Boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities draw visitors to Rifle Gap State Park Campground, where the reservoir serves as the centerpiece for water-based recreation. The campground spreads across multiple loops near the water's edge, with sites ranging from basic tent spots to full hookup RV accommodations. Colorado Parks & Wildlife manages this year-round facility, which requires both camping fees and a daily park entry fee.
The campground divides into several distinct areas, each offering different experiences. The smaller Cottonwood loop provides eight sites with covered patios and 50-amp electric service, while the larger Lake View campground sits elevated with full hookups but farther from the water. MickandKarla W. noted the "quietness of the small Cottonwood loop" during their Labor Day weekend stay. Most sites feature gravel surfaces and covered picnic areas, with camp hosts stationed in each loop maintaining cleanliness and enforcing quiet hours.
Access conditions vary depending on weather and season. Several campers mention rough road conditions, particularly after precipitation. Cell service proves limited throughout the park, with Verizon coverage nearly nonexistent and AT&T providing sporadic morning signals. The shower facilities operate on a coin system, requiring cash for the initial four minutes plus additional quarters for extended use.
Water levels in the reservoir fluctuate significantly, sometimes dropping 30 feet or more and limiting lake accessibility from certain camping areas. When water levels are adequate, the boat launch provides access for kayaking and fishing, though some areas may restrict certain watercraft. Wildlife sightings are common, with deer frequently visiting the water's edge during evening hours.
For those seeking additional outdoor recreation, the area provides easy access to Rifle Falls State Park Campground and other nearby attractions. Reserve sites in advance during peak seasons, and bring cash for shower facilities and any additional park services.
Description
Rifle Gap State Park has something to offer every outdoor enthusiast, the clean clear waters of this 350-acre reservoir afford some of the best scuba diving, boating, swimming, water skiing and fishing in Colorado. Camping, hiking and picnicking opportunities at this 1,305-acre park also await the Rifle Gap State Park visitor. The fun doesn't stop in the wintertime, when ice fishing and cross-country skiing are available for the cold-weather buffs. The popular campsites at Rifle Gap are spread out along the northern shore of the reservoir. There are 89 campsites that can accommodate tents, small trailers, RV's and pick-up campers. For current conditions and more information, please visit the Rifle Gap website: http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/riflegap
NO-SHOW Policy
If you do not arrive to the park within 24 hours of your scheduled check in time and do not notify the park that you will be arriving late, your site may be resold and may not be available when you arrive. The fees for any nights passed are non-refundable.
Changes and Cancellations
- Cancellations or changes may be made online 24 hours a day 7 days a week, or through the Aspira Call Center at 1-800-244-5613.
- Reservations where one or more dates fall outside of the 6-month booking window are frozen for 14 days.
- Cancellations:
- If the cancellation is made 28 days or more prior to the arrival date, 25% of the fee for 1 night or day-use permit will be retained
- If the cancellation is made 8-27 days prior to the arrival date, 50% of the fee for 1 night or day-use permit will be retained.
- If the cancellation is made 7 days or less prior to the arrival date, 100% of the fee for 1 night or day-use permit will be retained.
- If a reservation is cancelled at any time after the arrival date, any nights prior to the cancellation are NON-REFUNDABLE
- Changes:
- If a change in the reservation is made 28 days or more prior to the arrival date, 10% of the fee for one night or day-use permit will be retained.
- If a change in the reservation is made 8-27 days prior to the arrival date, 15% of the fee for one night or day-use permit will be retained.
- If a change in the reservation is made 7 days or less prior to arrival, 20% of the fee for one night or day-use permit will be retained.
- If the change in the reservation dates is made between the day after the arrival date and the departure date, the fees for any nights or days passed are NON-REFUNDABLE.
- There is no additional fee to add days to a reservation.
- The reservation holder is responsible for any difference in use fees.
- Customers who wish to receive a refund outside of these rules will need to contact the park at which they have the reservation directly.
- No exceptions to the refund policy will be given for bugs, bad weather, campfire bans, water conditions (including water levels, boat ramp or swim beach closures, and algae)!
- If the original reservation was made directly with the park, any refunds resulting from changes/cancellations will be issued via personal check and may take up to 90 days from the date of the change/cancellation to be processed.
By making a reservation with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, you are agreeing to read and abide by all rules stated in this purchase flow and on the confirmation letter.
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In addition to the camping fee, an entrance fee is required at all state parks!
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Shade may be naturally provided by trees and other vegetation or by man made shade shelter. Please call the park for specific details.
Please use www.cpwshop.com to make, cancel, or change reservations or make any license, pass, or retail purchases. ReserveAmerica.com has limited functionality for CPW customers.
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.
Any 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.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Colorado weather can be unpredictable: be prepared for a variety of weather conditions including extreme hot and cold temperatures, wind, rain, and snow (even in the summer). CPW does not grant exceptions to the refund policy for weather conditions.
Please use www.cpwshop.com to make, cancel, or change reservations or make any license, pass, or retail purchases. ReserveAmerica.com has limited functionality for CPW customers. **No-show policy:** If you are unable to occupy your site on the first day of your reservation, please call the park office in order to notify park staff. Otherwise, your reservation will be considered a "no-show" and your site may be resold. "No-show" reservations are ineligible for a refund for those nights or days passed and the fees for any nights or days passed will be retained.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundRifle Gap State Park Campground is located in Colorado
Directions
I-70 to Rifle exchange, then take Hwy 13 north. Go through Rifle 3 miles. State Hwy 325 for 6 miles.
Address
5775 Highway 325
Rifle, CO 81650
Coordinates
39.63356444 N
107.74071175 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTEGood CoverageVerified by 29 usersLast on 3/27/26
VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 35 usersLast on 3/27/26
AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTEGood CoverageVerified by 29 usersLast on 3/27/26
- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 35 usersLast on 3/27/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 17 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 3 hrs 12 min from Denver, CO
- 3 hrs 22 min from Boulder, CO
- 3 hrs 57 min from Fort Collins, CO
