Yampa River State ParkYampa River State Park is more of an adventure that just a park. It borders the river for 134 miles. The Park has 13 access points to the river stretching from Hayden to Deerlodge in Dinosaur National Monument.
The River is a local playground but it is becoming known state wide. This gentle river has great float fishing on miles and miles of flat-water. The river provides a wide Varity of fishing
The Yampa River has both warm-water and cold-water fish. The upper river is colder and has one of the best trout fisheries. As you drift westward the fish habitat changes near Craig, there are trout, small-mouth bass and northern pike. Pass Craig and to the western end of the river near the national monument there are small-mouth bass, northern pike and catfish.
Yampa River State Park
And significant reaches of globally rare riparian plant communities. Sand hill cranes stage on the Yampa River during migratory travel and to care for their young until they are ready to fly. And a variety of other avian species. This area of Northwest Colorado is known for abundant big game species: There are also an abundance of non game fish in the river. These include the Colorado pike minnow, humpback chub, bony tail chub, razorback sucker and the rare Colorado River cutthroat trout. The of these fish are on the endanger species list. There are also an abundance of non game fish in the river. These include the Colorado pike minnow, humpback chub, bony tail chub, razorback sucker and the rare Colorado River cutthroat trout. The of these fish are on the endanger species list. We will see a lot of wildlife along the river. Elk, deer and antelope, as well as, Blue Heron and bald eagles are often sighted. There are six places to camp along the river banks but the largest campground is at the Hayden Headquarters.
On The River
There are 50 modern developed campsites at Hayden; 35 are RV sites 10 basic tent-only sites and five group sites. If you want a special treat, you can rent a Tipi for the night. The new camper services building have showers and laundry facilities.
There are six river access camping areas have between five and 10 campsites, restroom facilities, tables, grills and tent sites but no drinking water.
From the main campground the river is just an easy walk. Yampa River State Park is noted for it excellent riverside nature trails and great fishing.
The river is popular for rafting. In the early summer with the high water, it is not unusual to see thirty or forty colorful rafts drift by as you fish from the bank.
There is another part of the State Park away from the river. It is Elkhead Reservoir is 11 miles west of the Hayden Campground. This 600 acre lake is secluded and off the beaten path, but is excellent for power boaters and trout fisherman.
Camping and access fees The day pass is $6.00
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