Paonia State Park
Closed — Closed for the season from October 1 to May 1. Reopens May 1, 2025.
Avalanche Watch issued February 15 at 4:23PM MST by NWS Denver CO
AVABOU THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE COLORADO AVALANCHE INFORMATION CENTER. ...AVALANCHE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TUESDAY TO 5 PM FRIDAY... *WHAT...Heavy snow and strong winds will result in HIGH (4 of 5) avalanche danger. *WHERE...The West Elk and Elk Mountains. *WHEN...Expect very dangerous avalanche conditions to begin Tuesday morning and last through Friday. *IMPACTS...Large and dangerous avalanches will be easy to trigger. Large avalanches will run naturally. *PRECAUTION/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Travel in backcountry avalanche terrain is not recommended from Tuesday through Friday. Avoid travel on and under slopes with a slope angle steeper than about 30 degrees. You can find more detailed information at colorado.gov/avalanche
Winter Storm Warning issued February 15 at 12:21PM MST until February 19 at 5:00AM MST by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 8 and 16 inches with locally higher amounts possible. Winds gusting as high as 70 mph. * WHERE...Grand and Battlement Mesas and West Elk and Sawatch Mountains. * WHEN...From 11 PM Monday to 5 AM MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Blowing snow may result in near zero visibility at times. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes. Strong winds could cause tree damage.
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
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $18 - $36 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 70ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 921-5721 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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