Yampa River State Park
00 review6185 US Highway 40 PO Box 759, Hayden, Colorado, 81639, United States
Yampa River State Park
$31.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$32.00
Hookup Site Fee$32.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees range from $31 to $32 per night. Additional fees include a $9 daily Colorado State Park entrance fee unless a State Park Pass is held.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Colorado's scenic Yampa Valley, Yampa River State Park offers adventurers a gateway to unforgettable outdoor experiences. Whether you're pulling in with your RV to one of the well-equipped electric hookup sites, pitching a tent under the expansive western sky, or gathering your tribe for a memorable group camping adventure, this riverside haven has something for everyone. Modern conveniences like hot showers and laundry facilities ensure comfort after days spent exploring, while the gentle murmur of the nearby Yampa River provides nature's soundtrack. While the distant hum of highway traffic and summer's buzzing mosquito population remind you of civilization's proximity, they're small trade-offs for the remarkable access this park provides to one of Colorado's most cherished waterways.
Yampa River State Park accommodates a variety of camping styles, including RV, tent, primitive, and group camping. The park also offers tipi rentals for a unique camping experience.
Historical SignificanceStanding at the doorstep of the legendary Dinosaur National Monument, this campground serves as your basecamp for exploring millions of years of Earth's history. The Yampa River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the Colorado River system, has carved not just canyons but also a rich cultural legacy. For generations, this corridor has drawn adventurous rafters and boaters who've made pilgrimage to navigate its wild waters, creating a living tradition of river running that continues to this day. Here, ancient geology meets modern adventure in a landscape that has inspired explorers for centuries.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the high desert, where winter wraps the landscape in a crystalline blanket of snow and temperatures plunge to a brisk 10°F, creating a wonderland for the hardy soul. As spring melts into summer, the mercury climbs to a pleasant 89°F, perfect for river adventures and evening campfires. While winter brings moderate snowfall that transforms the valley into a serene escape, summer arrives with brilliant blue skies punctuated by dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the desert, bringing brief but spectacular light shows and the sweet scent of rain on sagebrush.
ElevationWhile specific elevation data awaits official documentation, visitors will find themselves immersed in the characteristic high-desert environment of northwestern Colorado, where the thin, clear air enhances star-filled nights and amplifies the vastness of the western landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Yampa River serves as the lifeblood of this stunning high-desert oasis, creating a ribbon of green through an otherwise austere landscape. Towering sandstone formations stand sentinel over ancient juniper canyons, their twisted branches telling stories of centuries past. The contrast between the lush riparian corridor and the surrounding desert creates a diverse ecosystem that attracts an impressive array of wildlife. Lucky visitors might witness the magnificent sight of osprey diving for fish or catch a glimpse of a bald eagle soaring overhead, while the riverside cottonwoods provide shade and shelter for countless other species that call this unique environment home.
Geological RegionDiscover the raw beauty of Colorado's Northwest Region, where the Yampa Valley unfolds as a testament to the power of water and time. This remarkable high-desert environment showcases nature's artistry through dramatic sandstone formations sculpted by wind and weather, while ancient juniper canyons reveal layers of geological history. The life-giving Yampa River has created a lush riparian corridor that stands in striking contrast to the surrounding desert tableau, forming a diverse landscape where multiple ecosystems converge in spectacular fashion. This unique geographical setting offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the rugged beauty that defines Colorado's western frontier.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers spacious and well-laid-out sites, some of which are close to the river. However, no specific details about ADA-compliant features are mentioned.
Sites SizeThe sites are described as spacious and level, with a mix of RV and tent camping spots. RV sites have electrical hookups, and some tent areas are more secluded and wooded.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some tent sites are described as secluded, especially those near the creek or river. However, other areas are noted as lacking tree coverage and being close to each other.
Total Campsites50 campsites
Recommended CampsitesWhen reserving, consider riverside tent sites for added serenity. Avoid sites close to the highway for reduced noise.
Best CampsitesSite #43 is highlighted for its trail leading directly to the river.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Day check-ins allowed
- specific hour not listed.
Check-out
Late departure policies are unclear.
