Campsite bookings MUST be made online.
Governor Polis announced on Monday, May 11, that the state will begin reopening the 4,000 campgrounds that were closed due to coronavirus measures.
“I am proud to announce that Colorado State Parks and State Wildlife Areas will be open to camping starting May 12. I am proud of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) for keeping our state parks open during this entire period to help Coloradans be safe outdoors. We know Coloradans have been anxious to get back to extended stays in our beautiful state parks, but it’s important to be able to open camping safely,” said Gov. Jared Polis.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) will be taking a phased approach to the process. According to CPW, it is working closely with counties during reopening, focusing on those that are open and ready to receive visitors. Some parks may have limited opportunity and others may remain closed for a few more days based on local needs.
It's important to note that the state's 58 cabins and yurts located in state parks remain closed at this time. National parks also remain closed to camping.
"Working with CDPHE and our counties, and taking into account the applicable local public health orders, we can now begin implementing reopening plans for camping and taking reservations at our state parks. We ask that campers be very mindful that camping today may look very different from what you might be used to, but we are excited for people to be able to begin planning their next camping trip in Colorado,” Polis said.
Some of those differences revolve around respecting local communities and keeping interaction with local residents to a minimum. That means packing your own food, fuel, etc., so you don't have to make stops for supplies.
According to CPW, there are several important points about the reopening process:
- The reopening process will be in coordination with local counties and will take into account any local restrictions that are in place. CPW staff will also maintain communication with local officials following reopening.
- Campers will need to make sure they respect local community restrictions: http://counties.coloradogeodev.com/safer.html.
- The reopening of camping will closely abide by all Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Centers for Disease Control social distancing guidance and recommendations.
- Campers should also follow best practices for recreational travel, including bringing your meals with you, filling up on gas prior to leaving home, bringing cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items, and remembering to wear masks when out in public.
Opening dates for the campsites in Colorado:
May 12
- Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (Fremont County campgrounds only)
- Chatfield State Park
- Cherry Creek State Park
- Eleven Mile State Park
- Elkhead Reservoir State Park
- Highline State Park
- Jackson Lake State Park
- James M. Robb CO River State Park Island Acres
- James M. Robb CO River State Park Fruita
- Mancos State Park
- Mueller State Park
- North Sterling State Park
- Rifle Falls State Park
- Rifle Gap State Park
- Staunton State Park
- Vega State Park
May 13
- Cheyenne Mountain State Park (tentative)
- Crawford State Park
May 14
- Boyd Lake State Park
- St. Vrain State Park
- John Martin Reservoir State Park
May 15
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park (tentative)
- Lake Pueblo State Park
- Lory State Park
- Navajo State Park
- Ridgway State Park
To be determined
- Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (Chaffee County campgrounds)
- Lathrop State Park
- Paonia State Park
- Pearl Lake State Park
- Stagecoach State Park
- State Forest State Park
- Steamboat Lake State Park
- Sylvan Lake State Park
- Trinidad Lake State Park
- Yampa River State Park
Campsites will only be provided through the reservation system. You can make reservations on the CPW website.
Will you be camping in the state parks at this time? Let us know in the comments.
