Paonia State Park
00 reviewPO Box 147, Crawford, Colorado, 81415-0147, United States
Paonia State Park
$14.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$14.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The reservation fee for camping is $14 per day. In addition to this fee, an entrance fee is required at all Colorado state parks.
About this campground
Nestled beneath the dramatic peaks of the Ragged Mountains, Paonia State Park beckons adventurers with its pristine streams and shimmering reservoir. This high-country haven captivates photographers and nature enthusiasts with its stunning alpine meadows bursting with seasonal wildflowers. While the park's rugged charm includes some rustic elements—narrow mountain roads wind through the terrain and facilities reflect a more traditional camping experience—visitors find themselves immersed in Colorado's raw, untamed beauty. The park's remote setting offers a genuine backcountry feel, though travelers should note that signage can be sparse and some areas require careful navigation.
The park offers three distinct camping types: primitive camping in Hawsapple and Spruce loops, and electric sites in the Anthracite loop.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Colorado's mountain climate at Paonia State Park. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, with crisp temperatures perfect for those seeking solitude and pristine winter scenery. As spring arrives, the mountains awaken with rushing snowmelt and comfortable temperatures. Summer brings warm, dry days ideal for hiking and water activities, while autumn paints the surrounding peaks in brilliant golds and oranges. The park's elevation ensures refreshingly cool evenings even during peak summer months, making it a perfect escape from lowland heat.
ElevationPerched high in Colorado's Western Slope, this mountain sanctuary sits at an elevation that delivers that coveted alpine atmosphere. The thin, crisp air and cooler temperatures remind visitors they've ascended into genuine mountain country, where the landscape shifts from foothills to dramatic peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryThe park's crown jewel is its sparkling reservoir, reflecting the towering mountainsides that rise steeply from its shores. Crystal-clear mountain streams cascade through the landscape, creating a symphony of rushing water that serves as nature's soundtrack. During peak bloom, the hillsides explode with Colorado's famous wildflowers—columbines, Indian paintbrush, and alpine forget-me-nots create a natural canvas that draws photographers from across the region. The rugged terrain offers endless vistas of the surrounding peaks, where each turn in the trail reveals another postcard-worthy panorama.
Geological RegionCarved into the heart of the Ragged Mountains, Paonia State Park showcases Colorado's dramatic geological heritage. These ancient peaks, sculpted by millennia of wind, water, and ice, create a landscape of steep mountainsides and hidden valleys. The reservoir, cradled between towering ridgelines, serves as a testament to both natural forces and human ingenuity. Mountain streams have etched deep channels through the bedrock, creating intimate canyons and cascading waterfalls that reveal the area's complex geological story. This alpine environment, where exposed rock faces meet verdant meadows, offers visitors a front-row seat to the raw power of mountain building.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park includes handicapped-accessible facilities, but user reviews highlight significant issues. For example, at Anthracite Campground, the vault toilet is located directly behind the accessible site, requiring other campers to trespass through the site to access it.
Sites SizeSites across the park accommodate equipment lengths ranging from 10 to 70 feet.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, with some reviewers mentioning issues like poorly landscaped sites and weeds at Anthracite Campground.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSpruce Campground is recommended for shade, quietness, and scenic beauty. Bug spray is advised due to gnats.
Best CampsitesSpruce Campground is frequently described as the better option among the available loops, with beautiful views and quieter surroundings.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Per CPW regulation, no individual may camp or park a motor vehicle, trailer or camper on a state park for more than fourteen (14) days in any twenty-eight (28) day period on a single park. For the purposes of this regulation, an individual is defined as any person who has occupied a site, whether or not they are formally listed on the reservation as the reserving party or primary occupant.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 6 people per site allowed.
Groups
No designated group camping areas were mentioned in any source materials.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground consists of three loops: Spruce, Hawsapple, and Anthracite. Spruce is noted for its scenic views, while Anthracite has electric sites but limited facilities.
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonal operation details not explicitly stated.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via www.cpwshop.com. ReserveAmerica.com has limited functionality for CPW customers.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampground requires reservations only. User reviews indicate no cell service for miles, making on-site reservations challenging.
Cancellation PolicyAny reservations made with one or more days outside of the 6-month reservation window will be frozen to changes for 14 days from the date the reservation was made. Specific cancellation penalty details not provided.
