If you are looking for a great spot to spend a night while passing through southern Colorado, or as a destination for a several day vacation, then camping in Ridgway State Park is a great option! With several campgrounds to choose from and many activities (from hiking to swimming to boating), you are sure to enjoy your stay in Ridgway State Park.
With the park being quite large and the campgrounds being in quite diverse locations, it’s hard to know what campground to pick. We put this guide together to help you choose the best campground in Ridgway State Park for your unique situation!
RIDGWAY STATE PARK CAMPGROUNDS: OVERVIEW
There are three campgrounds in Ridgway State Park, and all have unique advantages. One of them has spectacular views, but is a bit more remote from water access than the others. The other two are closer to the water, but are further away from some of the hiking trails offered in the park. Whatever you choose, you will be certain that you’ll have a good time and happy with your selection!
The park itself is situated close to a ton of things to do, both inside and outside the park. Be sure to check out our blog on Things to Do in Ridgeway State Park for full details on the various options in and around the park.
While you can show up at the last minute and see if camping is available, it’s best to get a reservation well in advance of your stay, as spots can fill up at this popular park well in advance of the summer season in particular.
The Dutch Charlie Area campgrounds have more in the way of supplies, including a visitor center, boat ramp, swimming area and access to trails. If you need water and sewer hookups, however, you will have to head to the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk area.
RIDGWAY STATE PARK CAMPING SUPPLIES
Unlike many campgrounds, there is no way of getting supplies at Ridgway State Park, so you have to have what you need before you enter into the campground or be forced with traveling outside of the park to get what you need.
Groceries are not too far away. The town of Ridgway, CO (only about 5 miles to the south) has a couple of small stores to get food for both cooking and eating out. The options are quite pricy, though. To get lower-priced options, you have to travel north to Montrose, CO. Montrose is about 17 miles to the north, and has a bunch of great choices, including discount and big box stores to get any groceries, camping supplies or RV repair supplies.
RIDGWAY STATE PARK CAMPING – DUTCH CHARLIE AREA
Map of the Elk Ridge Campground and Dakota Terraces Campground in Ridgway State Park, courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Dakota Terraces Campground
- Location: The Dakota Terraces Campground is located along Highway 550 in the Dutch Charlie area of the Park.
- Accessible via: Car.
- Reservations: Offered year-round. Ridgway State Park Campground Reservations.
- Capacity: 79 sites.
- Electricity / Water Hookups / Dump Station: Yes / No / No.
- Toilets / Showers: Flush toilets and showers.
- Nearby: The Dakota Terraces campground is closest to the visitor center and there is also a short trail (the Wapati Trail, which is 1.1-mile, round trip) to the reservoir / beach area for swimming.
- Additional details: This campground has the best views in the park and is situated on a plateau.
Elk Ridge Campground
- Location: The Elk Ridge Campground is located along Highway 550 in the Dutch Charlie area of the Park.
- Accessible via: Car.
- Reservations: Offered year-round. Ridgway State Park Campground Reservations.
- Capacity: 107 sites.
- Electricity / Water Hookups / Dump Station: Yes / No / Yes.
- Toilets / Showers: Flush toilets and showers.
- Nearby: If you like to hike, the Oak Leaf Trail is an easy, 0.9-mile loop that passes over the Uncompahgre River.
- Additional Details: The Elk Ridge Campground has great views from the scenic overlook.
RIDGWAY STATE PARK CAMPING – PA-CO-CHU-PUK AREA
Map of the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground in Ridgway State Park, courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Pa-Cho-Chu-Puk Campground
- Location: The Pa-Cho-Chu-Puk is located along Highway 550 in the northern part of Ridgway State Park.
- Accessible via: Car.
- Reservations: Offered year-round. Ridgway State Park Campground Reservations.
- Capacity: 95 sites.
- Electricity / Water Hookups / Dump Station: Yes / Yes / Yes.
- Toilets / Showers: Flush toilets and showers.
- Nearby: There are a couple of good hiking trails nearby-the Oak Leaf Trail (0.9-mile, easy loop) and the longer Enchanted Mesa Trail (6.9-mile, round-trip) hike. Both are worth doing if you have the time. The campground also has a playground and laundry services.
- Additional details: This campground is good, but be advised the road noise can be a problem. This is the only campground in the park with full hookups.
RIDGWAY STATE PARK GROUP CAMPING
There are two group campsites at the Dakota Terraces Campground in Loop C. There are also two group camping spots at the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground. There is no group camping in the Elk Ridge Campground. Since these spots are limited, be sure to reserve your spots well in advance!
FURTHER INFORMATION ON RIDGWAY STATE PARK FROM JUST GO TRAVEL STUDIOS
- For details on the park in general, check out our blog on Things to Do in Ridgway State Park.
- After you get back from your trip, shoot us a photo or two and we’ll create a custom, vintage travel poster for you to remember your trip forever!
