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Park Conditions
Park Conditions
ice covered Mancos lake

  • Boat Ramps

    The boat ramp will close for the season on November 1, 2023.  ​A​ll motorized (electric and gas/diesel) and trailered boats must be inspected prior to launch.  Inspectors are available at the park every day from 8:00am-4:00pm.  . 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 arrive​ 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 Visitor Center.  Colorado residents, don't forget to OPT IN on your vehicle registration to obtain a Keep Colorado Wild pass for $29.  This allows entrance into all Colorado parks for a year.  

    (Updated: 10/21/2023 2:39 PM)

  • Boating

    The boat ramp will close for the season on November 1, 2023.

    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: 10/21/2023 2:38 PM)

  • Camping

    All campsites and 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: 10/21/2023 2:40 PM)

  • Cell Phone Coverage

    Most cell phone service companies can receive and send calls from the park. There may be some areas where no service is available (on some of the trails outside of the park).
    (Updated: 6/12/2023 10:46 AM)

  • 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. Stop by the Visitor Center to inquire if wood is available.  Please help reduce the risk of introducing insect pests or diseases.

    (Updated: 7/28/2023 9:27 AM)

  • Fishing Report


    Click here​ to access CPW's current fishing report.  

    (Updated: 6/12/2023 10:53 AM)

  • 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: 6/12/2023 11:08 AM)

  • 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: 6/12/2023 10:51 AM)

  • Park Entrance

    The Visitor Center is currently open 8 am - 4 pm Tuesday-Saturday but will close after November 12, 2023.  Please call Navajo State Park at 970-883-2208 off season to inquire about Mancos State Park staffing if you have specific needs.  When open you can purchase park passes, fishing licenses, renew your boat registrations, etc.  As a reminder, a lot of these services such as fishing licenses and park passes can be purchased online at www.cpwshop.com

    When the Visitor Center is not staffed be sure to stop at the self-serve station to purchase your required park pass. An annual park pass or daily park pass is required on every vehicle, year-'round and is not included with your camping reservation.  Annual parks passes can be purchased at the self-service kiosk near the Visitor Center. Purchase your campsite online at cpwshop.com or by calling 1-800-244-5613

    (Updated: 10/21/2023 2:46 PM)

  • Road Conditions

    All park roads are open. Please park in designated parking areas only.
    (Updated: 6/12/2023 11:07 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: 6/12/2023 11:08 AM)

  • Water Levels

    The water level is full.
    (Updated: 6/12/2023 11:19 AM)

  • Water Temperature

    Very cold.  No swimming is allowed in Jackson Gulch Reservoir.
    (Updated: 6/12/2023 11:20 AM)

  • 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)