The best camping near Yampa River State Park

Stretching for 134 miles along the Yampa River, this state park attracts boaters, hunters, anglers, and whitewater rafters, particularly in the warm summer months. There are 12 river access points in the park, seven of which have boat ramps, plus a handful of primitive camping areas. The developed Headquarters campground is set right by the visitor center near Hayden, Colorado. Overnight options include a mix of drive-in electric sites suitable for RVs, and walk-in tent sites, plus a couple of tipis. Other facilities include a dump station, coin-operated showers, and laundry facilities.

1. Campsites and tipis at Headquarters can be reserved through Colorado Parks and Wildlife online reservation system or over the phone.
2. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
3. If you can't get a reservation at Yampa, enquire about one of the four primitive camping sites available along the river—these are located 12 to 32 miles away from the Headquarters campground.
4. More camping is also available at Elkhead Reservoir State Park, Moffat County's Loudy Simpson Park, and at privately owned Hip camps in the area.

Yampa River State Park is best visited from May through September, when the weather is generally warm and pleasant; just be aware that low water levels in late summer can lead to voluntary fishing closures. The campground at Headquarters usually stops taking reservations around the beginning of November, depending on hunting season, although the water supply is sometimes cut off earlier if temperatures drop too low. The campground generally reopens for the year by Memorial Day Weekend, or earlier if the weather is hot enough.

• You can fill up your gas tank and pick up basic supplies in the town of Hayden, a five-minute drive from the Headquarters campground.
• There's a Visitor Center with a bookstore and a nature trail with an observation deck near the Headquarters campground.
• During periods of high fire risk, the use of campfires and charcoal grills may be restricted or prohibited. The segment of the Yampa River that flows through the park offers mostly Class I and II rapids, though there are some Class III-V rapids in stretches.
• Parking fees are not included in the price of camping reservations.  Daily and annual parking passes are available for purchase online or in person.