> Canonical: https://colorado-parks.com/guides/winter-camping-water-and-facilities > Content revision: 2026-10-21T20:26:47.773Z THE FIELD GUIDE # Winter camping: check the water, not just the campsite Plan around winter water shutoffs, reduced campground loops and separate yurt arrangements in Colorado parks. Reviewed Oct 21, 2026 · Colorado Parks ## A reserved site does not promise summer services Start with the campground's current service notice before booking. At Eleven Mile, the reviewed notice says park water has been shut off and showers, flush toilets and laundry are closed. At Golden Gate Canyon, the dump station and water are shut down, while toilets and sinks remain available behind the campground office. These are different arrangements. A campground listed as available is not a promise of drinking water, a functioning dump station or a heated shower. [Official visitor information](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/eleven-mile-state-park) · [Official visitor information](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/golden-gate-canyon-state-park) ## Match the notice to your campground At Mueller, selected winter sites remain available in Peak View and Revenuers Ridge. The comfort-station spigot has water, other hydrants close, and the dump station has no rinse water. Stagecoach instead lists only several winter sites in Pinnacle and an October 31–May 15 interruption to water facilities. Write down the actual loop and services you need, then compare them with the official page and your reservation. Do not transfer one park's winter arrangements to another. [Official visitor information](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/mueller-state-park/mueller-state-park-camping-lodging) · [Official visitor information](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/stagecoach-state-park/stagecoach-state-park-camping-lodging) ## Treat yurts and campsites separately Pearl Lake's campsites close for winter, while its yurts have year-round reservation arrangements. Drinking water is not available at the yurts during winter. If your trip depends on a particular accommodation, ask about that accommodation explicitly: a statement about camping may not describe a yurt. Check the access route and bring the supplies the park requires; nearby lodging or camping is a separate reservation. [Official visitor information](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/pearl-lake-state-park/pearl-lake-state-park-camping-lodging) · [Official visitor information](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/pearl-lake-state-park/pearl-lake-state-park-camping-lodging) · [Official visitor information](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/pearl-lake-state-park/pearl-lake-state-park-camping-lodging) ## Look for changes beyond the usual seasonal calendar A water shortage can change facilities before a normal winter shutdown. Sylvan Lake reports that drought has shut off campground spigots, showers and flush toilets, while Cabin 1 still has water at the time of the notice. CPW recommends filling camper tanks before arrival and describes only limited drinking water at the visitor center. Recheck the source near your departure date; our review date records a snapshot, not a service guarantee. [Official visitor information](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/sylvan-lake-state-park) ## Documented current impacts These notices are shared with affected park pages. Regional guidance is labeled separately. Closure noticeFacilities ### Vega State Park: Fish-cleaning station Park-specific information - Fish-cleaning station Vega’s fish-cleaning station is closed for the season. [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/vega-state-park)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Vega State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/vega-state-park) Closure noticeFacilities ### Trinidad Lake State Park: Carpios Ridge day-use comfort station Park-specific information - Carpios Ridge day-use comfort station The day-use comfort station at Carpios Ridge is closed for the season. Alternative restrooms are in the campground’s camper-services building. [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/trinidad-lake-state-park)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Trinidad Lake State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/trinidad-lake-state-park) Closure noticeFacilities ### Trinidad Lake State Park: South Shore Campground Park-specific information - South Shore Campground South Shore Campground is closed for winter. CPW lists campsites at Carpios Ridge as available by reservation. [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/trinidad-lake-state-park)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Trinidad Lake State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/trinidad-lake-state-park) Closure noticeFacilities ### St. Vrain State Park: South campground and pond trails Park-specific information - South campground and pond trails Paving work closes the south campground road and full-hookup sites 42–87. Trails south and east of Bald Eagle and Coot Ponds and all of Red Tail Pond are also closed through November, possibly into December 2026. Oct 13, 2026 · No end date confirmed [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/st-vrain-state-park)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [St. Vrain State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/st-vrain-state-park) Closure noticeFacilities ### North Sterling State Park: Elks and Inlet campgrounds Park-specific information - Elks and Inlet campgrounds Elks and Inlet campgrounds are closed. The current park notice lists Chimney View as open; check reservations for availability. [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/north-sterling-state-park)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [North Sterling State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/north-sterling-state-park) Closure noticeFacilities ### Lake Pueblo State Park: Northern Plains campgrounds Park-specific information - Northern Plains campgrounds All Northern Plains campgrounds at Lake Pueblo are closed for winter. Check the camping page for other site availability. [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/lake-pueblo-state-park)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Lake