Rifle Gap State Park Ultimate Guide and Review
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Looking for a CO nature escape that is hidden away from all of the overcrowded destinations? Rifle Gap State Park is a a true hidden gem even among locals.
As a Colorado native and full-time RVer living in a fifth wheel, I’ve explored countless parks, yet Rifle Gap has taken me by surprise with its unique charm and allure.
Initially, I chose to camp here due to its proximity to Glenwood Springs and the breathtaking Maroon Bells, but what I found was a stunning escape that deserves its own spotlight.
In this guide, you’ll discover why Rifle Gap State Park is so special, the best times to visit, facilities you can enjoy, and much more.
I’m calling all RVers, campers, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers! Let’s explore Rifle Gap State Park in Colorado.
Overall Bucket List Review of Rifle Gap State Park
For adventurers who want information fast!
| Category | Camping RV |
| Who Should Add This to Their Bucket List? | Campers and adventurers who want to get off the beaten path and escape. |
| Best Time to Go | Year Round |
| Traveling Difficulty | Moderate/Difficult (if you have a large RV) |
| Physical Difficulty | Depends on what you are doing |
| Popularity Rating | 4/10 |
| Reservation Required | Yes |
| Budget | $28 – $41 / night (Prices are subject to change and are cheaper in winter) |
| Wheelchair Accessible | Yes – they have designated spots for accessibility |
Things that Make Rifle Gap State Park Unique
Hidden Gem Status
The park’s lesser-known status adds to its charm. Many Colorado locals have yet to discover this treasure, making it a quieter destination where you can truly relax and connect with nature.
I have lived here my whole life, and certainly wasn’t aware of its wonders. There are some hard-core campers here!
Because of this, it also provides a serene and less-crowded alternative to some of Colorado’s busier state parks.
Incredible Views
Rifle Gap State Park stands out for its picturesque setting against the backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountains.
With some of the other Colorado State Parks that I have reviewed, they have often been close to a major roadway.
While this is convenient for towing in a rig, it can break the illusion of being isolated in nature.
With this park, you are more isolated. It feels like the mountains and you! Perfection!
Water Activities
What sets Rifle Gap apart is its reservoir. This makes it perfect for water activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming.
I, personally, love paddleboarding. This park is perfect for it, with many easy points of entry and signs specifically for paddleboarders.
the Swim Beach
There is also an entire swim beach area, designated fishing areas, and an entire boating section with a ramp into the reservoir.
Please note that the swim beach isn’t an actual beach (as in powered-sugar sand). However, it provides easy access into the water.
When exploring, there were several families sunbathing, some swimmers, and covered/shaded picnic tables.
I would suggest wearing sturdy footwear as there are some twigs and rocks.
And beware – when you first enter the water, it has a tendency to suck you down into the mud in some areas.
Best Time to Go to Rifle Gap State Park
Honestly, there is no bad time to visit this park. They just come with different benefits. Luckily, Rifle Gap State Park is open year round for outdoor lovers to enjoy.
Summer
Summertime is the most popular season, especially for water activities in the reservoir.
The warm temperatures make it ideal for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking by the water.
However, it’s important to note that summer can bring more visitors, so planning your trip during weekdays can help you avoid larger crowds. Although this is a factor, it is not as dramatic as some of the other CO state parks I have stayed in.
I decided to visit in August. The temperatures were moderately high, ranging from 85°F to 95°F. Thunderstorms usually rolled in later around dinner.
Spring and Fall
The best time to enjoy this hidden gem is during the late spring and early fall months. During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities.
The spring brings a burst of color with blooming wildflowers, while fall offers a spectacular display of changing leaves that paint the landscape in vibrant hues.
Winter
Winter visits have their charm too, offering a snowy landscape that’s perfect for photography and perhaps some peaceful solitude.
Rifle Falls is especially stunning during this time, with the water creating ice formations that are straight out of an ice fairy’s lair.
Best Spots at Rifle Gap State Park
When it comes to finding the best spots within Rifle Gap State Park, location is truly everything.
Here, there are 5 campgrounds with a total of 89 campsites.
You can take a peek at the map of Rifle Gap State Park 👉 here
The Cottonwood Campground
The Cottonwood Campground offers some of the best views of the reservoir and is conveniently located near the water and picnic areas.
It’s perfect for those who want easy access to water activities and family-friendly facilities. What I love about this small loop is that it has direct access to the lake. I actually thought that this was the swim beach when we first arrived (and it’s just as good!).
Our giant rig sat in site #4. Although I loved this spot, I do think that site #6 and #7 provide even more stunning views of the water.
Just make sure to book it early, because those spots have not been empty for long!
