Dakota Terraces Campground

For Coloradans seeking a well-rounded and picturesque outdoor experience, Dakota Terraces Campground, nestled within the expansive Ridgway State Park, stands as a premier destination. This inviting campground offers a fantastic blend of stunning mountain vistas, direct access to the beautiful Ridgway Reservoir, and a host of amenities designed for comfort and enjoyment. Whether you're looking for a relaxing lakeside retreat, an active adventure hub, or a cozy glamping experience in a yurt, Dakota Terraces provides an ideal setting for individuals, couples, and families to create lasting memories in the heart of Colorado's scenic landscape.

Dakota Terraces Campground consistently earns high praise from visitors for its clean facilities and array of recreational opportunities. One delighted camper shared their experience in a yurt, noting it was "Big enough for 4-5 adults. They had ac and a wood burner so perfect for any season. It was also equipped with a fridge and a microwave." This highlights the thoughtful amenities that enhance a stay. Another reviewer emphasized the overall positive experience, stating, "Great campground! Clean facilities with flush toilets. We really enjoyed spending the weekend here." While it might not cater to those seeking a truly "wild, secluded experience," it delivers "good fun and worth a visit," particularly for families. The campground's proximity to a nice beach and an "awesome playground" with an "incredible slide" ensures there's plenty to keep everyone entertained, making Dakota Terraces a highly recommended spot for local Coloradoans looking for a comfortable and engaging outdoor adventure.

Dakota Terraces Campground is located at Dakota Terraces Campground Rd, Ridgway, CO 81432, USA. This places it directly within the Dutch Charlie area of Ridgway State Park, a significant natural and recreational hub in southwestern Colorado. The campground's strategic position provides it with beautiful mountain views and puts it within walking distance of the scenic Ridgway Reservoir and its swim beach.

Accessibility to Dakota Terraces Campground is excellent, as it is conveniently situated along Highway 550, a major route in the region. This makes it easily reachable by car from various parts of Colorado, including nearby towns like Ridgway, Ouray, and Telluride, which are popular tourist destinations. The internal roads within the campground are paved and generally well-maintained, ensuring smooth navigation for all vehicle types, including large RVs and trailers. While some sites might require a bit of leveling, they are typically spacious and easily accessible. Being part of Ridgway State Park means access to well-marked trails and clear signage. This ease of access, combined with its stunning natural setting, makes Dakota Terraces a highly convenient and attractive option for Colorado residents looking for an accessible mountain and lake getaway. The location offers a balanced combination of quiet solitude within the park and easy access to the conveniences and attractions of nearby towns.

Dakota Terraces Campground, as a key component of Ridgway State Park, offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for diverse groups of visitors.

• Campsite Options:
  • RV and Tent Sites: There are 79 campsites available at Dakota Terraces. All sites have electric hookups (30 Amp) and shared water. These sites accommodate RVs, trailers, campers, and motorhomes, as well as tent camping.
  • Yurts: Three yurts are available for rent, including one that is universally accessible. These yurts offer a "glamping" experience with electric power, a ceiling fan, a propane heater, a gas log stove, a small refrigerator, a microwave, bunk beds, futons, an outdoor deck, grill, picnic table, and fire ring. They are open year-round.
  • ADA Accessible Sites: Several campsites and one yurt are ADA accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors.
• Restrooms with Flush Toilets: Clean and modern restrooms with flush toilets are readily available throughout the campground, ensuring comfort for campers.
• Hot Showers: Coin-operated hot showers are provided in a Camper Services Building, available during the high season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day).
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available on-site for RVs and trailers.
• Potable Water: Water spigots are accessible throughout the campground, providing potable drinking water.
• Individual Site Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with a grill, fire ring, and a picnic table, perfect for outdoor cooking and gathering. Some sites also feature shade shelters.
• Playground: An "awesome" playground with a unique slide is a significant amenity for families with children.
• Laundry Facilities: Coin-operated laundry facilities are available in the Camper Services Building during the high season.
• Snack Machines: Snack machines are also located in the Camper Services Building for quick refreshments.
• Camp Host: A camp host is typically on site to assist campers and ensure adherence to park rules.
• Reservations: Campsites and yurts can be reserved year-round via the Colorado Parks and Wildlife reservation system, highly recommended due to popularity.
• Pet Policy: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash and under control at all times, with strict cleanup rules. A pet fee may apply.

