State Parks of Colorado

Colorado State Parks are found in all areas of the state, and they offer activities as varied as the state itself. Campgrounds abound, and RV sites are available. Most campsites can be reserved, with online reservations available.

Southern Colorado has the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, with fishing and all levels of rafting along the 150 mile section of the Arkansas River which runs through it. Western Colorado offers the Rifle Complex, consisting of three state parks. Rifle Falls State Park features a triple waterfall, and limestone caves (with a 90 foot room) are beneath the falls.  Rifle Gap and Harvey Gap State Parks are the two other parks in the Rifle Complex, and they each have reservoirs with fishing and boating. Jackson Lake State Park is northeast of Denver, and was called “an oasis in the plains” by novelist James Michener. The Jackson Reservoir is an attraction, having been named one of the “Top 15 Park Beaches” by Reserve America.

Another park in the southern part of Colorado is Roxborough State Park. Roxborough features fantastic red rock formations, all levels of hiking trails, and wildlife abounds. Botanists enjoy the  distinct plant communities in this park. A climb to the summit of Carpenter Peak offers a clear scenic view for miles, even as far as downtown Denver. Note that no camping, pets, horses, or mountain bikes are allowed in Roxborough.

The Colorado State Park system has many conservation and preservation programs in place. You can check on the Colorado State Parks website or at any park and find out more information about the Park Resource Stewardship Program and the Colorado Natural Areas Program volunteer opportunities.