In the Cottonwood Campground, we have electricity and water but no sewer.
Sage Campground
If you are looking for more panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and reservoir, I would look at the Sage Campground!
It has plenty of pull through spots for easier parking and is smaller than the neighboring Lakeview Campground.
It offers great access to the swim beach and boating ramps.
Also, it is the only campground that allows ATV/OHV and access to the Bureau of Land Management property.
The view from spot #83 was unreal. Unfortunately, they are just basic sites.
Lakeview Campground
Alternatively, the Lakeview Campground provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks, offering a more secluded and peaceful setting for campers seeking tranquility.
I think that there were plenty of amazing spots, but it wasn’t my favorite because of the amount of spots that had views of other RVs.
This is also the campground with the most concentration of camping spots.
I noticed that the spots that did not have a view of other rigs (depended on which way your windows face) were sites #12, #14, and #16.
Fortunately, it does offer full hookups!
Pinon Campground
Pinon Campground is comprised of smaller sites that would be perfect for tents or small rigs.
Although it doesn’t have much shade, site #85 took my breath away as far as views are concerned!
Plus, some sites have hammock stands and it is a nice central location in Rifle Gap State Park.
Cedar Campgrounds
Cedar Campgrounds is the last campground that comprises Rifle Gap State Park.
This area is electric only and has primarily back-in sites.
Although the area is beautiful, I think I would prefer the Cottonwood Campground if you want views that are closer to the water.
It does offer great access for fishing and boating.
However, we could all agree that site #63 and site #64 had the best views of the reservoir…if no cars were parked in the area in front of them.
Accessibly Campsites at Rifle Gap
Since my disabled grandfather comes and visits me frequenty in my fifth wheel, I am always extra aware of ADA capabilities in these campsites.
I was pleasantly surprised to find specific accessible campsites! The numbers of these sites are: #3, #26, #34, #37, #62, #65, and #70.
Views You Will Get at Rifle Gap State Park
Rifle Gap State Park’s stunning vistas are next level. Most of the park has views of the characteristically green water and vast mountain surroundings.
Photography enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to capture the beauty of nature here, from sunrise to sunset.
The contrast between the deep blue waters, lush greenery, and rugged mountain ranges creates a picturesque scene that’s hard to beat.
There is a short network of trails that can provide access to some of these stunning views and some spots can give it to you straight from your window.
At the spot where I stayed (site #4), I can see mountains and the reservoir from my window, and walk down to the shores of the water within about 3 minutes. I also have access to the trail right from my shaded picnic table.
Overall RAting of Views at Rifle Gap State Park
(5/5 Stars)
The views here are unbeatable. Of course, not every spot is considered equal and might not have as good of a view.
However, it stood out to me the sheer number of campsites that offered unparalleled views.
Plus, it just feels so isolated. I'm a little obsessed.
Facilities at Rifle Gap State Park
Rifle Gap State Park is well-equipped with facilities to ensure that your stay is comfortable and enjoyable.
Washroom Facilities
The park offers several well-maintained campgrounds, complete with restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.
Each campground has flush toilets and pay showers, except for the Pinon and Sage Campgrounds.
Although it says "pay showers", I didn't have to pay in the Cottonwood Campground, so that was a great surprise!
The showers were a bit hard to figure out. Generally, you would push the button right outside of the shower, and then one handle determines where the water comes out and the other controls the temperature.
Would highly recommend having the water come out of the attached nozzle, not the handheld shower. The water pressure was amazing!
Facilities at EAch CampSite
Each campground is designed to cater to a variety of camping styles, from tents to RVs, providing options for every type of adventurer.
Most sites have a shaded picnic table and all sites have a fire ring.
Water Amenities
In addition to camping amenities, there are designated areas for fishing, boating, and swimming, making it easy to enjoy the park's natural resources.
There is a large boating bay with inspection sites as well as a ramp. It is a very popular jet skiing and water skiing destination.
There are also several places to fish perch, northern pike, trout, bass, and walleye. In the winter, this place is the place to be for ice fishing.
There is even a swim beach, complete with shaded areas (both metal and with trees).
Picnic Areas
For those of you looking to come for the day, there are several group picnic areas and plenty of parking spaces.
The Cottonwood Campground has a pretty epic group picnic area as well.
Hiking Trails
Although the trails aren't super extensive, Rifle Gap State Park does provide some hiking opportunities.
In fact, one of the trails in accessible strait from my spot at site #4 and provides some breathtaking water and mountain views.
I found the paths to be very well maintained, surprisingly isolated, and shaded.
Overall Rating of Amenities
(4/5 Stars)
Some campgrounds are extremely basic while others offer more amenities.