Stay Limit
14 consecutive days within a 28-day window.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy per site is undefined.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutIncludes RV loops, tent areas, and group camping sections. Tent sites are reportedly more secluded.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground is open year-round, though some amenities may vary seasonally.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at www.cpwshop.com or by calling 1-800-244-5613.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are mandatory and walk-up availability is not mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made 28+ days before arrival retain 25% of one night’s fee. Those made 8-27 days before arrival retain 50%, and cancellations within 7 days of arrival retain 100% of one night’s fee. Changes to reservations before arrival incur escalating fees depending on timing, but adding days incurs no extra fees except cost differences.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Camp Store
Laundry Facilities
Activities you can enjoy
Yampa River State Park provides opportunities for various outdoor activities. These include hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The park is close to the Yampa River and Elkhead Reservoir, offering water-based activities. Some reviews highlight the park's trail system and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Hiking
The park includes a short one-mile nature trail at the headquarters campground. Additionally, there are hiking opportunities on BLM lands nearby, including Duffy Mountain and Cross Mountain, which offer diverse experiences and scenic views.Fishing
Fishing is popular along the Yampa River, with several access points throughout the park. Specific types of fish are not mentioned in the reviews.Swimming
Swimming opportunities are available at the Elkhead Reservoir, which features swim beaches during certain seasons.Biking
A short gravel walking/biking trail is available in the park, providing views of the river and surrounding meadows.Boating
The Yampa River offers boating opportunities, including flat-water boating and Class I-V river boating. Elkhead Reservoir is open for boating from 8 am to 10 pm.Wildlife viewing
The park offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including sightings of mule deer, ospreys, and bald eagles. Some campers have also observed frogs and crawdads near the water.Beach activities
Beach activities are available at the Elkhead Reservoir, which has swim beaches open during certain times of the year.Cultural and Educational Programs
The visitor center features exhibits and a topographical map of the Yampa Valley, providing educational insights about the area.Winter Activities
The park offers winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are available on the Yampa River.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire bans may apply during certain periods, as mentioned in user reviews.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly defined.
Hazards
General hazardsHighway noise is a consistent complaint. Mosquito infestations during summer months are reported by multiple users. Some reviews also mention the stark, treeless landscape.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Hayden provides the closest emergency services, including police stations and medical facilities. Craig, 14 miles away, offers additional emergency infrastructure.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season pricing data not explicitly defined in sources.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but no detailed description of locations or schedules is provided.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is adjacent to the Yampa River, offering boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities.
Common complaintsHighway noise and mosquitoes are recurring issues. Some users found the tent camping area too primitive and the tipi accommodations disappointing.
HostCampground hosts are frequently described as friendly and helpful in reviews.
Campground Map
6185 US Highway 40 PO Box 759, Hayden, Colorado, 81639, United States
Driving directionsYampa River State Park is located just west of the Town of Hayden on US Highway 40. The Headquarters park office is located on Highway 40 between the cities of Craig and Hayden. Yampa River State Park offers several public access sites along a 134-mile stretch of the Yampa River between Hayden and the Dinosaur National Monument near the Utah border.
The park is directly accessible from US Highway 40, with no reports of unpaved roads or seasonal closures impacting access. However, highway noise can affect the camping experience as noted in multiple user reviews.Nearby places
Nearby cities include Hayden (approximately 1 mile), Craig (14 miles, roughly 20 minutes), and Steamboat Springs (approximately 30 miles).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies can be obtained in Hayden, which is approximately 1 mile away, or in Craig, which is 14 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Yampa River State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Yampa River State Park are generally positive, highlighting the cleanliness of facilities, friendly staff, and the park's natural beauty. However, some users mention drawbacks such as road noise, mosquitoes, and limited hiking trails.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained facilities, friendly staff, spacious campsites with covered picnic tables and fire pits, proximity to the Yampa River, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Common Concerns
Highway noise, mosquitoes, some areas lacking tree cover, and limited hiking trails.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend choosing sites near the river or creek for more privacy and better views. Bringing bug spray is advised due to mosquitoes. Early morning walks on the nature trail are suggested for...
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Seasonal Insights
Summer months see an increase in mosquitoes, but the weather is generally pleasant. Winter activities like cross-country skiing are available, making it a year-round destination. However, during...
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Camper Quotes
"The night sky was amazing!" - Andrew Castillo. "The tent section is also a bit wooded so it feels more secluded." - Sam Wright. "Great park. Stayed in the campground. Great host. Desert camping at...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site #43 is mentioned as having a trail leading directly to the river, making it popular among campers who enjoy fishing and wildlife viewing.
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and some campers mention that dogs had plenty of space to run.
Last updated August 10, 2025