Ridgway State Park

The Beaver Lodge yurt with railings and a bench

A camper sits outside a yurt at a picnic table while another camper enters the yurt.

"Secret Creek" Yurt with cement walkway, patio, picnic table, grill and fire pit

"Secret Creek" yurt inside showing skylight, ceiling fan, table, chairs, futon, gas fire place and bunk beds

Yurt interior showing table, chairs, bunk beds, futon, small refrigerator and microwave

Know Before You Go

Yurt Amenities

Yurts are a unique, round tent set on a sturdy wooden frame, offering a delightful alternative to traditional camping. Ridgway features three inviting yurts, each thoughtfully appointed with a screened skylight and windows for abundant natural light. Inside, you'll find comfortable furnishings including one set of bunk beds and two queen-size futons, accommodating up to six people. All beds include mattresses, but please remember to bring your own bedding, such as sleeping bags, sheets, blankets, and pillows. For your convenience, all three yurts have air conditioning for summer months and are heated for cooler times. Yurts also include small refrigerators and microwaves, as well as outdoor grilling areas, ensuring a cozy and comfortable experience year-round.

Amenities include:

• Deck
• Outdoor grill
• Fire ring
• Picnic table
• Water hydrant
• Dumpster
• 30 amp electrical hook-up
• Outlets and ceiling light
• Small refrigerator and microwave
• One twin-size bunk bed
• Two queen-size futons
• Gas fire place
• Free showers
• Seasonal coin-operated laundry facilities

What to Bring

To make your yurt stay at Ridgway State Park as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, it's helpful to come prepared with a few essential items. While our yurts offer many conveniences like mattresses, heating, and basic appliances, packing the right gear will ensure you have everything you need for a memorable outdoor adventure.

• Bedding: Sleeping bags, sheets, blankets, and pillows (mattresses are provided, but no linens)
• Cooking & Food Supplies: Food, trash bags, coolers, paper products, dish soap, all utensils, camp stove and fuel, firewood, matches, and charcoal (for outdoor grilling)
• Water: Water containers (drinking water is available near the yurts year-round)
• Restroom & Personal Care: Toilet articles, first aid supplies, sunscreen, towels
• Electronics & Lighting: Electrical devices, charging cords, flashlights and lanterns, extra batteries (for nighttime use outdoors)
• Seating: Lawn chairs, camp chairs (for outdoor use)
• Parking: Daily park pass for each vehicle that does not have a valid annual park pass
• Pets (Yurts 12 and 14 ONLY): Collar/tags, 6-foot or shorter leash, bowls, food, medications, pet waste bags

Occupancy and Duration

To ensure a pleasant and respectful experience for all, please be aware of our essential camping regulations for yurts. Check-in time for your yurt is at 4:00 p.m. on your arrival day, and check-out is by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on your departure day. Early check-in will not be permitted. Quiet hours are observed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to allow everyone peaceful rest. A reservation and park pass are required for each day of your stay, and yurts are for lodging only. Please note that each yurt allows a maximum of six people and two motorized vehicles. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these regulations, which help preserve the beauty and tranquility of the park for generations to come. For comprehensive information on all park regulations, please visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations page.

Pet Policy

For the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, and to protect the natural environment, please remember that all dogs and pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet and under control at all times. If you are staying in a yurt, please note that pets are allowed inside Yurts 12 and 14 only, for a required pet fee of $10 per night. Pets are strictly prohibited in Yurt 10. We kindly ask all pet handlers to immediately collect and properly dispose of all pet waste. Numerous pet waste stations, with eco-friendly waste bags, and trash receptacles are conveniently located throughout the park for your use. While we appreciate you picking up after your pet, please ensure waste bags are disposed of properly in a trash receptacle and not left on trails, picnic tables, or elsewhere in the park. Failure to control a pet or properly dispose of waste may result in a citation or eviction from the park. Your cooperation helps keep Ridgway State Park safe and beautiful for everyone! For information on park regulations, visit the Parks and Outdoor Recreation Lands regulations.

Staying During Winter

Imagine escaping to a cozy, heated yurt surrounded by the serene beauty of a snow-covered landscape at Ridgway State Park this winter. The yurts offer a unique and comfortable way to experience the quiet magic of the colder months, perfect for those new to winter camping or looking for a memorable retreat. Not only will you enjoy a warm and inviting base, but you'll also be perfectly positioned to explore a variety of local winter activities, from invigorating adventures to relaxing dips in nearby hot springs.