The aquatic facilities are a huge bonus.
Staff at Rifle Gap State Park
The staff at Rifle Gap State Park play a crucial role in maintaining the park's welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you need help finding the best hiking trails or advice on fishing spots, the staff members are eager to share their love for the park with you.
At the park office, they also offer various education programs if you want to learn more about the park and its surrounding area. This is a unique feature that I really appreciated.
Also, note that there is a campground host in every campground except Pinon and Sage.
Personally, I did not have too much interaction with them other than when I checked in and an occasional wave from their golf cart, but they were very friendly!
Overall Rating of Staff at Rifle Gap State Park
(4/5 Stars)
Overall, the staff and hosts were very nice and friendly. They get extra bonus points for offering educational programs.
Is There Shade at Rifle Gap State Park?
Shade is a valuable commodity during the warm summer months, and Rifle Gap State Park gets an average rating from this camper enthusiast.
The park features numerous shaded areas, especially around the picnic and camping sites. Many of the trees lining the campground provide ample cover, allowing visitors to enjoy the outdoors without the harshness of direct sunlight.
For those spending time by the water, the park offers shaded picnic tables and shelter areas where you can relax and take a break from the sun.
If you're planning to hike, some of the trails wind through wooded sections that provide natural shade, offering a cooler respite during your adventure.
With that being said, the park is pretty wide open, and there aren’t that many trees around the spots themselves.
Overall Shade Rating for Rifle Gap State Park
(3.5/5 Stars)
Overall, there are a lot of shade opportunities at Rifle Gap State Park.
This includes covered picnic tables and some trees in the common areas, such as the swim beach.
Unfortunately, there isn't much shade in the campgrounds sites themselves. Luckily, most spots offer those shaded picnic areas.
Is Rifle Gap State Park Pet Friendly?
Good news for pet owners—Rifle Gap State Park is pet friendly! They even have some doggy bag stations around the park.
The park welcomes furry companions, making it an ideal spot for those who love to explore nature with their four-legged friends.
Pets are allowed in the campgrounds and on most of the trails, provided they are kept on a leash at all times to ensure the safety of wildlife and other visitors.
Bringing your pet along means you can share the beauty of Rifle Gap with them, whether you're hiking the trails or enjoying a lazy afternoon by the water.
Just make sure to follow the park's pet policies, including cleaning up after your pet and keeping them under control, so that everyone can enjoy a pleasant and respectful outdoor experience.
overall Rating of Pet Amenities at Rifle Gap State Park
(2.5/5 Stars)
Overall, it is pretty standard for pets. There are a few dog waste bag stations and trails.
However, there is no "dog park" or specified area for dogs, like I've seen in other campgrounds.
Is Rifle Gap State Park Big Rig Friendly?
Rifle Gap State Park is indeed big rig friendly, accommodating larger RVs and motorhomes with ease…but it isn’t the best.
I must admit that I was a bit worried looking at the photos, yet I just popped my 42’ rig in there with ease! Well, I accidentally backed it into the wrong spot at first, but then I hit the right spot and was good to go.
The campgrounds are designed with spacious sites that can handle vehicles of various sizes. I also appreciate all of the pull through options.
I would just check the state park website on the max vehicle length as some of the spots (even pull throughs) looked a little tight.
Luckily, they do have ample parking spaces if your car does not fit on the spot itself.
Things to Keep in Mind if You Have a Big Rig at Rifle Gap State Park
I do have some tiny complaints in regard to larger rigs - the signs aren’t great for the entrance and they come up fast. It’s a little confusing with the difference between Rifle Gap and Rifle Falls if it is your first time.
Rifle Gap State Park is a little bit in the middle of nowhere and I may or may not have been sweating a bit driving on the tight roads to get to this park. Of course, I had a car tailgating me the entire way and didn’t have enough time to read the sign properly.
This lead to me missing my turn. There was no where to turn around in my massive rig and no service to reroute me. In a big rig, this equals death (just kidding…kinda).
The road also narrows at several points within the park itself, making it a little scary coming around tight turns with a larger RV.
The dump station is also inconviently placed if you are in the Cottonwood Loop, meaning you will have to use one of the other camping loops to turn around. You might be able to make the tight left turn, but I didn’t want to risk it for the biscuit.
Overall Rating for Big Rigs at Rifle State Park
(2.5/5 Stars)
Although there are spaces for big rigs, I could see several situations going south quickly for big rigs.
So, although I think that it is indeed possible, I would advise you to be very comfortable with a larger vehicle before attempting Rifle Gap State Park.
Honestly, I think you will be fine as long as you prepare ahead of time and you don't suck at driving your house around.
