Colorado State Parks are a system of 42 state parks and recreational areas throughout the state of Colorado, managed by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife agency. These state parks offer a wide range of recreational opportunities and natural resources for visitors, including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
Some of the popular state parks include:
- Chatfield State Park, located near Denver, offers boating, fishing, and hiking, as well as equestrian trails and a marina.
- Cherry Creek State Park, located in Arapahoe County, offers fishing, boating, and swimming, as well as a 4,000-acre reservoir for water activities.
- Eleven Mile State Park, located in Park County, offers fishing, boating, and camping, as well as a large reservoir for water activities.
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park, located in Gilpin County, offers hiking, camping, and fishing, as well as a variety of recreational activities in the winter such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
- Staunton State Park, located in Park County, offers hiking, rock climbing, and fishing, as well as a visitor center and picnic areas.
Many of the state parks also offer educational programs, guided tours, and ranger-led activities, as well as facilities such as picnic areas, campgrounds, and visitor centers. Some of the state parks also offer cabins, yurts, and other types of lodging for visitors to stay overnight.
All Colorado State Parks require a valid Parks Pass for entry, which can be purchased online or at the park entrance. Some parks also have additional fees for certain activities or amenities. Visitors should check the official website of each park for more information on activities, fees, and hours of operation.
State Parks – Fees (General)
- State Parks Pass – If you don’t have an annual pass, you will be charged a daily vehicle fee
- Daily Vehicle Pass – $10 per vehicle
- Annual Affixed Vehicle Pass – $80 per vehicle ($70 for residents 64+)
- Annual Affixed Vehicle Multiple Pass – $40 per vehicle (this is for a second vehicle after the first affixed pass purchase)
- Reservations
- Full campground hookup – $32-$41/night
- Electrical campground hookup – $28-$36/night
- Basic campground – $22-$28/night (no electric)
- Primitive campground – $14-$18/night
State Parks
- Arkansas River Headwaters State Park
- Barr Lake State Park
- Boyd Lake State Park
- Castlewood Canyon State Park
- Chatfield State Park
- Cherry Creek State Park
- Cheyenne Mountain State Park
- Crawford State Park
- Eldorado Canyon State Park
- Eleven Mile State Park
- Elkhead Reservoir State Park
- Fishers Peak State Park
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park
- Harvey Gap State Park
- Highline Lake State Park
- Jackson Lake State Park
- James M Robb-Colorado River State Park
- John Martin Reservoir State Park
- Lake Pueblo State Park
- Lathrop State Park
- Lory State Park
- Mancos State Park
- Mueller State Park
- Navajo State Park
- North Sterling State Park
- Paonia State Park
- Pearl Lake State Park
- Ridgway State Park
- Rifle Falls State Park
- Rifle Gap State Park
- Roxborough State Park
- Saint Vrain State Park
- Spinney Mountain State Park
- Stagecoach State Park
- State Forest State Park
- Staunton State Park
- Steamboat Lake State Park
- Sweitzer State Park
- Sylvan Lake State Park
- Trinidad Lake State Park
- Vega State Park
- Yampa River State Park