Rifle Gap State Park
Overview
Rifle Gap State Park is a 1,341-acre park located just north of Rifle, Colorado, centered around a scenic 360-acre reservoir. It is a premier destination for year-round outdoor recreation, including boating, jet skiing, water skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and windsurfing during warmer months. The reservoir is famous for fishing, supporting populations of walleye, rainbow and brown trout, northern pike, bass, and yellow perch, as well as winter ice fishing. The park offers 89 campsites across multiple campgrounds accommodating both tents and RVs, complete with basic facilities, picnic areas, and a visitor center. Positioned along the Grand Hogback and near BLM public lands, Rifle Gap serves as an ideal base for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring nearby attractions like Rifle Falls State Park.
- Trails
- 4
- Viewpoints
- 18
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 46
Opening Hours
05:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Emergency SOS
Amenities Available
- Paved Parking Lots
Designated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Modern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Covered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
- Visitor / Ranger Station
Information hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
- Hiking & Nature Trails
Marked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
- Campgrounds
Tent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
- Swimming Areas / Beaches
Designated swim zones with seasonal lifeguard coverage. Daily water quality reports are posted at the entrance and online.
- Boat Launches / Marina
Paved boat ramps and courtesy docks for non-motorized and motorized watercraft. Fees apply at many parks; annual launch permits available.
- Swimming
Required Permits
Colorado State Parks Pass / Daily Vehicle PassRequired
A valid Colorado State Parks Pass or Daily Vehicle Pass is required for all vehicles entering Rifle Gap State Park. Passes can be purchased at the park entrance kiosk or online.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Always wear a life jacket (PFD) during water activities and check ice thickness before ice fishing.
- Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and bear-resistant food storage as wildlife is active in the area.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Multi use Trail (Foot/Bicycle/Horse)
Multi use Trail (Foot/Bicycle/Horse)
Multi use Trail (Foot/Bicycle/Horse)
Multi use Trail (Foot/Bicycle/Horse)
Nearby Viewpoints
Dam
0.1 mi
Picnic Area
0.1 mi
Picnic Area
0.2 mi
Boat Ramp
0.2 mi
Picnic Area
0.4 mi
Campground Tent
0.4 mi
Campground - RV
RV Campground
0.5 mi
Picnic Area
0.6 mi
Beach Area
Swimming
0.7 mi
Picnic Area
0.7 mi
Picnic Area
0.7 mi
Picnic Area Group
0.8 mi
Campground - RV
RV Campground
0.8 mi
Campground RV
RV Campground
0.8 mi
Picnic Area
0.8 mi
Campground Tent
0.8 mi
Picnic Area
0.9 mi
Picnic Area
1.0 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Rifle Gap State Park?
Rifle Gap State Park is open every day from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Rifle Gap State Park?
Rifle Gap State Park is a 1,341-acre park located just north of Rifle, Colorado, centered around a scenic 360-acre reservoir.
Where is Rifle Gap State Park located?
Rifle Gap State Park is located in Rifle, Colorado, United States.
How many trails are there at Rifle Gap State Park?
Rifle Gap State Park has 4 mapped trails covering 3.9 miles in total. The longest is Multi use Trail (Foot/Bicycle/Horse) at 1.6 miles.
What is there to see at Rifle Gap State Park?
Places to see at Rifle Gap State Park include Beach Area and ADA Fishing Access.
What facilities are available at Rifle Gap State Park?
Facilities at Rifle Gap State Park include Boat Launches / Marina, Campgrounds, Hiking & Nature Trails, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters, Restrooms / Flush Toilets, Swimming, Swimming Areas / Beaches and 1 more.
Is there parking at Rifle Gap State Park?
Yes, Rifle Gap State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Rifle Gap State Park?
Yes, Rifle Gap State Park has 5 campsites marked on its map, including Campground - RV and Campground RV.
How can I contact Rifle Gap State Park?
You can contact Rifle Gap State Park by email at rifle.gap.park@state.co.us or by phone at +19706251607.
What safety tips should visitors to Rifle Gap State Park know?
Always wear a life jacket (PFD) during water activities and check ice thickness before ice fishing. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and bear-resistant food storage as wildlife is active in the area.
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