Beautiful scenery and quiet surroundings make Crawford State Park a great destination to enjoy recreational activities and explore all that the Western Slope of Colorado has to offer. Located a few miles from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Crawford State Park features mild temperatures, a clear mountain reservoir, and take-your-breath-away views of nearby land features.
The Setting
Crawford State Park is situated in Colorado’s scenic Western Slope region, just 12 miles from the spectacular Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The park sits at 6,600 feet above sea level in the midst of a stunning mountain backdrop. With a mild climate and serene beauty, Crawford State Park features 334 acres of diverse plant and wildlife populations.
Several interesting landmarks dot the landscape near Crawford State Park, including Castle Rock and Saddle Mountain. If visitors look toward the northwest from the Peninsula day use area they will see the 800-foot tower of Needle Rock, which jets out from the floor of the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River Valley. The rock originated roughly 28 million years ago as the throat of a large volcano. Over millions of years, the surrounding rocks eroded exposing the more resistant igneous core.
While land surrounding Crawford State Park offers plenty for visitors to admire, a wide variety of plants and wildlife guarantee that there will be something different to enjoy with each visit to the park. Several different migratory and resident birds inhabit the park along with mule deer, cottontail rabbit, coyote and raccoon. Crawford Reservoir is home to several species of fish, making it a great place to catch yellow perch, channel catfish, German brown trout, northern pike and crappie.
The Facility
Crawford State Park has two different campgrounds that offer visitors 66 camp sites to choose from. Both the Iron Creek campground and the Clear Fork campground provide a peaceful environment for visitors to enjoy and accommodate tents, trailers and campers.
Iron Creek campground is located off Highway 92 at the west end of the reservoir and has 45 sites, six of which are universally accessible. This campground has close proximity to a boat ramp and is a popular spot for boaters. There is also an informative watchable wildlife kiosk to take in the park’s surroundings. A dump station is available and located at the campground entrance. Amenities available at the Iron Creek campground include electric and water hook-ups, hot showers and flush toilets.
The Clear Fork campground is smaller than the Iron Creek campground with 21 camp sites that do not have water or electric hookups. The Clear Fork campground, located just west of the Peninsula Day Use area, has five tent sites and two universally accessible camp sites. Portable water is located throughout the campground and visitors have access to showers, and flush and vault toilets.
Crawford State Park has three camper services buildings that provide visitors with amenities while they enjoy the park. There is a camper services building located at both campgrounds.
Camping Tips
• Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up your parks guide and other helpful information about the park
• Plan on swimming, sailboarding and jet skiing, but be prepared for cooler water temperatures from late spring to early summer
• Don’t miss the easy hiking trails around the park, but note that no horses or OHV’s are allowed on the trails or in the park
Park Features
• 400-acre mountain reservoir for anglers, boaters and water enthusiasts to enjoy
• Scenic mountain terrain for sightseeing and reconnecting with nature
• Close proximity to the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway, located along Highway 92
Address
Located one mile south of Crawford, CO on Highway 92
40468 Highway 92
Crawford, CO 81415
Learn
more about this park and book your reservation
online 
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