Amenities available
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Paonia State Park stands out for its diverse recreational offerings, including water-based activities like boating and fishing, as well as land-based activities such as hiking, bird watching, and picnicking. Winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also supported.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available in and around the park. User reviews particularly appreciated the ranger's knowledge of local hikes and the scenic nature of the area.Fishing
Fishing is a key activity at the park, which is bolstered by its proximity to streams and the reservoir. However, no specific details about fish species or fishing quality were provided.Boating
Boating activities include water skiing, jet skiing, and sailing. However, reservoir levels can be low at certain times of the year, as noted by user reviews.Wildlife viewing
The park is described as a haven for photographers and nature lovers due to its abundance of wildflowers and scenic beauty, making it ideal for wildlife viewing.Winter Activities
Visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.Water Sports
Water skiing, jet skiing, and sailing are popular at the park, though water levels may affect their availability.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire policies vary by season depending on fire danger. Campfires may be restricted during high-risk periods.
Hazards
General hazardsFire danger can apply seasonally. User reviews mention wasp nests in shelters and biting gnats at Spruce Campground.
Active alertsLake level can be low at certain times of the year, and fire danger may apply.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 13.2 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Direct Line and Ranger Station contact available at 9709215721. Specific hospital or police locations not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season and specific pricing periods have not been provided.
Trash and recyclingNo references were provided regarding trash and recycling facilities in the park's official description or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresCampgrounds are located near streams and reservoirs. Streams are muddy in certain seasons, as noted by user Pip Hall.
Common complaintsUsers highlighted narrow single-lane roads, lack of signage, outdated picnic areas, insufficient outhouse facilities at Anthracite Campground, and poor landscaping with weeds and wasp nests.
HostRanger Chuck was described as "super knowledgeable about the local hikes in the area." Rangers typically visit once a day and sell firewood.
Campground Map
PO Box 147, Crawford, Colorado, 81415-0147, United States
Driving directionsPaonia State Park is located on Colorado HWY 133 between mile marker 24 and 29. Spruce Campground is located on HWY 133 at mile marker 28. Hawsapple Campground is located on Gunnison County Road 2. Anthracite Campground is located at 31111 County Road 12, Somerset CO 81434. Anthracite campground is on Kebler pass road.
Road access varies significantly across the campgrounds. Highway 133 provides paved access to Spruce Campground, but some roads are unpaved, such as Gunnison County Road 2 leading to Hawsapple Campground. Anthracite Campground is accessible via Kebler Pass Road, which is a dirt road described by users as being narrow, single-lane, and challenging to navigate, especially for trailers or motorhomes.Nearby places
Crawford (approx. null miles), Somerset (approx. null miles), Paonia (approx. null miles)
Nearby supplies
Firewood available on-site for $6 per bundle. General store down the road sells firewood for $12 per bundle. Drinking water is not available at the park
visitors must bring their own. Additional supplies location details are not provided.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Paonia State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User experiences at Paonia State Park are mixed. Positive reviews praise the park's quiet environment, scenic views, and friendly rangers, while negative reviews highlight issues such as outdated facilities, poor signage, and maintenance challenges.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciated the 'fantastic views and shade coverage' at the Spruce Campground, as well as the 'friendly and knowledgeable' rangers. One reviewer described it as a 'beautiful park away from...
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Common Concerns
Several users mentioned poor signage, lack of cell service, and maintenance issues such as weeds and wasp nests at Anthracite Campground. The placement of the vault toilet behind the accessible site...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own drinking water, as none is provided on-site. Firewood can be purchased from rangers for $6 per bundle, which is cheaper than off-site options. Visit earlier in the year for fuller...
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Seasonal Insights
Water levels in the reservoir are lower later in the year, affecting boating and other water activities. Fall brings beautiful foliage due to the abundance of aspen trees.
Camper Quotes
1. 'The sunset here behind the mountains is one of the best I've ever seen in Colorado!' 2. 'Spruce is the better of the 2 campgrounds. Beautiful setting. Quiet. Take bug spray. Gnats are biters!' 3....
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Site-Specific Reviews
Spruce Campground received the highest praise for its scenic beauty and shade. Anthracite Campground was noted for its maintenance issues, including weeds and wasp nests. Specific sites were not...
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Accessibility Features
Several accessibility challenges were noted in Anthracite Campground, such as the placement of the vault toilet behind the accessible site. This was described as 'very awkward' by at least one...
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Pet-Friendly Features
The park is described as 'very dog-friendly' by reviewers, with no specific restrictions or challenges for pet owners mentioned.
Last updated August 10, 2025