Radium Recreation Area

Summary

The Radium Recreation Area offers developed camping and river access near the Colorado River and is part of the Upper Colorado River SRMA. It features 16 single campsites, 2 group sites, day use parking, 3 day use shade structures, 2 boat ramp sites and 9 vault toilets. It is popular for fishing and floatboating and also offers ample opportunities for picnicking.

Overview

The Radium Recreation Area is part of the Upper Colorado River Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA), providing opportunities for developed camping and river access. With over 100,000 annual visitors the sites facilities include 2 developed boat ramp sites, 9 vault toilets, day use and overnight parking, 16 single campsites and 2 Group Campsites and 3 day use shade structures. There is no potable water provided at this area. The area is used by visitors to access the river for floatboating and fishing opportunities. 

Recreation

Recreation opportunities include river access for fishing and floatboating. On-site picnic shelters provide visitors with opportunities to a covered area for relaxing and picnicking.

Note – Radium Warm Springs Access:

There are no designated trails from this area and there is no designated access to the Radium Warm Springs. Parking is not permitted along the narrow Radium Road between the Radium Recreation Area and Trough Road to ensure safe passage of vehicles and ensure clear passage for Emergency Vehicles when needed. Please respect the social trail closures and restoration conducted on BLM managed lands along Radium Road that protect area wildlife habitat including area Big Horn Sheep.

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Mugrage Site along Radium Road, including the restroom and social trail that accessed the Radium Warm Springs within the Radium State Wildlife Area, is closed for the protection of this important habitat.

The BLM is looking at a potential future designated and developed trail from the Radium Recreation Area. 

Until a trail alignment along Radium Road is developed it is recommended that the easiest and safest way to access the Radium Warm Springs from Radium Recreation Area is to drive to Warm Springs Road 1.5 northeast along Trough Road. Follow the directional sign located at the intersection of Radium Road and Trough Road. A parking area and trailhead at the end of Warm Springs Road provides access to the Radium Warm Springs via the Warm Springs Trail open to foot travel only, or the Ol’ Warm Springs Trail which is open to Foot, Horse, Bicycle and eBike travel. 

Facilities

Each campsite has parking that depends on the campsite, a picnic table, a fire ring, and close proximity to a vault toilet and trash receptacles. Campsites 1-4 are walk-in sites and has parking for one vehicle. Campsites 5-13 have pull through parking areas and can typically fit one to two vehicles and trailers depending on length. Campsites 14-16 have pull in parking and is 30 feet in length or less. Additional vehicles not fitting within a campsites designated parking must park in the general parking areas.

There are no electric hook-ups and cell service non-existent without a booster.

There are two boat ramps with restrooms. 

Natural Features

The Radium Recreation Area is adjacent to the Colorado River next to the small town of Radium. The scenery within the area is a major component to the adjacent Colorado Headwaters National Scenic and Historic Byway and are important features that make this stretch of river Wild and Scenic Eligible.

Nearby Attractions

The town of Kremmling, CO is approximately 20 miles east from Radium Recreation Area where visitors can get supplies.

Rancho Del Rio – a private resort along the Colorado river, has a small store with supplies and is a river access point for those recreating on the river. Rancho Del Rio is located approximately 6 miles west along Trough Road.

Trough Road, which accesses the BLM Recreation Areas and Rancho Del Rio (private river access – fee site) is the Colorado Headwaters National Scenic and Historic Byway. Originating just east of Grand Lake on Highway 34, the byway ends at State Bridge.