Crawford State Park is located north of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and about 30 miles (48 km) east of Delta, Colorado. The park was established in 1974 on the shore of Crawford Reservoir, a 400 acres (1.6 km2) lake, with boat ramps and a swimming beach. Other facilities include camp sites, picnic sites and a visitors center. The park has 1.8 miles (2.9 km) of trails available to both hikers and bicyclists. Plant communities include pinyon-juniper woodlands, sagebrush and small areas of west slope grassland. Wetland and riparian areas are around the reservoir and below the dam.
Map of the Paonia Ranger District (South) of Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison Forests in the USFS Rocky Mountain Region 2 in Colorado. Published by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
Map of Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests in the USFS Rocky Mountain Region 2 in Colorado. Published by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) of Paonia Ranger District South in Gunnison National Forest (NF) in Colorado. Published by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
Colorado Fishing Guide. Published by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Crawford SP
https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/crawford
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crawford_State_Park_(Colorado)
Crawford State Park is located north of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and about 30 miles (48 km) east of Delta, Colorado. The park was established in 1974 on the shore of Crawford Reservoir, a 400 acres (1.6 km2) lake, with boat ramps and a swimming beach. Other facilities include camp sites, picnic sites and a visitors center. The park has 1.8 miles (2.9 km) of trails available to both hikers and bicyclists. Plant communities include pinyon-juniper woodlands, sagebrush and small areas of west slope grassland. Wetland and riparian areas are around the reservoir and below the dam.
Passes and Permits
All vehicles entering the park are required to
display a current Colorado State Parks Pass on
the auto windshield. A daily pass is valid from the
day purchased until noon the following day. An
annual pass is valid at any Colorado State Park.
For annual pass holders who own another car, a
multiple pass is available for an additional fee.
Passes are available at main park entrances and
self-service dispensers.
Colorado residents 64 or older qualify for a special
Aspen Leaf annual pass, available at a discounted
rate. These allow admission to all state parks every
day and reduced-fee camping on weekdays. The
regular fee is charged on weekends and holidays.
Colorado disabled veterans displaying Colorado
Disabled Veteran (DV) license plates are admitted free
without a pass, however, camping fees still apply.
In addition to a parks pass, campers are required to
purchase and display a camping permit at
their campsite.
Picnicking
Several picnic sites are located throughout the park,
each with a grill or ring for fires.
For camping reservations please call
1-800-244-5613 or visit us online at
www.cpw.state.co.us.
Beavers, chipmunks, rabbits, skunks and mule deer
live in or around the park and may frequently be seen
at shoreline late in the evening.
Boating & Water Recreation
Boaters at Crawford State Park are subject to
Colorado boating statutes and regulations, which are
available in pamphlet form at the Park Office
Water-skiing season at Crawford usually begins in
mid-May and ends in mid-August.
Scuba diving is permitted in any safe area. A diver's
flag is required.
Fishing
Crawford State Park is well
known as a quality rainbow
trout, perch and crappie fishery.
Largemouth bass and catfish are
stocked in the reservoir.
Fishing is permitted anywhere on
the reservoir. Use or possession
of live minnows or fish for bait is
prohibited.
Accessible Features
Crawford State Park offers a multitude of accessible
features such as eight accessible campsites, accessible
camper services buildings with accessible showers.
There are also accessible fishing sites and accessible
trails.
Crawford
State Park
ENJOY YOUR STATE PARKS
Winter Recreation
Camping
Campers must have a camping permit and a parks
pass, both available at the park entrances. Please
camp only in designated sites and display the
camping permit in the markers at each campsite. The
campgrounds are patrolled for your safety and to
ensure quiet after 10 p.m.
C O L O R A D O PA R K S & W I L D L I F E
A variety of waterfowl, from western grebes to
graceful Canada geese, may be seen at Crawford State
Park, either stopping off during migrations
or nesting.
Swimming is permitted in the swim area only.
Two separate campgrounds, named Iron Creek
and Clear Fork, were improved with extensive
construction projects completed in 1997. Both
campgrounds can accommodate tents, trailers, and
campers; and each has comfortable shower facilities.
Iron Creek Campground has electrical and water
hookups at each individual campsite; while less
expensive Clear Fork does not.
Wildlife
Cold weather enthusiasts come to Crawford
State Park for ice fishing and cross-country skiing.
Dump Station
A holding tank dump station is located in Iron Creek
Campground. Please use this facility. It is illegal to
dump waste and sewage anywhere else.
Community Facilities
All commercial and religious facilities are
available in the town of Crawford, one mile north
of the park. Medical facilities are found in Paonia,
Hotchkiss and Delta.
Crawford State Park
PO Box 147, 40468 Hwy. 92, Crawford, Colorado 81415
(970) 921-5721
E-mail: crawford.park@state.co.us
cpw.state.co.us
Funded in part by Great Outdoors Colorado
through Colorado Lottery proceeds.
