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Colorado State Parks
Parks > Yampa River State Park > Park Activities

Park Activities

Birding

Yampa River Headquarters has a nature trail with an observation deck. Stop by the visitor center for birding books or more information. The park provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities with over 240 bird species recorded in the area.

Common species include great blue herons, belted kingfishers, various waterfowl, and raptors. The diverse habitats along the river corridor support both resident and migratory bird populations.

Updated: 6/2/2025 10:30 AM MT

Boating

Yampa River boaters have 13 access points in the 134-mile-long Yampa River State Park portion of the river, stretching from Hayden, Colorado, to Dinosaur National Monument (permits required within Dinosaur National Park) on the Utah border. See the Boating page for more information.

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Inspections: All watercraft must be inspected before launching. ANS inspection services are available at the park headquarters and select access points during peak season.

Boat Registrations can be issued or renewed at this office.

River Safety: Always check current river conditions and flow levels before launching. Weather and water conditions can change rapidly, affecting access point availability.

Updated: 6/2/2025 10:30 AM MT

Camping

The Headquarters campground near Hayden, CO has 50 campsites; 35 are electric sites, 14 tent-only sites, and 1 tipi site. At this campground there are coin-operated showers and laundry facilities.

Potable water hydrants and dumpster are available to all Yampa River & Elkhead Reservoir campground guests staying at the 3 parks, and are located at the entrance to the Headquarters campground.

There are four primitive campground locations with river access along the 134-mile segment of the Yampa river from Hayden to the Dinosaur National Monument: Duffy, Juniper, Maybell Bridge, and Cross Mountain Canyon. There are no showers available at these sites. A daily pass or an annual state park pass is required at all campgrounds.

All camping now requires advance reservations through cpwshop.com or by calling (800) 244-5613.

See the Camping page and the Yampa River Brochure and Map for more information.

Camping is also available at Loudy Simpson Park; please call (970) 824-5517 for Loudy Simpson Park camping info.

Updated: 6/2/2025 10:30 AM MT

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 remain under owner control at all times
  • owners clean up after their pets

Pet waste stations are available at the headquarters campground and visitor center area.

Updated: 6/2/2025 10:30 AM MT

Education Programs

The Yampa River State Park staff is available for school or community-requested programs. These programs are currently suspended at this time.

For more information please contact the park office at (970) 276-2061.

Updated: 3/9/2021 2:45 PM

Fishing

The Yampa River offers many fishing opportunities. Anglers fish for both warm-water and cold-water species in the Yampa. Upstream of Yampa River State Park is one of the healthiest trout fisheries found in the state.

In and around Steamboat Springs, there is a variety of fishing opportunities. On the eastern end of Yampa River State Park from Hayden to Craig, there are good trout numbers, small-mouth bass, and Northern Pike.

On the western end of the river from Craig to Maybell, there are warm-water species, including a good small-mouth bass fishery, northern pike, and catfish.

Fishing Tips:

  • Check current fishing regulations and licensing requirements
  • Popular species include trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and catfish
  • Best fishing varies by season and river section
  • Some areas require special regulations - check with park staff

Updated: 6/2/2025 10:30 AM MT

Group Picnicking

Yampa River Headquarters offers a covered Group Picnic Area with capacity for large gatherings. The fee is $100.00 per day.

Features include:

  • Covered pavilion structure
  • Tables and seating
  • Nearby restroom facilities
  • Playground access for children
  • Volleyball court and recreational equipment

Contact the Headquarters office at (970) 276-2061 for more information or to make reservations.

Updated: 6/2/2025 10:30 AM MT

Hiking

At the Headquarters Campground, walkers can enjoy a mile of nature trail to work the kinks out from the long day’s drive.

Note: Be sure to check in at the visitor’s center for a daily park pass or have an annual pass displayed on the vehicle.

The primary hiking opportunity is at many of the river access sites along the river. Hiking in the area is primarily on BLM lands and offers a diverse experience for all levels and interests. With the high-desert environment, your hikes can offer some of the most scenic views found anywhere. Areas like Duffy Mt., Juniper Canyon, and Cross Mountain have some excellent hiking territory.​

See the Yampa River Brochure and Map​ for more information.​

Updated: 3/19/2019 11:41 AM

Hunting

Yampa River State Park is centrally located to all major areas of hunting. We do have Shower and Laundry facilities available for our guests.

Our Visitor Center has BLM maps for sale as well as maps and information about the area State Trust Lands open for public access.

Updated: 3/9/2021 2:46 PM

OHV Riding

OHV registrations can be issued or renewed at this office.

Updated: 7/21/2019 9:29 AM

Picnicking

Yampa River offers picnic sites at all 13 river access sites, which require a daily park pass. See the Yampa River Brochure and Map. The Headquarters campground also has a group picnic area that can be reserved by calling (970) 276-2061.

See the Yampa River Fees​ page for rates.

Updated: 6/24/2020 6:50 PM

Snowmobiling

Snowmobile registrations or renewals can be issued at this office.

Updated: 7/21/2019 9:30 AM

Volleyball

There is a sand volleyball court and cornhole boards at the headquarters campground near our playground and group picnic area for our campers and visitors to enjoy.

Updated: 6/20/2022 10:44 AM

Whitewater rafting

While most of the 134-mile stretch of the Yampa River in Yampa River State Park is relatively flat water with Class I-II rapids, there are some areas of Class III-V rapids.​

Please see Yampa River’s Boating​ page for additional information.

Updated: 3/9/2021 2:46 PM

Winter Activities

During the winter months, Yampa River State Park maintains a groomed trail which is approximately 1.5 miles and is marked with blue and orange trail markers. This is a multiple use trail, which can be used for classic skiing, skate skiing, as well as hiking and snowshoeing. We also maintain an 80’ x 40’ Ice skating rink that is located behind the Camper Services Building. Additionally, we have free loaner gear to include ice skates, snowshoes, cross-country skis, hockey goals, hockey pucks, and a fat-tire bike. Feel free to call the park office at (970) 276-2061 for ice rink and grooming updates.

Updated: 1/14/2022 1:37 PM