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Park Conditions
Park Conditions
ice covered Mancos lake

  • Boat Ramps

    When the boat ramp is closed, only ANS Inspection-Exempt, hand-launchable craft may operate. See this CPW website's "Aquatic Nuisance Species" link for more information on exempt craft.

    When the boat ramp is open during season, all motorized (electric and gas/diesel) and trailered boats must be inspected prior to launch. Call 970-533-7065 in the early season to arrange inspection. Inspectors are available at the park every day 8:30-4:30 starting the week before Memorial Day. Non-exempt boats MUST be inspected prior to launch. Exempt craft are ONLY those with no motor of any kind, hand-launched, can't hold hidden water.If you come during inspection hours, we can put a seal on the boat and give you an associated receipt that will allow you to launch here at this lake outside of inspection hours.

    For more information, see the CPW Boat Inspection page. 

    You can contact our office at 970-533-7065 or the Area 15 office at 970-247-0855 for more information on securing a pre-inspection, seal and receipt. Again, this will be required prior to your launch.

    A park pass is required on your vehicle when using the park, year-round. Daily park passes are available at the self-serve station or at the park entrance.

    (Updated: 5/2/2022 3:57 PM)

  • Boating

    When boat ramp is closed, only "ANS Inspection-Exempt boats" may launch.  Exempt craft are ONLY those with no motor of any kind, hand-launched, can't hold hidden water.If you come during inspection hours, we can put a seal on the boat and give you an associated receipt that will allow you to launch here at this lake outside of inspection hours.

    For more information, see the CPW Boat Inspection page. 

    You can contact our office at 970-533-7065 or the Area 15 office at 970-247-0855 for more information on securing a pre-inspection, seal and receipt. Again, this will be required prior to your launch.

    Hand launching of inspection-exempt craft is ok when ramp is closed. Thoroughly understand the pre-inspection requirements prior to launching. Thoroughly understand watercraft exemption before launching.

    Remember to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boat between uses to reduce the risk of transporting aquatic nuisance species that can ruin water recreation areas! 

    For more information on the boating rules, ANS, and safety information please see CPW's Boating section. Register your boat, or call our office, (970) 533-7065. 

    Boat registrations are valid from Jan. 1 - Dec. 31. 

    (Updated: 5/2/2022 3:56 PM)

  • Camping

    All campsites and the yurts are OPEN.

    In total, Mancos State Park has 32 campsites and 2 yurts. Approximately six campsites stay plowed and open all winter long.

    • There are NO hookups for RVs in any of the sites. 
    • Starting November 1st, many of the sites are closed, but several remain available throughout the entire winter.

    Camping reservations are required. 

    Reservations can be made the day you plan to arrive or up to six months in advance. Call 800-244-5613 or visit cpwshop.com


    (Updated: 4/15/2021 4:00 PM)

  • Cell Phone Coverage

    Most cell phone service companies can receive and send calls from the park, including 3G and in some cases LTE. There may be some areas where no service is available (on some of the trails outside of the park).
    (Updated: 3/16/2021 12:41 PM)

  • Construction

    The replacement of the entrance station, water system improvements, and shop area work are essentially complete. There will be some landscaping going on, but impact to the operations of the park are minimal. Feel free to contact the park 970-533-7065 for more information prior to your arrival.
    (Updated: 5/3/2021 2:06 PM)

  • Fire Restrictions

    Fires currently are permitted in designated rings and stands.

    Park Information: (970) 533-7065, http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Mancos.


    Fire Information: San Juan NF, www.fs.usda.gov/main/sanjuan, @SanJuanNF, 970.247.4874

    Air Quality Information: San Juan Public Health, sjbpublichealth.org, @SJBPublicHealth, 970.247.5702​

    ​

    When fire bans are not in effect, bundles of firewood are available at the park for $5/bundle. See the campground host or stop by the park office.  Please help reduce the risk of introducing insect pests or diseases.