Dakota Terraces Campground offers a rich array of features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Colorado outdoor enthusiasts.

• Stunning Mountain Views: Many sites, particularly in Dakota Terraces, offer beautiful vistas of the surrounding San Juan Mountains, including views of the Cimarron Range.
• Direct Ridgway Reservoir Access: The campground is within walking distance of Ridgway Reservoir and its swim beach, providing easy access for swimming, sunbathing, and water play.
• Abundance of Water Activities: The 1,000-acre reservoir is perfect for:
  • Boating: A boat ramp is available for motorized and non-motorized boats.
  • Fishing: The reservoir is stocked with Kokanee Salmon, brown trout, and rainbow trout, offering excellent fishing opportunities. Two ADA-accessible fishing piers are also available in the park.
  • Paddling: Ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
  • Water Sports: Popular for water skiing, sailing, and windsurfing.
• Comfortable Yurt Camping: The availability of fully equipped yurts with AC, heating, fridge, and microwave provides a unique and comfortable "glamping" option, perfect for any season and highly rated by visitors.
• Extensive Trail Network: Ridgway State Park boasts approximately 14 miles of trails suitable for hiking and biking, ranging from paved, ADA-accessible paths like the Mear's Bay Trail to more rugged options.
• Fantastic Playground: The "awesome" playground with an "incredible slide" is a major draw for families with children, offering plenty of entertainment.
• Wildlife and Birdwatching: The park is home to over 140 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Other native animals like elk, mule deer, and red foxes can also be spotted.
• Proximity to Iconic Colorado Towns: Located near the charming town of Ridgway, and within easy driving distance of Ouray ("Switzerland of America") and Telluride, offering opportunities for dining, shopping, and exploring the Million Dollar Highway and the San Juan Mountains.
• Year-Round Camping: With heated yurts and some RV sites open in winter, the campground allows for year-round enjoyment of the Colorado outdoors.

For reservations, current park conditions, or any specific inquiries about Dakota Terraces Campground within Ridgway State Park, you can contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife directly.

Address: 28555 Highway 550, Ridgway, CO 81432, USA (This is the main address for Ridgway State Park)

Phone: (970) 626-5822 (Park Office)

Email: dnr_park.ridgway@state.co.us

For online reservations and detailed park information, it is highly recommended to visit the official Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for Ridgway State Park.

For Coloradans, Dakota Terraces Campground at Ridgway State Park offers an exemplary outdoor experience that perfectly encapsulates the beauty and recreational opportunities of their home state. Its convenient location provides easy access to the stunning San Juan Mountains and the serene Ridgway Reservoir, making it an ideal choice for both spontaneous weekend trips and extended vacations. The campground excels in providing a comfortable and family-friendly environment, with amenities like electric hookups, clean flush toilets, hot showers, and a fantastic playground that caters to all ages.

The flexibility of camping options, from traditional tent and RV sites to the popular, well-equipped yurts, ensures that every local can find their preferred style of outdoor lodging, regardless of the season. The abundance of activities—from boating, fishing, and swimming on the reservoir to hiking and biking on extensive trails—means there's never a dull moment. Furthermore, its proximity to iconic Colorado towns like Ouray and Telluride allows for easy day trips to explore more of the region's unique charm and attractions. As evidenced by glowing local reviews, Dakota Terraces Campground is not just a place to stay; it's a vibrant hub for recreation, relaxation, and reconnection with Colorado's magnificent natural landscape, making it a highly recommended and cherished destination for residents.

Dakota Terraces Campground

Dakota Terraces Campground Rd, Ridgway, CO 81432, USA