With steep mountain sides, pristine water and alpine scenery, Paonia State Park is a haven for water lovers and nature lovers alike. Located in the Ragged Mountains, Paonia State Park features a crisp mountain reservoir that leads to a babbling stream, abundant wildflowers in spring, and a quiet, peaceful environment to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
The Setting
Paonia State Park is located among the picturesque Rugged Mountains approximately 46 miles south of Carbondale. Situated in a deep, narrow canyon between Ruby Range, Ragged Wilderness, and Grand Mesa, the park features a 334 surface-acre reservoir, perfect for boating and fishing.
The peaceful, quiet surroundings of the reservoir are perfect for bird watching and wildlife viewing. Many migratory and resident birds are attracted to the upland and reservoir habitats. Visitors are likely to see raptors, waterfowl and shorebirds. Other common sights to see are mule deer and elk as the park lies in big game winter range. On occasion you might see a black bear foraging for wild fruits. Other wildlife habituating in the park includes cottontail rabbits, marmots, raccoons, skunks, coyotes and ground squirrels.
While Paonia State Park has many impressive scenes to take in, the park’s natural beauty is amplified when the wildflowers blossom. Photographers and nature lovers can immerse themselves in the peaceful and pleasant views of Paonia State Park.
The Facility
Two campgrounds in Paonia State Park offer 13 campsites in the Ragged Mountains. Spruce Campground is located just off Highway 133 and boasts towering blue spruce trees and a babbling stream just feet away from the eight available campsites. Across the stream is Hawsapple Campground, which has five campsites and is a popular destination for water skiers.
Camping at Paonia State Park is a true backcountry experience. Quiet and remote, the campsites are great for smaller groups looking for basic camping facilities. All 13 campsites have a picnic table, fire ring, and nearby vault toilets.
Camping Tips
• Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water as there is no access to drinking water in the park.
• Check out the trail system in Ragged Wilderness Area for nearby hiking
• Look for fossilized palm fronds and willow and elm leaf imprints that are visible in the canyon boulders.
Park Features
• Beautiful landscapes and an abundance of wildflowers make Paonia State Park a “must see” for photographers and nature lovers
• Pristine mountain reservoir for water-skiing, boating and fishing
• Quiet surroundings perfect for wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities.
Address
Located 46 miles south of Carbondale on Highway 133.
P. O. Box 147
Crawford, CO 81415
Learn
more about this park and book your reservation
online 
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