at Rifle Gap. Ice thicknesses vary across the reservoir as a whole and can vary significantly even a few yards away. Ice rescue stations are located at popular areas around the lake, but nothing can provide for your safety like taking proper precautions and planning and preparing for the unexpected. Recommended items to bring along are ice awls, a life jacket, rope, and a fishing buddy.
(Updated: 7/15/2023 3:03 PM)
Jet Skiing
Jet skiing is becoming an increasingly more popular sport at the reservoir. Be familiar with no-wake zones and no-boat areas. Be alert for waterskiers, swimmers, and fishermen and keep your distance. Please check at the ANS station for life-jackets if you do not have them for each person riding the jet skis. Jet skis will need to be inspected for Aquatic Nuisance Species before launch.
(Updated: 7/17/2021 10:41 AM)
Picnicking
Picnickers can enjoy a spacious setting for their outdoor meals. Rifle Gap offers multiple sites and beautiful views. Sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
(Updated: 7/17/2021 10:42 AM)
Snowmobiling
In the winter months, adjacent BLM land offers almost endless trails for snowmobile use. Rifle Creek Trailhead is the closest area for snowmobiles, located in Rifle Mountain park approximately 10 miles from Rifle Gap State Park. Riders make sure to register your machine before leaving the trailhead.
(Updated: 7/17/2021 10:43 AM)
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing allows you to navigate a multitude of terrain, and with adjacent BLM lands, you could wander around for days never tracking the same area twice.
(Updated: 7/17/2021 10:42 AM)
Swimming
The reservoir no longer has an area designated exclusively for swimming. Instead, swimming will be allowed in any of the wakeless areas. Check the conditions page for updated water temperatures.
(Updated: 7/17/2021 10:42 AM)
Water Skiing
Water skiing is permitted on the west side of the lake only. Skiing must be counter-clockwise around the lake, and all state safety regulations must be followed.
(Updated: 7/17/2021 10:43 AM)
Winter Activities
Rifle Gap’s 350-acre reservoir is widely known as one of Colorado’s premier ice fishing locations. Bundled-up anglers can catch rainbow and German brown trout, walleye, pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and yellow perch. Cold-weather buffs can also cross-country ski and snowshoe in the park. Rifle Gap’s electric and basic campsites are open to campers throughout the winter. Rifle Gap is close to many ski areas and 40 miles from Glenwood Springs’ famous hot springs.
(Updated: 7/17/2021 10:43 AM)
Winter Camping
Electric sites are available year-round in Cottonwood and Cedar. The water is turned off November 1. Lakeview campground is closed from November 6th through March 31st.
(Updated: 11/8/2023 10:18 AM)