Ridgway State Park is one of those Colorado gems that keeps us coming back year after year. Located on Colorado’s Western Slope between Montrose and Ouray, this family-friendly campground offers beautiful mountain views, a reservoir for water activities, miles of trails, and plenty of opportunities for kids to play and explore.
Our family has camped here many times, and it has become one of our favorite places for a weekend getaway. Whether we’re paddleboarding on the reservoir, biking into town, building sandcastles at the swim beach, or relaxing around the campfire, there is always something fun to do.
If you’re planning a camping trip to Ridgway State Park, here are some of our favorite family activities.
Bike from Ridgway State Park to Town
One of our favorite things to do is ride bikes between the Ridgway State Park Day Use Area and downtown Ridgway. The paved trail is approximately 3.5 miles each way and follows Ridgway Reservoir before winding alongside a creek and through open green spaces. The route includes a few gentle hills, but our 6-year-old was able to complete the ride without any problems.
One thing to note is that there is no direct bike path from the campground to the Day Use Area. We typically load up our bikes and drive to the Day Use Area before starting our ride. However, our parents who had e-bikes left straight from our campsite.
The Day Use Area has restrooms, picnic areas, and plenty of space for kids to burn off energy while everyone gets ready. Along the ride, you’ll cross a historic-looking bridge and enjoy some of the prettiest scenery in the park.
Once you arrive in Ridgway, you’ll find a dirt pump track that is perfect for kids who still have energy to spare. There is also a library nearby and a shaded community park that makes a great place to cool down on a hot summer day.
Let the Kids Play at Ridgway Playground
The Ridgway Playground is one of our kids’ favorite stops in town because there is something for everyone.
For the little musicians, there are outdoor instruments where kids can make all kinds of joyful noise. There is a large play structure with slides and plenty of ways to climb, plus swings and monkey bars that our daughter could spend hours on.
One feature that has disappeared from many parks but still lives on in Ridgway is the classic merry-go-round. It’s a metal platform that kids stand or sit on while someone spins it faster and faster. My son loves it and would gladly spin until closing time if we let him.
Parents will appreciate the picnic tables, benches, and shady grass nearby. Bring a blanket, relax under the trees, and see if you can spot any birds overhead. We even searched for a nearby geocache during our visit, although we never managed to find it.
Explore Downtown Ridgway
One of the reasons we love camping at Ridgway State Park is how easy it is to bike into downtown Ridgway. The town is small, walkable, and full of family-friendly stops.
When hunger strikes, there are several great restaurants to choose from including True Grit Cafe, Taco Del Gnar, and Maven Local Eatery. Our family’s favorite is Eatery 66. It’s kid-friendly, dog-friendly, and always seems to have something on the menu for everyone. We especially enjoy the outdoor seating where you can relax and take in the mountain views after a bike ride or day on the water.
No visit to Ridgway is complete without a stop at Cafe Ridgway A La Mode for ice cream. The kids always order theirs with sprinkles, while I’m usually tempted by one of their unique flavors. Depending on the day, you might find huckleberry, rainbow sherbet, or a small-batch specialty flavor.
If you need a break from the sun, the Ridgway Library is a great place to cool off. Our kids enjoy browsing the children’s section, and it’s a nice quiet stop before heading back to the campground.
Just across from the town park, you’ll also find the Ridgway Railway Museum. Families can explore the museum grounds and even take a free train ride on the short half-mile track. It’s a fun piece of local history and a great way to round out your day in town.
Play in the Water: Swim Beach, SUP, & Floating
On hot summer days, getting into the water is a must. Ridgway Reservoir offers several ways to cool off depending on whether you want a sandy beach, a quiet shoreline for paddleboarding, or a place to float and relax.
Ridgway State Park (Swim Beach) – This is located at the Dutch Charlie entrance and is the main beach and boat launch area. It is probably the most crowded part of the park because of the amenities and nearby camping, but it is also one of the easiest places to spend the day. The beach has sand for kids to play in, or you can set up farther back in the grass. There are buoys that section off the swimming area, which makes it feel a little safer for kids. Nearby, there are bathrooms, a snack shack, and a rental shop. There is also an amazing playground and a giant slide that goes from the parking lot down to the beach, which is super fun for the kids. While you aren’t supposed to launch watercraft from inside the swim beach area, there are sections to the right and left of the buoys where you can launch a paddleboard or kayak. If you bring a boat, there is a dedicated boat ramp and you can rent a slip or buoy. They also rent pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, and more. If you want a relaxing day at a sandy beach with easy access to rentals and amenities, this is the way to go.
Ridgway State Park (Day Use Area) – The Day Use Area near the southern entrance offers a completely different experience depending on water levels. In June 2026 the lake was full, so you didn’t have far to drive and some of the shore line has grass and trees. However, when the lake is emptier, you will need to drive out across the mud to reach the water. Either way, the shoreline is vast, so you are able to find a spot for your family even on the busiest of days. The kids will be playing in mud, so bring clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and possibly stained. It’s easy to launch your kayak or paddleboards from this area. If you plan to stay for several hours, it’s recommended you bring a shade structure as it can get hot and the restrooms aren’t close by. You can also access the river portion that feeds into the lake. It’s a perfect spot for fishing, but the banks are a bit steep.
