Crawford State Park
State Park in Crawford, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Office: Daily, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. as staffing permits
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
40468 Hwy 92
Crawford, CO 81415
United States
Crawford State Park
State Park in Crawford, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Office: Daily, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. as staffing permits
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
40468 Hwy 92
Crawford, CO 81415
United States
Navigate to:
A yellow speed boat on the reservoir
Park Highlight
Explore Crawford Reservoir
The park's main attraction is the 400 surface-acre reservoir. Jet skiing, motor boating, water skiing, fishing and swimming are very popular during the summer. Scuba divers are welcome.
Reservoir Facilities
Facilities
Crawford has two boat ramps for boaters.
East Boat Ramp
The east boat ramp is located on the east side of the lake on the peninsula, past the Visitor Center.
Southeast Boat Ramp
The southeast boat ramp is located on the southern end of the reservoir next to the Iron Creek Campground.
Open during the summer only, the swim beach is located near the picnic and camping facilities in the Peninsula day-use area. Colorado State Park swim beaches do not have lifeguards on duty. Children must be supervised by adults at all times.
Boating and Fishing
Boating
Boating capacity for the reservoir is 60 boats if we have 20 water skiing and 40 slow trollers fishing. Sailboats lower the capacity because of the extra space a sailboat needs.
Fishing
Stunning scenery unique to the Black Canyon of Gunnison, with great fishing on the reservoir. Because of the popularity of summer water-based motor sports, the best times to fish are early/late day, weekdays or non-summer weekends.
Accessible Fishing
Accessible fishing sites are located by the Iron Creek campground.
- All boat types are welcome
- Fishing is permitted anywhere on the reservoir
- Use or possession of live minnows or fish for bait is prohibited
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is allowed only when there is a full 6 inches of ice on the reservoir. Snowmobiles are not allowed.
Fish Species and Bag Limits
See the Fishing Atlas for fishable species at this location and the Fishing Brochure (PDF) for daily bag limits.
Fishing Awards and Records for Crawford
Visit the Fishing Awards and Records page.
Clean Your Gear: Fishing
Help Protect Colorado Waters
Clean Your Gear
Cleaning your gear before and after use helps protect our water from aquatic nuisance species. Check out these videos to learn how to clean your fishing gear.
Bring the Brochures with You
Fishing Brochure
Read up on the location you want to fish before you head out.
Download the BrochureLand and Water Regulations Brochure
Have a question about regulations? Check the brochure.
Download the BrochureMandatory Boat Inspections for ANS at Crawford
To boat on the reservoir, an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) stamp, current boat registration and a pre-launch boat inspection at the boat ramp is required.
Vessels and other floating devices that are both hand-launched and human-powered are exempt from mandatory ANS inspections. Although, the public is strongly encouraged to self-inspect their watercrafts, boots, waders, and fishing equipment by making sure that all equipment is clean, drained, and dry. For instructions, see Clean Your Gear.
Learn more about aquatic nuisance species.
Inspection Hours
Inspections are done at one of two boat ramps, depending on water levels. Please call the Visitor Center at 970-921-5721 to confirm which ramp is open.
Inspection hours:
- 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. mid-May through mid-September
- 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. mid-September to mid-October
- Closed for the season mid-October through mid-April
- 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. mid-April through the middle of May
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are aquatic plants and animals that invade lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams, including zebra mussels, quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, Asian carp, rusty crayfish and more.
Stop the Spread of ANSOh, SHELL NO
Be a Pain in the ANS
Recreation in Colorado’s water could be impacted by the spread of invasive species in the water. Aquatic nuisance species(ANS) are invasive species that damage bodies of water. This can have huge impacts on many of the industries and products we all know and love: wine, corn, beer, peaches, drinking water, outdoor recreation and many more. If you’re recreating in the water, you can be a Pain in the ANS — and stop the spread of invasive species. Take Action: Clean, drain and dry your watercraft and gear.
Water Activities
Jet Skiing
Skiing season at Crawford usually begins in mid-May and ends in mid-August. Ski counter-clockwise around the buoy line. Obey all boating rules. The east bay bound by the Peninsula, the highway and Clear Fork campground is the play area.
Paddle Boarding
All paddle boarders must have a sound producing device and a properly fitted life jacket on board while on the lake. Obey all boating rules. All children under the age of 13 must wear a properly fitted life jacket while on a paddle board.
Sailing
Sail boats are allowed.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is permitted in any safe area. A diver's flag is required.
Water Skiing
Water-skiing season at Crawford usually begins in mid-May and ends in mid-August. Ski counter-clockwise around the buoy line.