Rifle Falls State Park
Open year-round with no current closures. Walk-in tent sites and electric sites remain available through winter at limited capacity. Reservations required via cpwshop.com up to 6 months in advance.
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 9 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
ESFGJT A strong low pressure system off the Pacific Coast will begin to draw in tropical moisture associated with Topical Storm Rachel this weekend. This strong southerly fetch will draw anomalously high moisture content across the Desert Southwest and into eastern Utah and western Colorado. The chance for widespread precipitation increases Saturday evening into Sunday. Total precipitation forecasts range from 1 to 3 inches across high terrain, with highest amounts favoring the Uintas, Tavaputs and the Southwest San Juan mountains. Embedded thunderstorms are also possible Sunday afternoon, increasing the threat for flash flooding across vulnerable terrain. While confidence in location and rainfall rates remain low at this time, the potential for rapidly rising rivers, streams, normally dry arroyos and slot canyons are possible Sunday through Monday. Please follow the evolving forecast, especially if your plans including recreating or commuting across eastern Utah and western Colorado Sunday onward. Also, keep in mind weather potential above your location and upstream, particularly for those who reside below sensitive terrain like recent burn scars.
About
Rifle Falls State Park campground sits along East Rifle Creek at the base of one of Colorado's most picturesque waterfalls. The 20 campsites split between 13 drive-in sites and 7 walk-in tent sites positioned closer to the creek. Every site comes equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear-proof food storage box, with electric hookups available at many of the drive-in sites. The park's centerpiece is a dramatic 70-foot triple waterfall cascading over travertine limestone formations. Behind and around the falls, limestone caves offer easy exploration opportunities. The lush microclimate created by the falls supports unusual vegetation including mosses, ferns, and wildflowers rarely seen elsewhere in western Colorado. Beyond the falls, the park provides access to fishing on East Rifle Creek (stocked with rainbow trout) and connects to hiking trails. The nearby Rifle Gap State Park shares a visitor center and offers additional amenities including showers and a dump station for those needing full-service facilities.
Directions
From I-70, take exit 90 toward Rifle. Head north on CO Highway 13 for four miles through town, then turn right onto Highway 325 and continue 9.8 miles.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $28 - $36 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 49ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 625-1607 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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