Type of Hookup at Rifle Gap State Park
When it comes to hookups, Rifle Gap State Park offers a variety of options to suit different camping needs.
It is important to note that each campsite has different hookup needs. They are as follows:
- Lakeview Campground: Sites #9-36 & #47-54 are full hookup! Sites #37-46 are walkin tent sites only.
- Cottonwood Campground: Sites #1-8 are electric and water only.
- Cedar Campground: Sites #55-69 are electric only.
- Pinon Campground: Sites #85-89 are basic.
- Sage Campground: Sites #70-84 are basic.
While sewer hookups aren’t available directly at most campsites, the park does provide a dump station for visitors to use.
Note that the majority of electrical sites have 50 amp capacity.
Overall Rating of the Hookups
(2/5 Stars)
The hookup situation varies on campsite, which may make it a little confusion for some campers.
The only full hookup section available is in the Lakeview Campground, which makes it tricky for full-timers or those looking to say longer.
Fortunately, some campers might like "roughing it". Some campers might like "glamping". Rifle Gap can accommodate both types of campers and those in between.
Things to do Near Rifle Gap State Park
Beyond the boundaries of Rifle Gap State Park, there are plenty of exciting activities and attractions to explore.
Rifle Falls
Located about 8 minutes away, Rifle Falls State Park waits for all of you waterfall lovers.
I looked up this waterfall beforehand and thought to myself, “Surely it can’t look like that!”.
Newsflash: it did. Just a short walk from the parking area lies three waterfalls that are over 70 feet tall! There are trails all over the park that gives you unique perspectives of this natural wonder, plus limestone caves to explore.
It is no wonder why it is so popular! I didn’t even feel like I was in Colorado!
Seriously, stop reading this article and just GO! It is absolutely stunning.
Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs, famous for its hot springs and adventure activities, is about a 45 minute drive away.
Here, you can soak in natural mineral waters or enjoy hiking and biking trails along the Colorado River.
I love Glenwood Springs, so if this is on your adventure list, I would highly recommend checking out the Glenwood Springs Bucket List or listening to the podcast👇
Hanging Lake
If you are down for about an hour drive, hiking Hanging Lake is a Colorado must-do! People drive from all around Colorado to get a taste of this epic hike.
Not going to lie, it is popular and crowded. However, it is still one of my favorite hikes in Colorado.
Hanging Lake itself is like something straight out of a fairy novel and the impressive Sprouting Rock above it will satisfy any adventurer.
Maroon Bells
For those seeking even more scenic beauty, a visit to the Maroon Bells is a must.
Known for their iconic twin peaks, the Maroon Bells offer breathtaking vistas and a network of trails perfect for hiking and photography.
It is a bit of a drive, but a non-negotiable bucket list check off for any hiking enthusiast.
Overall Rating of Location of rifle Gap State Park
(4/5 Stars)
The location itself is an amazing getaway! Plus, it has great proximity to Rifle Falls.
It does offer access to other iconic Colorado locations, but they are a bit of a drive.
It is about a 3 hour drive from Denver.
Read More - Full Colorado Bucket List From a Local
Drawbacks of Rifle Gap State Park
While Rifle Gap State Park is a delightful destination, like any park, there are areas that could benefit from improvement.
Some visitors have noted that the limited number of full hookups can be a drawback for those seeking more convenience during longer stays.
Expanding these facilities could enhance the camping experience for RV full-timers like myself. I would have certainly loved some laundry capabilities.
Additionally, increased signage within the park, especially at the entrance, could help visitors better navigate trails and locate key points of interest.
As mentioned before, I nearly had a heart attack making a U-Turn in my fifth wheel after I missed the turn.
Plus, the roads are narrow within the park itself.
Overall, I would recommend being very comfortable if you operate a larger vehicle before tackling Rifle Gap State Park.
Despite these minor areas for improvement, the overall experience at Rifle Gap remains highly positive, with its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere making up for any shortcomings.
Would I Recommend Rifle Gap State Park?
I would recommend it to adventurers who want to go off the beaten track and be totally surrounded by nature.
Also, it is a must-do for those who love water activities: boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, and waterfalls!
It's less-crowded setting makes it a perfect escape for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the hustle and bustle often found in more popular destinations.
This is truly the definition of an “outdoor escape”.
Whether you’re an RVer exploring Colorado, a camper seeking solitude, or a nature lover eager to uncover hidden treasures, this park promises a rewarding and memorable experience.
For those ready to discover the beauty of Colorado’s hidden gems, Rifle Gap State Park awaits.
Pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare to be captivated by all this remarkable park has to offer.
