RIFLE — The clean, clear waters of Rifle Gap State Park’s 350-acre reservoir provide some of the best boating, fishing, swimming, water-skiing and windsurfing in Colorado.
The long, narrow reservoir is inviting to water-skiers, jet-skiers and power boaters. Rifle Gap often has good conditions for sailing and windsurfing. The beach on the west side of the reservoir is popular for its swimming Rifle Gap anglers catch rainbow and German brown trout, walleye, pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass and yellow perch.
Campsites
The popular campsites at Rifle Gap are spread out along the northern shore of the reservoir. Campers like Rifle Gap’s campgrounds for their wide-open sites, breath taking views of the reservoir, and spectacular mountain vistas.
To get the most out of the camping adventure, guests should plan early; sites fill quickly. Visit our online reservations site to make a reservation at Rifle Gap State Park today!
Rifle Gap State Park has five camping loops, Cottonwood, Lakeview, Cedar, Sage and Pinion, providing 89 campsites.
Campground users must have a camping permit and a parks entrance pass. Please camp only in constructed sites, and display the camp permit in the plastic holder at the campsites. Campsites are available year-round, but reservations are only accepted for dates between May 1 and Oct. 31.
Dump Station
The holding tank dump station is available for all registered campers and is located across from the Cottonwood campground.
Education Programs
Fun and educational interpretive programs are presented at Rifle Gap State Park from May through September. They are free with your $6 daily parks pass or an annual parks pass. Average program length is 30 to 60 minutes. Please call the park office for detailed information on the programs at (970) 625-1607.
Rifle Gap State Park Nature
Elk, coyote, wild turkey, great-horned owls, great-blue herons and Canada geese depend on the reservoir to sustain life. A dry upland shrub community covers the hills throughout the park, and a diverse wetland, riparian and aquatic plant community surround the edges of the reservoir.
Boating
Boating is now available. There are two courtesy docks in the water at this time. Please use caution when launching. Buoys are now in the water. Please follow direction markers when water or jet skiing.
Rifle Gap State Park Fees
Parks passes: daily vehicle pass: $6; 2008 annual pass $60. Go to the Parks Pass Information page for more information or purchase your 2008 annual pass online now.
Camping Fees: Basic campsite: $14 per day; Electric campsite: $18 per day; Full hook-up campsite: $22 per day.
Group Facilities
Conference room in visitor center: $100 per day.
A group picnic facility is also available for weddings, family reunions, meetings, and other large group gatherings. The group picnic facility is available for rent for $98 per day.
Please contact the park office at (970) 625-1607 to ensure availability and information to reserve the area.
Visitor Center at Rifle Gap
The visitor center at Rifle Gap State Park also serves Harvey Gap and Rifle Falls State Parks. First aid, public restrooms, a pay phone, gift shop, fishing and ice conditions, boat and snowmobile registrations, Internet access and exhibits are all available there.
The conference room in the visitor center is available for rental for $100 per day. Please contact park staff at (970) 625-1607 for availability and information.
The visitor center is located at the east (main) entrance to the park.
The park office is located at 5775 Hwy. 325, Rifle, Colo. 81650. Office hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday and the weekend hours vary. Park hours are 5 a.m-10 p.m. with camping, boating or fishing 24 hours.
For more information, call (970) 625-1607, visit http://parks.state.co.us /Parks/RifleGap/ or e-mail [email protected].
