Paonia State Park

Closed — Closed for the season from October 1 to May 1. Reopens May 1, 2025.

About

Paonia State Park sits at 6,500 feet elevation in a narrow canyon beneath the majestic Ragged Mountains, surrounded by the Gunnison National Forest. The park centers around a 334-acre reservoir on the North Fork Gunnison River, offering a picturesque alpine escape for camping and outdoor recreation. The 1,857-acre park has been administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife since 1965, following the dam's construction in 1960. The park features 20 campsites spread across its campgrounds, with Spruce Campground situated among towering blue spruce right next to a stream. Seven campsites at Anthracite Campground offer electric hookups. All sites include picnic tables and fire rings. The reservoir provides opportunities for boating and water skiing during summer months, while fishing is available both in the reservoir and in streams below the dam. The diverse landscape showcases conifer and aspen forests, Gambel oak shrublands, and two major geologic formations from the Cretaceous and Paleocene periods. Wildlife viewing is excellent, with mule deer and elk commonly spotted, especially during winter when the park serves as their winter range. The park attracts a variety of migratory and resident birds, including raptors, waterfowl, and shorebirds.

Directions

Located approximately 16 miles northeast of Paonia on State Highway 133. From Glenwood Springs, take Colorado Highway 82 south to Carbondale, then south and southwest on Colorado Highway 133 for 46 miles to the park.

Nearby Campgrounds