Five-Star Camping in Ridgeway, Colorado
One of the newest and most finely kept state parks in Colorado, the Ridgeway State Park is centered around a 1,000 acre reservoir run by the state of Colorado. Specifically designed to incorporate the best in human-made park facilities with the natural beauty of the land, this park features two separate walk-in tent camper areas and three high-quality campgrounds.
The Dutch Charlie Camp Site
Ridgeway State Park hosts two campground areas blanketed by the names The Dutch Charlie and The Pa-Co-Chu-Puk. Under each of these areas are two separate camping zones. Within The Dutch Charlie are the zones: The Dakota Terraces, and The Elk Ridge. Each of these campgrounds cater to a particular camping preference.
The Dakota Terraces Campground is on low, open terrain near the lake. This campground features electrical hookups for the RV’ers who choose this spot for its easy access and beautiful views. The Elk Ridge Campground is high above the lake, surrounded by a pinon juniper forest. From this high vantage point, absolutely breath-taking views of the San Juan and Cimarron mountain ranges are on your grassy doorstep.
Two separate loops will take you through the camp sites, both of which have electricity, but off Loop E is a set of 10 walk-in tent campsites that appeal to campers looking to get away from everything.
Regardless of which area you choose, short paths lead off the main gravel trail to well-separated sites. Only the first camp is handicapped accessible. If you make it up to one of the three higher sites before the next camper, you will be treated to a mountain view that is postcard-perfect, near the edge of a precipice over the lake.
Every one of the sites have plenty of shade, but remain prepared for high-noon heat. The altitude of Ridgeway leans toward cooler days, and even cooler nights, but the crystal clear skies of midday sunshine will bake up the landscape quickly.
Water spigots are available in both zones of The Dutch Charlie, located near the parking area. You also have access to a full modern restroom, but will need to walk down to the RV services building to get to the showers and laundry facilities.
The Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Camp Site
Three and a half miles north of The Dutch Charlie are two more loops that make up The Pa-Co-Chu-Puk. Each of these loops are out in the open, have water, sewer, and electricity which make them the perfect hangout of RVs. Across the Uncompahgre River, adjacent to the rest of the park, 15 walk-in tent sites are open to the happy-to-hike camper. These are definitely not handicapped accessible, but offer rustic views set in ponderosa pine, oak, and pinon trees that gently crawl up the rising slope of Log Hill Mesa.
Getting to the tent sites is aided by the complimentary carts provided. Cross the river with your loaded-up cart and you’ll find sites nestled among the trees, well-separated from other campers, with the river roaring in the distance. Each of these sites contains a picnic table and nicely leveled tent pads.
Water spigots, showers, and other facilities in the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Camp Site are located in the RV loops.
Ridgeway Recreation
Beyond the serene beauty of camping in some of nature’s finest displays, Ridgeway’s recreation is first-rate, too. The lake which all camp sites are located around offers fishing for trout and kokanee salmon. Waterskiing, parasailing, and riding wave runners are just as much fun, and more popular with the younger crowd. Don’t start feeling left out if you don’t have a boat, though; the full-service marina rents out everything from canoes to pontoon barges.
For the family campers, a swimming beach and carefully maintained playground offer safe fun for everyone.
From The Pa-Co-Chu-Puk site you can opt to stay on the Uncompahgre river to fish. Hikers also have 15 miles of trails coursing through the park to tramp over. Four miles of trails have been paved specifically for inline skaters and bicyclists.
Want to get off the beaten path? Ranger-led hikes and full programs show off the beauty and natural resources of Ridgeway.
When to Go and Other Must-Knows
Located at about 7,00 feet elevation in a sparsely populated portion of Colorado, the Ridgeway State Park rarely fills up. One time of the year when you likely will not find a space is during the fourth of July holiday season, and once again around Memorial Day. As long as you avoid these rush-periods or make reservations in advance, you have a beautiful place to visit. However, coming from a local, I must recommend visiting in early September when the fall leaves are beginning to blaze in colors from red to orange and yellow. This time of year maintains a fairly consistent warm, but not-too-hot temperature that will help you relax and truly enjoy your getaway.
To get more information about Ridgeway State Park, you can email the Colorado State Park service at ridgeway@csn.net. Its open season runs from mid-April through mid-November, depending on how early Winter decides to dump in with massive snowfall. Feel free to reserve your campsite in advance by calling (800)678-CAMP, or pick one upon arrival.
Please keep in mind the following restrictions:
� Pets are welcome if kept leashed and their droppings properly picked up and disposed of.
� Fires are allowed in the fire rings only; there is a serious risk of forest fire if you decide to disregard this restriction.
âÂ?¢ The only alcoholic beverages allowed in the park are 3.2%, and remember the old adage “Pack in, Pack out” – don’t leave your bottles behind, or you will receive a fine.
� Vehicles are allowed on paved roads only.
� A 14-day stay limit is imposed on all campers.
Getting to Ridgeway State Park is also easy. From Ridgeway, drive north on U.S. 550 for 5 miles, to the Dutch Charlie entrance of the park, which will be on your left.
