​See the Park Fees page for campsite pricing and other park fees.

Reservations can be made on www.cpwshop.com or by calling 1-800-244-5613.​

Headquarters Campground

Capacity: ​49 sites​

Map: View the Headquarters Campground Map.

The Headquarters camping area near Hayden, Colorado offers a more​ developed experience with both RV and basic camping.

The Headquarters campground has 49 campsites: 35 electric RV sites, 14 basic tent-only sites and tipi sites​​. All campsites are by reservation only.

Features: Camper services building with showers and laundry facilities.​​

Headquarters Campground Photos​​​

• Visitor's Center
  
• Camper Services Building
  
• Playground
  
• Day Use Area
  
• Tipi Site
  
• Site: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21​, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, ​44
  

Public River Access Primitive Campsites

​​​All Yampa River camping area descriptions are identified by their respective numbers on the Yampa River Brochure and Map.

General Information

​There are four primitive camping areas owned by Colorado Parks and Wildlife​ with river access along the 134-mile segment of the Yampa River from Hayden to the Dinosaur National Monument. Each primitive camping area has between five and 10 campsites. 

Features: Restroom facilities, tables, grills and tent pads. ​

Duffy Mountain (7)

Duffy Mountain is located 32 miles down river from South Beach through Little Yampa Canyon and approximately 29 miles west of Craig. This is the primary take-out from South Beach. For river access at Duffy Mountain, take U.S. Highway 40 west approximately 19 miles from Craig. On the south side of the road, you will see County Road 17. Take County Road 17 south approximately 10 miles. You will cross the Yampa River at a spot known as Government Bridge, NO river access is allowed. Continue along the county road, following the signs for public access and go left at the cattle guard on BLM Road 1593. 

Features: This area has restroom facilities, a boat ramp, day-use picnic sites and trash receptacles. The area has tables and fire rings.

​Juniper Canyon (8)

Juniper Canyon is located 12 miles downriver from Duffy Mountain. To reach the access site at Juniper Canyon, take U.S. Highway 40 west out of Craig 20 miles to Moffat County Road 53, which is on the south (left) side of the highway. Take County Road 53 for 3.6 miles to County Road 74. Take a sharp right turn and drive approximately three-fourths of a mile to the site. 

Features: This site has a developed boat ramp, restroom facilities, trash receptacles, and about a dozen primitive camping and picnic sites. The area has tables and fire rings. Mountain bikers and hikers will enjoy the great access to surrounding public lands. This area offers great opportunities for wildlife viewing and fishing. Elk, antelope and mule deer roam the area. Hunters and OHV users have a great base camp opportunity here and can easily access public lands. 

Boaters need to be cautious of a class III-IV diversion dam downstream. A great wave train lines up below: Don't miss the surf wave below the flume. After that, it is a nice mellow float out. A portage or scout above the diversion on the right is suggested.

Maybell Bridge (9)

Maybell Bridge is located 28 miles west of Craig on the south side of U.S. Highway 40. This access site is approximately 12 miles downriver from the Juniper Canyon access. A diversion hazard exists between the Juniper and Maybell sites (see Juniper description). This site has a boat ramp. There is limited foot access to the river. Primitive camping and picnic areas are along the river. 

Features: The area has tables and fire rings. There are restroom facilities and trash receptacles. This area offers great wildlife viewing opportunities. Deer and antelope are abundant throughout the year, and elk wander the area in the winter. This site is a great put-in for flat water enthusiasts whom like long distance day trips. Two undeveloped take-outs exist down stream. You can access a Division of Wildlife property via Moffat County Road 19. This will take you to the river north of Maybell or for a longer paddle. Go to the river access off of Hwy 318 at Sunbeam.

East Cross Mountain (11)

Visitors should be aware that the road may be very rough. East Cross Mountain is located approximately 18 miles southwest of Maybell. Take U.S. Highway 40 west of Maybell about 13.6 miles to Moffat County Road 85. Drive north on Moffat County Road 85 to the Bureau of Land Management Road 1551 and then 1.5 miles. 

Features: The improved site has a vault toilet, parking, camping/picnic sites and a boat ramp. The area has tables and fire rings. 

This site accesses Cross Mt. Canyon and should NOT be floated by novice boaters as class V rapids do exist. Cross Mt. has big-water boating for kayakers and rafters, but not recommended for the faint of heart. Commercial trips are also available for those wanting to scout the canyon or experience big water with a professional guide.

Other Campsites

Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Elkhead is approximately 14 miles west of the Headquarters facility. Elkhead is open to public access for boating, camping and day use. Visitors can experience new boat ramps, camping facilities, beaches and restrooms.​

See more information on the Elkhead Reservoir State Park homepage.

​​Moffat County's Loudy Simpson Park (5)

The site is located off Colorado State Highway 394 south of Craig at the ball field complex. The site has an undeveloped launch and parking area on the river. Moffat County manages and owns the land. 

Overnight camping is available by permission only. Contact Moffat County​.

Camping Restrictions

Camping is restricted in the following river access areas:

• Pump Station (1)
• State Wildlife Area (3)
• Yampa Valley Golf Course (4)
• ​South Beach (6)
• Sunbeam (10)
• West Cross Mountain (12)
• Deerlodge Park (13)