    (Updated: 4/23/2021 3:17 PM)

  • Fishing Report

    Most of the fishing right now has been happening from the bank with typical baits: rainbow or green PowerBait, worms, and 'crawlers. A double-hook rig with PowerBait on one hook and worm on the other will open up your odds of both trout and yellow perch.  Fishing has been good for 10-12" trout and small yellow perch. A few splake (brooke trout/lake trout crosses) have been caught using the same baits or small lures. In-line spinners (Mepps, Panther Martins) are working. Let the spinner sink for a count of five or six, then reel mid-speed...enough to get the blade turning but not too fast. Trout should start surfacing in the still mornings and evenings, making for good action with the fly rod, especially from a float tube or kayak.

    Water level is very low, so there's a long walk to the lake edge. Most yellow perch are small. We remind you to maintain distance from others while enjoying the fresh air, and to bring your hand sanitizer for using the park's waterless restrooms. 

    We've had issues with dogs off leash causing safety issues, knocking kids over, etc...so we are strict on enforcing leashing of all dogs as required in state law governing your parks.

    A park pass is required on vehicles in the park, all the time. Daily park passes are available at the self-serve pay station at the park entrance. Credit, debit, cash and check are accepted at the available kiosk.

    For fishing rules/regulations and information, please visit the Fishing page.

    (Updated: 5/3/2021 2:04 PM)

  • Hunting

    While there is no hunting within Mancos State Park, the campground does make a great base camp for hunters accessing nearby US Forest Service lands. 

    Portions of the main campground are kept open all year. 

    Heated yurts are available that sleep six. For yurt reservations call 1-800-244-5613 or follow the links on our website. 

    If you are interested in a limited access hunting experience, you can put in for a special use permit drawing to hunt in nearby Lone Mesa State Park. Please view the Lone Mesa State Park Hunting page or call our office at (970) 533-7065.

    (Updated: 3/16/2021 12:42 PM)

  • Icing Conditions

    All ice is gone from the lake and there is open water.

    See this site's ice safety page. Use extreme caution when assessing ice condition.

     Check out ice safety tips​ on this website.
    (Updated: 4/15/2021 4:11 PM)

  • Park Entrance

    The seasonal park office is a tiny home located to your left as you enter the park at 42545 Road N, Mancos 81328. During this off-season PLEASE CALL FIRST 970-533-7065 to verify the ranger is available. In an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19, we can also help you complete many services remotely. Call us at 970-533-7065. Also try cpwshop.com for most park passes, registration renewals, licenses, and more.

    When the entrance station or park office (tiny home to your left as you enter the park) is not staffed be sure to stop at the entrance area self-serve station to purchase your required park pass. Our new drive-through entrance station should be operational by May 1st. An annual park pass or daily park pass is required on every vehicle, year-'round. For other services (registration and licensing) please call our park office at (970) 533-7065 and we usually can help you by phone. Annual parks passes can be purchased at the self-service kiosk at the entrance to the park. Purchase your campsite online at cpwshop.com or by calling 1-800-244-5613

    (Updated: 4/27/2021 1:01 PM)

  • Road Conditions

    All park roads are open. Please park in designated parking areas only.
    (Updated: 4/1/2021 8:57 AM)

  • Trails

    Trails are open and mostly dry. Expect mud in shady areas. The west road is fully open. We've had issues with dogs off leash causing safety issues, knocking kids over, chasing wildlife, etc...so we are strict on enforcing leashing of all dogs as required in state law governing your parks. The park's five-mile system connects to several additional miles of USFS trails. All of the park's trails are for non-motoized use.

    (Updated: 5/3/2021 3:02 PM)

  • Water Levels

    The water level is very low. It is WELL below the bottom of the concrete boat ramp.
    (Updated: 4/15/2021 5:34 PM)

  • Water Temperature

    Very cold.  No swimming in Jackson Gulch Reservoir.
    (Updated: 3/16/2021 12:43 PM)

  • Winter Conditions

    See other conditions sections on this page. As the park begins to get snow, WE DO STAY OPEN. Several campsites are plowed, the yurts are open year-'round, and skiing and fishing can be excellent. 
    (Updated: 3/16/2021 12:43 PM)