Floating the River – One of the most unique activities near Ridgway State Park is floating the Uncompahgre River from downtown Ridgway to the reservoir. When you drive into town, you’ll cross a bridge over the river, which serves as a popular launch point for tubers, paddleboarders, and kayakers. Before heading out, you’ll need to shuttle vehicles. We recommend leaving one vehicle at your take-out point near Ridgway State Park and then driving a second vehicle back to town to launch. There is also a shop near the bridge that rents tubes if you don’t have your own. If you’re floating in a tube, it’s generally recommended that you exit the river before reaching Ridgway State Park. However, if you’re on a paddleboard or kayak with paddles, you can continue all the way into Ridgway Reservoir. As with any river activity, be sure to check current water levels and flow conditions before heading out, as floating may not be possible during certain times of the year.
Camping in Ridgway
Ridgway State Park is one of the most popular campgrounds on Colorado’s Western Slope, and for good reason. The park sits along Ridgway Reservoir with beautiful views of the San Juan Mountains and offers easy access to swimming, paddleboarding, boating, biking, hiking, and fishing.
The campground is divided into three main camping areas: Elk Ridge, Dakota Terraces, and Pa-Co-Chu-Puk. All three campgrounds offer electrical hookups, firewood and ice for purchase, and complimentary metal hammock stands since you cannot attach anything to trees. Pa-Co-Chu-Puk is the only campground that also offers full hook-up sites.Choosing the right campground can make a big difference depending on your camping style, RV size, and the activities you plan to do during your stay.
Here’s a breakdown of each camping area and who it’s best suited for.
- Elk Ridge – This is our favorite section because of the large pinyon pines that provide shade and privacy. There is a playground for kids, along with restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Several nearby trails lead to overlooks with outstanding views of Ridgway Reservoir and the surrounding mountains. The biggest downside is that Elk Ridge sits at the top of the hill and is the farthest campground from the water, so you’ll likely want to drive if you’re heading to the beach or launching a paddleboard.
- Dakota Terrace – Located closest to Ridgway Reservoir and the swim beach, this campground is ideal if you plan to spend most of your time on the water. The campground consists of three loops that are fairly similar. There is a small playground near the entrance to B Loop, along with restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Several trails connect to the campground, making it easy to go for a short hike without driving. Most campsites have man-made shade structures, but there are very few trees, so it can get hot during the summer months. We stayed in B Loop and loved being able to ride our bikes to the swim beach and playground. Just keep in mind that it’s a bit of an uphill ride back to camp and not stroller-friendly. Water fill and dump stations are conveniently located near the campground entrance.
- Pa-Co-Chu-Puk – Located below the dam at the park’s north entrance, this campground offers river access instead of reservoir access. It is the only campground with full hook-up sites and tends to be popular with larger RVs and longer-term campers. There are two small playgrounds, but both are a bit of a walk from many of the campsites. The sites along the river offer some shade, but the riverbanks can be steep in places, which may be a concern for families with young children. There is a group site available for rent which includes volleyball, horseshoe pits, playground, and shaded picnic tables. It would make a great wedding or family reunion venue. Water fill and dump stations are conveniently located near the campground entrance. We know several older couples who love this section, but for our family, it is our least favorite campground for camping with kids.
Best Campsites in Ridway State Park
Best Lake View Campsites
Elk Ridge Site #82 – This is one of the most balanced campsites in the park. It offers beautiful reservoir views through the trees, plenty of shade, and enough space that you don’t feel like you’re camping right on top of your neighbors. If we were booking Elk Ridge, this would be near the top of our list.
Dakota Terrace Site #64 or #66 – These sites offer some of the best unobstructed views of Ridgway Reservoir. The tradeoff is that there are very few trees, so you’ll be relying on the campground’s shade structure rather than natural shade. They are also located near the dirt trail that provides quick access to the swim beach.
Best Campsites for Families with Kids
Elk Ridge Site #134 or #136 – These sites back directly to the playground, making them ideal for families with younger children. Parents can keep an eye on the kids from camp while enjoying plenty of shade and minimal traffic. The restrooms and showers are also just a short walk away.
Dakota Terrace Site #47 – Located in B Loop, this site sits next to the playground and is close to the laundry room, showers, restrooms, and trash facilities. It also offers some reservoir views and electrical hookups, making it a convenient choice for families.
Best Tent Campsite
Elk Ridge Site #151 – If you’re looking for a true tent camping experience, this is hard to beat. The site feels more like a backcountry campsite than a traditional campground site, with incredible views. Amenities include a picnic table, bear-proof food locker, and two tent platforms. Because the parking area is separated from the campsite, you’ll need to carry your gear a short distance, though carts are available to help transport equipment. It doesn’t work well for van camping.
Best River/Fishing Access Sites
Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Site #257 – This is one of the most private campsites in the park, tucked near the end of the loop with mature trees for shade and privacy. A steep trail behind the campsite leads down to the Uncompahgre River, making it a great option for fishing or spending time near the water.
Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Site #273, #274, or #276– These sites back directly to the river and offer more usable space than many of the other riverfront sites. They are also farther from Highway 550, which helps reduce road noise. An added bonus is their proximity to the Community Services Building, where you’ll find showers, laundry facilities, and other campground amenities.
Final Thoughts
Ridgway State Park has become one of our favorite Colorado camping destinations because it offers something for everyone in the family. Whether we’re biking into town, spending the day at the swim beach, paddleboarding on the reservoir, floating the river, or simply relaxing around a campfire, there is always another adventure waiting.
What we love most is the variety. You can spend the morning on the water, the afternoon exploring downtown Ridgway, and the evening watching the sunset over the San Juan Mountains without ever leaving the park.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly campground with beautiful scenery, plenty of activities, and easy access to both nature and town, Ridgway State Park is hard to beat.
Have you camped at Ridgway State Park? We’d love to hear about your favorite campsites, activities, or hidden gems in the comments below.
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