CPW_RMCR_2K_3/18
cpw.state.co.us
C
rawford State Park offers its visitors
camping, fishing, watersports, hunting and
numerous other leisure time activities in
scenic mountainous terrain. The area around the
park is almost exclusively cattle country. As the
center of the cattle industry in the North Fork area,
the nearby town of Crawford sees hundreds of cows
herded down main street on their way either to
market or mountain pasture. Ranches and farms still
surround the park, drawing water from the same
reservoir that affords visitors so many recreational
opportunities year-round. The park's 6,600 ft.
elevation guarantees visitors a mild climate at
any season.
Crawford State Park
The famous and spectacular Black Canyon of the
Gunnison is only 12 miles from the park. Nearer
landmarks visible from Crawford State Park are
Needle Rock, Castle Rock and Saddle Mountain.
Within the boundaries of Crawford State Park are 337
land acres and the 400-acre reservoir, which was built
in 1963 by the US Bureau of Reclamation. Colorado
Parks & Wildlife has administered the area
since 1965.
Regulations
LEGEND
Crawford State Park is maintained for your use
and enjoyment. In the interests of safety and for
preservation of the park, we ask t
C O L O R A D O
P A R K S
&
W I L D L I F E
Crawford State Park
FACT SHEET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017
Who we are
Nestled in the midst of one of Colorado’s most scenic western slope areas, Crawford State Park is the place to enjoy
peace and tranquility. The park offers visitors camping, fishing, water sports, hunting and numerous other leisure-time
activities in scenic mountain surroundings. The park’s elevation guarantees a mild climate in any season. The spectacular
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is only 12 miles from Crawford State Park. A number of famous geological
landmarks near Crawford State Park include Needle Rock, Castle Rock and Saddle Mountain.
Visitors to Crawford State Park spend about $9.9 million annually in local communities.1
Top attractions
Camping, fishing and other water recreation activities are popular at Crawford. The scenic backdrop of the area holds great
appeal.
• Crawford provides camping opportunities and convenient access to other tourist attractions, such as the Black Canyon of
the Gunnison National Park, the West Elk Scenic Highway and the Gunnison National Forest.
•
Our partners
•
•
•
•
•
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
Crawford Area Water Users
Town of Crawford
Rocky Mountain Conservancy
Crawford Area Chamber of Commerce
•
•
•
•
•
Delta County Commissioners
Delta County Road and Bridge Department
Delta County Tourism Council
Delta County Nature Connection
Delta County Schools
Challenges we face
Funding cuts have resulted in
reduced access and concerns
over maintaining the facilities
at Crawford State Park.
• There is a lack of staff to cover
increasing year round
visitation.
Volunteer activities
Volunteers serve as
campground hosts, entrance
station attendants and
maintenance support at the
park.
• Volunteers also plant trees,
work on trails, organize
activities and provide general
support to all park activities.
•
1Source: Corona Research, Colorado State Parks Marketing Assessment, “Visitor Spending Analysis 2008-2009” (adjusted for inflation).
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 (303) 297-1192 cpw.state.co.us
KEN PAPALEO//HIGH COUNTRY COLORING/CPW
•
40468 Hwy 92, Crawford, CO, 81415
(910) 921-5721 • Email: crawford.park@state.co.us
Park Manager: Ed Keleher
As of June 30, 2017
Manager’s Message
Crawford State Park, located at the foot of the Rocky Mountain’s West Elk Range, is surrounded by extraordinary
views created by majestic mountains and unique geological features. The park has been providing year round recreation since 1964. From the park, visitors are treated to close up views of Lands End, Mt. Lamborn, the Sleeping
Indian, Cathedral Peak and more. The park provides a perfect framing for Needle Rock, a Crawford landmark, and
an excellent example of a laccolith (a lava flow that never erupted). The reservoir is a boating- and angling-enthusiast’s
delight with calm waters and miles of shoreline to explore. Campers, hikers and other visitors are often treated to
sightings of wildlife and birds.
Geography
Region: Southwest
County: Delta
Year Acquired: 1967
Elevation: 6,600 ft
Miles From Denver: 246
Acreage
Total Acres: 760
Employees
Permanent: 4
Temporary: 7
Volunteers: 14
Volunteer Hours: 3,133
Trails
Hiking: 3.6 miles
Cross Country Skiing/
Snowshoeing: 3.6 miles
Total: 3.6 miles
Annual Visitation
95,230
Roads
Paved: 1.6 miles
Unpaved: 1.4 miles
Facilities
2 Boat Ramps
Dump Station
Group Picnic Area
40 Picnic Sits
Showers (coin-operated)
Visitor Center
Governmental
US Cong Dist: 3rd
CO Senate: 5th
CO House: 61st
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Campsites (basic, seasonal): 21
Campsites (electrical, seasonal): 45
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Recreation
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COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 (303) 297-1192 cpw.state.co.us
KEN PAPALEO//HIGH
COUNTRY COLORING/CPW
Crawford State Park
COLORADO
PA R K S
&
WILDLIFE
Your Guide to
Colorado’s 41
State Parks
2018 Edition
cpw.state.co.us
CAMPING RESERVATIONS • 1-800-244-5613 • cpw.state.co.us
i
Welcome to Your State Parks!
