Rifle Falls State Park
00 review5775 Highway 325, Rifle, Colorado, 81650, United States
Rifle Falls State Park
$10.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$14.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Entrance fee for the park is $10 per vehicle, which also grants access to other nearby parks such as Rifle Gap State Park. Camping fees start at $14 per night.
About this campground
Nestled in Colorado's northwest wilderness, Rifle Falls State Park beckons adventurers with 19 thoughtfully positioned campsites that bring you face-to-face with nature's grandeur. Choose from 12 convenient drive-in sites perfect for RV enthusiasts and car campers, or embrace a more intimate wilderness experience at one of 7 secluded walk-in tent sites. Here, the thundering cascade of a magnificent triple waterfall creates a natural amphitheater where photographers chase golden hour light, hikers discover hidden limestone caves, and families gather for unforgettable picnics surrounded by emerald greenery.
The campground features a mix of accommodations suited for tents, RVs, and group camping. There are 12 drive-in sites and 7 walk-in sites, with separate areas for RVs and tents.
Historical SignificanceRifle Falls has long captivated the human imagination, serving as a muse for generations of artists and storytellers. This natural wonderland has played starring roles on the silver screen, with Hollywood film crews drawn to its otherworldly beauty and dramatic limestone formations. Professional photographers from around the globe make pilgrimages here, seeking to capture the interplay of light, water, and stone that makes this park utterly unique in the American West.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Colorado's dramatic seasonal tapestry at Rifle Falls, where summer transforms the park into a verdant oasis with temperatures climbing above 80°F—perfect for cooling off in the waterfall's misty embrace. As autumn paints the landscape in amber and gold, crisp air signals the approach of winter's crystalline beauty. When snow blankets the park and temperatures plunge below freezing, the falls take on an ethereal quality, creating frozen sculptures that defy imagination. Throughout the year, moderate mountain breezes carry the constant melody of cascading water.
ElevationPerched at the characteristic elevation of Colorado's Northwest Region, Rifle Falls State Park offers that perfect mountain atmosphere where the air feels lighter and every breath connects you more deeply with the wilderness. This Rocky Mountain setting provides the ideal climate for the park's distinctive ecosystem to flourish.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted microclimate where perpetual mist from the triple waterfall nurtures a lush botanical paradise rarely seen in Colorado's typically arid landscape. Beneath the 70-foot cascade, mysterious limestone caves invite exploration, their cool chambers carved by centuries of patient water. Rifle Creek winds through this verdant sanctuary, its crystal-clear waters reflecting towering cliff faces draped in hanging gardens of ferns and moss.
Geological RegionRifle Falls State Park stands as a geological marvel in Colorado's Northwest Region, where ancient limestone cliffs give birth to a spectacular triple waterfall. This rare geological formation creates a unique ecosystem—the constant spray nurtures an unexpected rainforest pocket in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Below the falls, limestone caves whisper stories of millennia past, offering glimpses into the powerful forces that sculpted this extraordinary landscape where water, stone, and time converge in perfect harmony.
Campsite details
AccessibilityADA-accessible sites are available, such as Rifle Falls Falls Campground 002HD Electric, but broader accessibility details are not provided.
Sites SizeMaximum equipment lengths vary by campsite, ranging from 0 feet (walk-in tent sites) to 49 feet for RV-compatible sites.
Sites PrivacyReviews suggest that the campground is small and intimate with considerable natural shade from trees.
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near Rifle Creek for soothing water sounds; tent-only sites provide privacy. Electric sites are recommended for RV campers.
Best CampsitesSites along Rifle Creek are popular due to the rushing water sounds at night.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days within any 28-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 6 guests per site.
Groups
No specific details about group camping sites were provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into Falls Campground and Squirrel loops.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on www.cpwshop.com or by calling the Aspira Call Center at 1-800-244-5613.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited availability for walk-up camping due to the small size of the campground. Early arrival is recommended.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are subject to fees according to notification timeframes: 25% for cancellations 28 days or more, 50% for 8-27 days, and 100% for cancellations within 7 days or less.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Rifle Falls State Park offers a variety of recreational activities, including easy hiking trails, fishing, cave exploration (spelunking), wildlife viewing, photography, and picnicking. The waterfalls serve as a major attraction, and the lush vegetation and natural shade make it a popular spot, especially during warmer months.
Hiking
The park features multiple hiking trails, including a loop walk that takes visitors past caves and to the top of the waterfalls. Trails are described as "very easy" and "not too strenuous," making them accessible to a wide range of visitors. Some trails involve rocky paths and steps, as noted by reviewers.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available, with one review mentioning that "the fishing 🎣 is great." No specific details on fish types or locations were provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a noted activity, with opportunities to observe the park's natural fauna in the lush, shaded environment.Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive programs and historical sites are available, although details about the topics or schedules were not provided.Winter Activities
Winter recreational details were not included in the source material, though a visitor expressed interest in seeing the frozen waterfalls.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated areas.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsVault toilets are mentioned as being potentially unpleasant. Wildlife and rocky trails could pose minor hazards.
Active alertsNo active alerts are mentioned.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 31%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.8 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
The nearest emergency services are located in Rifle, approximately 13 miles away, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season takes place in the summer months, generally June to August.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities were not specifically mentioned; however, the park emphasizes cleanliness based on user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Rifle Creek and a triple waterfall.
Common complaintsLimited parking and worn signage around the falls are noted by visitors.
HostA campground host is available and reportedly attentive.
Campground Map
5775 Highway 325, Rifle, Colorado, 81650, United States
Driving directionsI-70 to Rifle exchange. Then take Hwy 13 north, go through Rifle 3 miles. State Hwy 325 for 9.8 miles.
Road access is via State Highway 325, which is paved and easily accessible year-round. There are no specific mentions of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.Nearby places
Rifle (approximately 13 miles, 20-minute drive)
Glenwood Springs (approximately 30 miles, 35-minute drive)
Grand Junction (approximately 60 miles, 1-hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies including groceries, fuel, and camping gear are available in Rifle, approximately 13 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Rifle Falls State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Rifle Falls State Park are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the beauty of the waterfalls, the lush surroundings, and the convenience of the trails. The campground is well-maintained and offers a peaceful, intimate experience.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Reviewers praised the park's scenic beauty, "lush greenery," and "stunning waterfalls." The trails were frequently described as "easy" and "accessible." The clean and shaded environment was a...
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Common Concerns
Limited parking and the lack of cellphone service were noted as drawbacks. Some issues with the cleanliness of vault toilets were mentioned, and one reviewer noted that signage around the falls was...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend arriving early to avoid parking issues and bringing cash for park passes. Exploring the caves and carrying a flashlight were suggested for an improved experience. Visiting during...
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Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews emphasize the lush greenery and refreshing mist from the falls, while winter visitors expressed interest in seeing the frozen waterfalls. Seasonal crowding was noted during summer...
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Camper Quotes
1. "One of the coolest waterfalls I've ever seen in my life. The whole area looks like it was stripped out of Avatar and belongs on Pandora." - Kyle Kempf
2. "This was a wonderful surprise to find...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Users noted that the tent and RV sections are small and intimate. Sites near the creek were praised for the sound of rushing water at night.
Accessibility Features
An ADA-accessible site (Rifle Falls Falls Campground 002HD Electric) is available, but no broader reviews on accessibility were provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at most sites, but specific experiences or features for pet owners were not detailed.
Last updated August 10, 2025