Here's what you can expect during your winter yurt stay and a list of amenities to help you prepare:

• Deck
• Outdoor grill
• Fire ring
• Picnic table
• Water hydrant
• Dumpster
• 30 amp electrical hook-up
• Outlets and ceiling light
• Small refrigerator and microwave
• One twin-size bunk bed
• Two queen-size futons
• Gas fire place
• Free heated showers and restroom facilities

Ridgway yurt in winter, also showing picnic table, grill and cleared ramp

• Track & Grit Freedom Chairs (all-terrain wheelchair)

Explore the beauty of Ridgway and retire to a picturesque setting for a leisurely picnic. There are 87 picnicking sites located throughout the park, including some near the swim beach and playgrounds. Additionally, Ridgway State Park offers designated group picnic areas and venues for larger gatherings. Many picnicking sites are universally accessible and offer the comforts of shade shelters, BBQ grills, restrooms, and nearby drinking-water hydrants.

At Ridgway, we believe everyone should have the chance to experience the beauty of nature. Visitors of all abilities can easily enjoy the beautiful surroundings with accessible facilities and equipment that can be borrowed for land and water access. Some of the facilities include: accessible viewing scopes, ADA accessible campsites and yurts, accessible restrooms, paved surfaces and walkways, ramps, showers, picnic tables, and BBQs. There are universally picnic sites with accessible with amenities such as shade shelters, picnic tables, BBQ grills, paved surfaces, parking spots, restrooms, and nearby drinking-water hydrants. Equipment is available such as Track Chairs and a Grit Freedom Chair, designed to help visitors with mobility impairments explore the trails and enjoy the reservoir.

Reserve Accessible Gear through the Lakefront Lending Locker

Ridgway State Park offers designated ADA accessible campsites, including RV sites and walk-in campsites, across all three sections of the park: Elk Ridge, Dakota Terraces, and Pa-Co-Chu-Puk. Additionally, two of the park's yurts are accessible. Accessible camping and yurts are equipped with features like accessible restrooms, paved surfaces and walkways, ramps, showers, picnic tables, and BBQs. Reservations for these accessible campsites and yurts can only be made by calling 1-800-244-5613. Please note that a valid handicap placard must be displayed, and the placard owner must be present during the stay. For more information check out our park Camping & Lodging page.

Explore the beauty of Ridgway State Park and enjoy a leisurely picnic in one of the 87 picnicking sites located throughout the park, including some near the swim beach and playgrounds. These sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring there's a perfect spot for everyone. Many are universally accessible with amenities such as shade shelters, picnic tables, BBQ grills, paved surfaces, parking spots, restrooms, and nearby drinking-water hydrants. The park also offers universally accessible group picnic areas, group campgrounds, and venues for larger gatherings. For more information, see the Group and Event Space page.

Cast your line and reel in memories at Ridgway State Park's three fantastic fishing piers! Enjoy accessible, year-round angling opportunities at all three piers, including two excellent spots within Pa-Co-Chu-Puk — one along the picturesque Uncompahgre River just off the paved River Walk Trail and another at the serene Pericles fishing pond. The third pier is conveniently located near the boat ramp on the Fish Tale Trail. All three piers offer wheelchair accessible access, making them perfect for anglers of all abilities, offering a relaxing and rewarding experience amidst the stunning natural beauty of the park.

Ridgway State Park is proud to announce the addition of two accessible viewing scopes, designed to enhance the park experience for all visitors, especially those with color blindness. Located at the Visitor Center Overlook and the start of the Forest Discovery trail, these innovative viewers are wheelchair accessible and equipped with patented EnChroma lens technology. This groundbreaking technology enables individuals with red-green color blindness to perceive a broader and more vivid spectrum of colors in the natural landscape, transforming their appreciation of the park's stunning scenery. Immerse yourself in the vibrant hues of Ridgway State Park, from lush meadows to changing foliage, creating truly unforgettable and colorful memories.

Welcome to Ridgway State Park, a destination dedicated to ensuring everyone can experience the wonders of the outdoors! We are delighted to offer a range of accessibility equipment, including Track Chairs and a Grit Freedom Chair designed to help visitors with mobility impairments explore our beautiful trails and enjoy the reservoir.

We believe everyone should have the chance to experience the beauty of nature. That's why we offer "The Lakefront Lending Locker," our accessible equipment loaner program. Think of it like a library for outdoor gear designed to help people with mobility impairments enjoy the park to the fullest. We loan out specialized equipment, making adventures that might otherwise be challenging, easy and fun.

Grit Freedom Chair: If you're looking to explore beyond paved paths, the Grit Freedom Chair is a tough, all-terrain wheelchair built for adventure. This chair is ready to take you almost anywhere, from trails and grassy parks to the beach, allowing you to enjoy independence and quality time outdoors.

