Colorado Parks & Wildlife - Park Activities

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Park Activities

Park Activities

Biking
There are 1.3 miles of disconnected biking trails along Hwy 92 from the swimbeach south to Iron Creek campground. There is also a .3 mile biking trail in the Iron Creek interior.
(Updated: 10/17/2019 10:48 AM)
Boating
Boating capacity is 60 boats if we have 20 water skiing and 40 slow trollers fishing. IF we get a sailboat, that lowers the capacity because of the extra space a sailboat needs.
(Updated: 3/30/2019 1:02 PM)
Camping
There are over 60 campsites at the Iron Creek and Clear Fork campgrounds.
Clear Fork campground is currently closed and not available for reservations.
Iron Creek sites offer electrical hook-ups and water, plus sites 33,34,35,36,44 in Iron Creek and 63 in Clear Fork are universally accessible.
Sites 15,22,24,32,34,35,37, 38 and 41 have 50 amp service.
All other sites in Iron Creek have 30 amp service.
Camping reservations are required. It is suggested that you make your reservations prior to arrival, as cell service is spotty at the park. We do not have public Wi-Fi. The office cannot make the reservation for you.
Reservations can be made the day you plan to arrive at the park or up to six months in advance.
Visit Crawford's camping page for more information.
(Updated: 1/19/2021 11:16 AM)
Cross-country Skiing
Allowed off-trail only when there is enough snow to protect the vegetation. Otherwise, use the unplowed roads down to the frozen lake. ONLY travel over the lake when there are 8 inches or more of ice.
(Updated: 10/17/2019 10:57 AM)
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome in the park as long as:
- they are on a six-foot or shorter leash at all times
- their waste is properly disposed of
- they are attended at all times; please do not leave them alone at your camp site or put them in a hot vehicle while you are enjoying activities elsewhere
- they are NOT allowed at the swim beach
(Updated: 2/8/2020 3:29 PM)
Education Programs
Programs may be given and tailored to visitors' wishes, but the park staff must be contacted at least two weeks in advance.

Enjoy our story walk located on the trail starting at the Peninsula. It's a great way to encourage kids to read while enjoying the outdoors!
(Updated: 11/17/2019 8:49 AM)
Fishing
Crawford State Park is known as a quality perch and crappie fishery. Anglers may reel in a lunker channel catfish, a dandy largemouth bass, or a nice northern pike or rainbow trout.
(Updated: 10/17/2019 11:02 AM)
Group Picnicking
Gather the group for a day of fun at the Peninsula day-use area. The group area accommodates up to 100 people with a nice swim beach, including an outdoor shower and comfort station, and is available by reservation at the park office. The Visitor Center is close by, offering educational displays and park information, as well as picnic areas not needing reservations.
(Updated: 10/17/2019 11:06 AM)
Hiking
There are 1.3 miles of disconnected trails along Hwy 92 from the swimbeach south to Iron Creek campground, .3 miles of trail in the Iron Creek interior, and a .5 mile Indian Fire Nature trail on the West Side. The Hwy 92 and Iron Creek trails are ADA accessible, but the Indian Fire Nature trail is not.
(Updated: 2/8/2020 3:31 PM)
Horseback Riding
Presently, there are no horse trails on the park, as no horses are allowed on the park by Bureau of Reclamation orders.
(Updated: 2/8/2020 3:31 PM)
Hunting
Waterfowl hunting is allowed in the fall seasons as long as the hunter is 100 yards away from anyone fishing on shore and 150 yards away from any campground.
(Updated: 11/17/2019 8:50 AM)
Ice Fishing
Allowed anywhere on the lake BUT only when there is a full 6 inches of ice. Snowmobiles may not be used as an aid to ice fishing.
(Updated: 1/5/2020 2:35 PM)
Jet Skiing
Must obey all boating rules of the road. If in the ski area, you must go in the same counter-clockwise direction as everyone else. The east bay bound by the Peninsula, the highway & Clear Fork campground is the play area.
(Updated: 3/30/2019 1:04 PM)
OHV Riding
OHV's are not allowed to be ridden anywhere on the park by Bureau of Reclamation orders.
(Updated: 3/30/2019 1:05 PM)
Paddle Boarding
All paddle boarders must have a sounding device and a properly fitted PFD on board while on the lake. Paddle boards are considered a vessel and must follow all the rules that a kayaker or canoer must follow. Additionally, all children under the age of 13 MUST wear a properly fitted PFD while on a paddle board.
(Updated: 10/17/2019 11:17 AM)
Picnicking
Several picnic sites are located throughout the park, each with a grill or fire ring.
(Updated: 3/30/2019 1:05 PM)
Sailboarding
The best time for sailboarding is late May and June when the park gets more wind, but the water is COLD.
(Updated: 10/17/2019 11:20 AM)
Snowmobiling
Snowmobile's are not allowed to be ridden on the park by Bureau of Reclamation orders. There are many areas near the park that snowmobiles may be used.
(Updated: 3/30/2019 1:06 PM)
Snowshoeing
Allowed wherever you want to go as long as there is enough snow to protect the vegetation.
(Updated: 3/30/2019 1:06 PM)
Snowtubing
Only good area is the Peninsula and then only when there is enough snow to protect the vegetation.
(Updated: 3/30/2019 1:06 PM)
Swimming
The swim beach is open during the late spring and throughout the summer season.
(Updated: 3/30/2019 1:06 PM)
Water Skiing
Water-ski season at Crawford is usually mid-May to mid-August. Scuba diving is permitted in any safe area, but a diver's flag is required. Swimming is permitted in the swim area only, located in the Peninsula day-use area. Boaters at Crawford State Park are subject to Colorado boating statutes and regulations, available at the entrance or boat ramp safety display.
(Updated: 10/17/2019 11:23 AM)
Winter Camping
Limited winter camping is allowed in the Iron Creek campground (some sites plowed in the winter), but only a vault toilet at the boat ramp parking area near sites 18 and 20 is available. No water or flush facilities are open during the winter.
(Updated: 9/16/2020 8:59 AM)