Paonia State Park
State Park in Crawford, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
P O Box 147
Crawford, CO 81415
United States
Contact:
970-921-5721
Paonia State Park
State Park in Crawford, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
P O Box 147
Crawford, CO 81415
United States
Contact:
970-921-5721
A dog on a pier by the reservoir
Park Highlight
Explore Paonia Reservoir
The park's main attraction is the 334-surface-acre reservoir. Plunge deep into nature at this narrow lake park. Steep mountainsides, pristine water, alpine scenery and peaceful environment make Paonia a haven for water and nature lovers.
Facilities
Boat Ramp
Due to low water levels, the boat ramp closed for the season 7-16-2025.
One boat ramp serves boaters. The boat ramp is on the north end of the reservoir on County Road 2.
See below for information on Mandatory Boat Inspections.
Boating and Fishing
Boating
The boat ramp closed for the season 7-16-2025.
Boating activities are normally allowed from June until September, OR until the water level drops enough to close the boat ramp.
Fishing
Short period of fishing in reservoir from mid-June to mid-August. Fly fishing for trout on streams below dam is more productive. Colorado Parks and Wildlife awards anglers who catch big fish. Check out the length and weight records for Paonia.
Ice fishing is not allowed. Stay off the ice. The ice is never safe due to open pot holes and general instability caused by bubbling natural gas.
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 Paonia
Visit the Fishing Awards and Records page for more records.
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 Paonia
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
NOTE: The boat ramp, and therefore inspection station, CLOSED FOR THE SEASON 7-16-2025.
NORMAL HOURS, WHEN OPEN include:
Monday - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., unless it's a holiday, then follow weekend hours
Tuesday - ramp is closed, unless it's a holiday
Wednesday, Thursday - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
NOTE: Due to no water supply, the inspectors cannot do any type of decontamination of boats. If it is determined that your boat needs a decontamination, you will be turned away.
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
We can keep Colorado’s peaches sweet, juicy and thriving by preventing the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS). Clean, drain and dry all paddling, fishing and boating gear after each use and Be a Pain in the ANS!
ANS are non-native species that can harm bodies of water, ecosystems and even industries. Several kinds of invasive species can cause clogs in irrigation pipes — this could interrupt water delivery for agricultural producers. Clogs could be formed by non-native zebra, quagga and golden mussels, which can attach themselves to the insides of pipes.
Water Activities
Jet Skiing
Jet-skis are required to travel in the same counter-clockwise direction as water skiers.
Paddle Boarding
Paddle sports are popular on the reservoir. Don't forget your life jacket.
Water Skiing
When the reservoir is full, you can ski up to two miles in one direction before you have to turn around! Water skiers are required to travel counter-clockwise.
Sailing
Sail boats are welcome on the reservoir.