Wherever you go in Colorado, there’s
Cheyenne Mountain
a state park waiting to welcome
State Park
you. Mountains or prairies, rivers or
forests, out in the country or next to
the city… Colorado’s 41 state parks are
as diverse as the state itself, and they
offer something for everyone. Take a
hair-raising whitewater river trip, or
kick back in a lawn chair and watch
the sunset. Enjoy a family picnic, cast
a line in the water, take a hike, ride a
horse, try snowshoeing or discover
geocaching. From Eastern Plains
parks at 3,800 feet to high-mountain
parks at 9,500, the network of state
parks offers a wealth of activities
for busy people of all ages, or the
chance to do nothing at all. You can play on land or on water. On
a high peak or on the prairie. In the country or the city. In spring,
summer, winter or fall.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
State parks are great places for families. There are plenty of
activities for families to enjoy together such as boating, hiking or
picnicking, as well as organized nature walks, talks and events.
Junior Ranger programs, activity backpacks, kid-friendly hikes
and fishing ponds for kids are among the many offerings for
youth. From toddler to teen and adult to senior, every family
member can enjoy their activity of choice, then come together to
share a meal and stories around the campfire.
Whether you’re an active
outdoor recreationist
or prefer to spend time
watching clouds go by,
you’ll enjoy the special
moments waiting for you
in the state parks.
Rifle Gap State Park
Cover photos:
Large photo: State Forest State Park; lower left: Pearl Lake State Park; lower center: Elkhead State Park;
lower right: Lory State Park
Plan Your Visit
Colorado’s state parks are open every day of the year, weather
permitting. Day-use areas are generally open from 5 a.m. to
10 p.m., and some parks may have closed gates after hours.
Campgrounds are open 24 hours a day. Contact individual
parks for hours of operation. Check our website for seasonal or
maintenance closures: cpw.state.co.us
Entrance Passes
All Colorado state parks charge an entrance fee. Cost of a daily
pass may vary by park ($7–$9). A pass covers all occupants of a
vehicle and is valid until noon the day after purchase. Some parks
may charge a per-person fee for cyclists and walk-ins. Fees are used
to help pay operating costs. Cherry Creek State Park charges an
additional fee for the Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority.
Annual Pass
Who doesn’t love a deal? And the state parks annual pass is a
great one. For just one low price, the annual pass lets you enjoy
all 41 state parks for unlimited visits for 12 months from date of
purchase. That’s all the parks. That’s
unlimited times. The annual pass
pays for itself in as few as 10 visits.
If you’re a Colorado resident who’s
64 years or older, there’s even a
further discounted Aspen Leaf
annual pass. There are also passes
for disabled and income-eligible
residents. For details and to purchase a pass,
visit a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) office, state park or buy
online: cpw.state.co.us
Extend Your Stay
Make more of your state park visit
by staying overnight. Bring your
tent or RV, spend a cozy night in a
cabin, camp in a tipi or discover a
comfortable, year-round alternative
State Forest State Park
to traditional camping with a yurt.
All together, the state parks have
more than 4,000 campsites and 58 cabins and yurts. Almost 300
campsites are ADA accessible. Many parks offer campsites or cabins
for large groups. Heated cabins and yurts make a park getaway
suitable any season of the year.
Camping Reservations
Summer weekends fill up quickly so advance reservations for
overnight stays are recommended. Reservations can be made six
months to three days ahead of arrival.
Reserve online: cpw.state.co.us
Toll Free: 1-800-244-5613
A nonrefundable reservation fee applies to bookings, and visitors
must purchase a daily or annual entrance pass in addition to
paying camping and reservation fees. Unreserved sites are
available on a first-come, first-served basis.
1
What Can I Do There?
Colorado’s state parks are places to have fun, get away, recreate and
re-create. Here are some park activities to help you do that:
Fishing
Top-notch fishing awaits anglers in 37 state parks across Colorado.
Think Gold Medal Waters and trophy fish. A valid fishing license
is required for all anglers 16 years and older. Licenses and our
annual Colorado Fishing regulations brochure are available online,
at most parks and at CPW authorized sales agents.
Water Sports
Many state parks are built around a lake or
Crawford
waterway, which means boating and other water
State Park
sports are among the headliners. Larger parks
offer boat rentals and full-service marinas. Any
boat with a motor or sail operated in Col