Action Track Chairs: To provide even greater access to our beautiful trails, the park offers Track Chair excursions. These motorized, all-terrain wheelchairs allow visitors with limited mobility to explore designated trails year-round. We have two Track Chairs that can take you on a guided hike along four scenic trails: the Forest Discovery trail, the Visitor Center Overlook, through Mears Bay, and Wapiti to the Sunset Ridge Overlook. Reservations for Track Chairs are highly recommended and can be made in advance for two-hour time blocks, though summer weekend availability can be limited.

You can reserve equipment through the Lakefront Lending Locker by using the Track Chair/Mobi-Chair Reservation Form or by calling the Blue Heron Marina directly at 970-318-9689.

A visitor using a track chair high fives a volunteer

Ridgway State Park offers a special mobility-impaired deer hunt during the second and third deer rifle seasons. This limited opportunity is designed for hunters with a valid Game Management Unit (GMU) 62 buck or doe tag and a Colorado Parks & Wildlife mobility-impaired accommodation permit that allows shooting from a vehicle. To further assist hunters, a Track Chair with a shooting rest is available for use. Park rangers accompany hunters at all times, and hunters are required to bring someone to assist with cleaning and processing harvested animals. Applications for this hunt are accepted by the park, and in cases of more than two qualified applicants per season, a drawing is held to select participants. For more information or to request an application, please contact the park at (970) 626-5822 or by email at [email protected].

You can also inquire about a loaner Grit Chair and make reservations for Track Chair excursions, both available year-round, to further enhance your park exploration. For more information, see the "Accessibility Equipment and Lakefront Lending Locker" accordion within the Land Activities for Visitors with Disabilities section above.

To further assist hunters, a Track Chair with a shooting rest is available for use. Park rangers accompany hunters at all times, and hunters are required to bring someone to assist with cleaning and processing harvested animals.

Ridgway State Park offers year-round camping with 253 sites available for RVs, trailers, and tent campers, including ADA-accessible and walk-in options. For those seeking a more secluded experience, there are also 25 dedicated walk-in tent sites.

Relax and unwind by a crackling campfire under a blanket of stars after a day exploring the Park. Our diverse campgrounds offer nearly 300 sites, ranging from basic walk-in tent sites to full 50-amp hookup sites, and even a large group campground. At a minimum all campsites are equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and BBQ grill, with many accessible sites ensuring everyone can enjoy a comfortable and memorable outdoor experience.

A reservation is required to camp at Ridgway State Park, and it’s easy to make one. Reservations can be made for campsites and yurts online at cpwshop.com or by phone at 1-800-244-5613. ADA designated campsites are available and must be reserved by phone at 1-800-244-5613. A valid handicap vehicle placard is required to reserve designated campsites and must be displayed in a vehicle while occupying the campsite.

• ADA-accessible campsites (Sites 236 and 280)
• ADA-accessible campsites (Sites 44, 46, 105, and 107)
• ADA-accessible campsites (Pa-Co-Chu-Puk H Loop site 281)

Experience the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cozy comfort with a stay in one of Ridgway State Park's charming yurts! These unique round tents offer a delightful alternative to traditional tent or RV camping, providing a comfortable way to immerse yourself in nature year-round. Ridgway features three inviting yurts, each thoughtfully appointed with a screened skylight and windows for abundant natural light and fresh air. Inside, you'll find comfortable furnishings including one set of bunk beds and two queen-size futons, accommodating up to six people for a memorable group or family getaway. For added convenience, all three yurts are heated and include small refrigerators and microwaves, as well as outdoor grilling areas. We are proud to offer Yurts 10 and 14 as universally accessible options, with a year-round accessible restroom conveniently located nearby. Book your yurt adventure today and discover a truly unique way to enjoy the beauty of Ridgway State Park!

Ridgway State Park offers a welcoming camping experience for visitors with mobility impairments, featuring designated accessible campsites and yurts across three campgrounds: Elk Ridge, Dakota Terraces, and Pa-Co-Chu-Puk. These sites are designed with accessibility in mind, providing features like accessible restrooms, shower buildings, picnic tables, and BBQs, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay amidst the park's beautiful natural setting.

You can only make reservations for designated ADA campsites by calling 1-800-244-5613. A valid disability vehicle placard is required and must be displayed in the vehicle while occupying the campsite. Yurt reservations may be made through our online reservation system.

Accessible facilities listed: Accessible Event Space Rental, Accessible Fishing Pier, Accessible Parking, Accessible Restrooms, Accessible Showers, Accessible Campsite, Accessible Yurt