Cottonwood Campground

For Colorado locals seeking a picturesque and amenity-rich camping experience, Cottonwood Campground, nestled within the expansive Rifle Gap State Park, offers an ideal blend of natural beauty and modern convenience. Situated near Rifle, this campground provides a serene lakeside setting with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the clear waters of Rifle Gap Reservoir. It's a place where you can truly unwind, connect with the great outdoors, and create lasting memories with family and friends.

Cottonwood Campground is consistently praised for its well-kept sites and excellent facilities, making it a highly desirable destination for both RV and tent campers. The convenience of having water and electricity directly at many sites, combined with clean shower rooms, elevates the traditional camping experience. Its prime location not only offers stunning daytime vistas but also transforms into a photographer's dream at night, with ample opportunities for captivating night sky photography. Whether you're planning a relaxing weekend by the water, an adventurous hike to nearby waterfalls, or simply a peaceful escape from the everyday, Cottonwood Campground at Rifle Gap State Park promises an unforgettable Colorado adventure.

Cottonwood Campground is conveniently located at 5775 CO-325, Rifle, CO 81650, USA, within the beautiful Rifle Gap State Park. This strategic address places it on the northern shore of the 360-acre Rifle Gap Reservoir, providing campers with stunning lakeside views and easy access to water activities. The campground is situated a short distance off Interstate 70, making it highly accessible for locals traveling from Denver, Grand Junction, or other parts of the state. The drive along Colorado Highway 325 is scenic, leading directly to the park entrance.

The campground's proximity to the town of Rifle, just about 10-15 minutes away, means that campers have convenient access to essential services, grocery stores (including a Walmart), gas stations, and a variety of dining options. Beyond the immediate vicinity, Cottonwood Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the rich recreational opportunities of the surrounding area. Most notably, Rifle Falls State Park, with its stunning triple waterfalls and mysterious limestone caves, is a very short drive up Highway 325. This allows for easy day trips to enjoy hiking, photography, and cave exploration. Other nearby attractions include Harvey Gap State Park, offering additional fishing and boating opportunities, and Rifle Mountain Park, renowned for its rock climbing. The accessibility to these diverse natural attractions, coupled with the ease of reaching the campground itself, makes Cottonwood Campground a prime choice for a Colorado adventure.

• Water Supply at Sites: Many sites within Cottonwood Campground are equipped with direct water hookups, offering convenient access to potable water.
• Electricity at Sites: A significant advantage for RV campers, Cottonwood Campground provides electrical hookups (30/50 Amp service) at many of its sites, enhancing comfort and convenience.
• Shower Rooms: Clean and well-maintained shower rooms are available for campers, ensuring a refreshing experience after a day of outdoor activities. Some reviews indicate these are coin-operated, but some campers have reported not needing to pay.
• Flush Toilets: Modern and clean flush toilets are provided, contributing to a comfortable camping experience.
• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available within Rifle Gap State Park, convenient for RVers to dispose of waste.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table, perfect for outdoor dining and gathering.
• Fire Rings: Most sites include a fire ring, allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires (subject to fire restrictions, which can be frequent in Colorado).
• Camp Host: Camp hosts are typically available on-site to assist campers and provide local information, and some may also sell firewood.

• Riverside/Lakeside Location: Cottonwood Campground is ideally situated on the shore of Rifle Gap Reservoir, offering many sites directly by the water with beautiful views.
• Gorgeous Views: Campers consistently rave about the breathtaking views of the reservoir and the surrounding Colorado mountains, providing a stunning backdrop to every stay.
• Proximity to Rifle Falls State Park: A major highlight is its close proximity to Rifle Falls State Park, home to magnificent triple waterfalls and accessible limestone caves, making it incredibly convenient for day trips.
• Great for Night Photography: The clear, unpolluted night skies combined with the scenic landscape make Cottonwood Campground an excellent location for astrophotography and capturing stunning night photos.
• Well-Kept Sites: Reviewers often note that the campsites are well-maintained, tidy, and offer a pleasant camping environment. Sites are generally level, though some may require minor leveling.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The combination of amenities, outdoor activities like water sports, and the overall peaceful atmosphere makes this campground highly suitable for families.
• Opportunities for Water Activities: Rifle Gap Reservoir is perfect for boating, fishing (stocked with Northerns, Walleye, and Crappies), swimming, water skiing, and windsurfing.
• Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and various bird species, offering opportunities for wildlife observation.

Address: 5775 CO-325, Rifle, CO 81650, USA

Phone: (970) 625-1607

Mobile Phone: +1 970-625-1607

For Colorado locals, Cottonwood Campground at Rifle Gap State Park offers an exceptionally appealing and convenient outdoor escape. Its prime location in Rifle, easily accessible from major highways, means less time driving and more time enjoying the natural beauty that defines Colorado. This accessibility makes it a perfect choice for weekend getaways or even spontaneous mid-week adventures, without requiring extensive travel planning.

What truly sets Cottonwood Campground apart for local residents is its perfect blend of natural serenity and practical amenities. Having water and electricity available at many sites is a significant convenience, especially for RV owners, transforming the camping experience into a comfortable and hassle-free retreat. The presence of clean shower rooms and flush toilets further enhances the comfort, making it an excellent option for families or those who prefer a few more creature comforts while immersing themselves in nature. The unparalleled proximity to Rifle Falls State Park is a massive draw, providing locals with easy access to one of Colorado's most beautiful natural attractions for hiking, photography, and exploration. The stunning views of Rifle Gap Reservoir and the surrounding mountains, coupled with opportunities for night photography, ensure that every moment spent here is picturesque and memorable. For Coloradoans seeking a clean, convenient, scenic, and activity-rich camping destination that feels both close to home and miles away from the everyday, Cottonwood Campground at Rifle Gap State Park is an undeniable top choice.

Cottonwood Campground

5775 CO-325, Rifle, CO 81650, USA