Pueblo State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/lake-pueblo-state-park) Closure noticeFacilities ### Boyd Lake State Park: Accessible fishing pier Park-specific information - Accessible fishing pier The fishing pier at the marina inlet remains closed because low water prevents deployment. Check with the park for another suitable fishing location. [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/boyd-lake-state-park/boyd-lake-state-park-park-highlights)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Boyd Lake State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/boyd-lake-state-park) Closure noticeFacilities ### Boyd Lake State Park: Marina Park-specific information - Marina Boyd Lake Marina is closed for the 2026 season. CPW has not announced a reopening date. This facility closure is separate from reservoir access restrictions. [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/boyd-lake-state-park)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Boyd Lake State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/boyd-lake-state-park) UpcomingClosure noticeFacilities ### White Ranch Park: Sourdough Springs Campground Park-specific information - Sourdough Springs Campground Sourdough Springs Campground closes from November 1 through March 31. Other camping requires a permit and its own availability check. Nov 1, 2026 – Apr 1, 2027 [Read the official notice: Jefferson County Parks & Open Space ↗](https://www.jeffco.us/1437/White-Ranch-Park)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [White Ranch Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/white-ranch-park) Closure noticeFacilities ### Pine Valley Ranch Park: Baehrden Lodge Park-specific information - Baehrden Lodge Baehrden Lodge is closed. This notice applies to the lodge, not the entire Pine Valley Ranch park. [Read the official notice: Jefferson County Parks & Open Space ↗](https://www.jeffco.us/1428)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Pine Valley Ranch Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/pine-valley-ranch-park) Closure noticeFacilities ### Curecanti National Recreation Area: Seasonal campground closures Park-specific information - Seasonal campground closures Stevens Creek, East Elk Creek, Red Creek and the lower East Portal sites are closed. Check the official campground list and reservations for alternatives. [Read the official notice: National Park Service Colorado destinations ↗](https://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/conditions.htm)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Curecanti National Recreation Area ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/curecanti-national-recreation-area) Closure noticeFacilities ### Dinosaur National Monument: Rainbow Park Road, campground and ramp — Utah Park-specific information - Rainbow Park Road, campground and ramp — Utah The Rainbow Park Road, Rainbow Park Campground, and Rainbow Park Boat Ramp are closed as of September 25, 2026 due to significant storm damage until repairs are completed, likely through spring of 2027. The 3/4-mile Rainbow Park Road is closed to vehicles from the junction with the Island Park Road to the Rainbow Park Campground and boat ramp. The Island Park Road remains open to Ruple Ranch. [Read the official notice: National Park Service Colorado destinations ↗](https://www.nps.gov/dino/park-alerts-dino.json)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Dinosaur National Monument ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/dinosaur-national-monument) Visitor advisoryFacilities ### Sylvan Lake State Park: Campground water shortage Park-specific information - Campground water shortage Drought has shut off campground spigots, showers and flush toilets. Cabin 1 still has water at the time of the notice, and limited drinking water is available at the visitor center. CPW recommends filling camper tanks before arrival. [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/sylvan-lake-state-park)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Sylvan Lake State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/sylvan-lake-state-park) Visitor advisoryFacilities ### State Forest State Park: Autumn campgrounds and water Park-specific information - Autumn campgrounds and water Primitive Loop and Crags closed October 1; Ranger Lakes closes October 21. Water shutoff is scheduled for October 31, with potable water then directed to the dump station. Check the camping page for additional November changes. [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/state-forest-state-park/state-forest-state-park-camping-lodging)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [State Forest State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/state-forest-state-park) UpcomingVisitor advisoryFacilities ### Stagecoach State Park: Winter water facilities Park-specific information - Winter water facilities Winter camping is limited to several Pinnacle sites and requires reservations. Drinking water, flush toilets, showers and the dump station are unavailable October 31–May 15; vault and visitor-center bathrooms are listed as available. Oct 31, 2026 – May 16, 2027 [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/stagecoach-state-park/stagecoach-state-park-camping-lodging)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Stagecoach State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/stagecoach-state-park) Visitor advisoryFacilities ### Navajo State Park: Winter services and Caracas Campground Park-specific information - Winter services and Caracas Campground Caracas Campground and its dump station shut down in winter. Camper-service and small restroom buildings close September 16–April 14. Snow plowing is limited and Arboles Point is unplowed; plan for self-contained camping or available vault toilets. [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/navajo-state-park/navajo-state-park-camping-lodging)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Navajo State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/navajo-state-park) Visitor advisoryFacilities ### Mueller State Park: Winter campground water Park-specific information - Winter campground water Winter sites are available in Peak View and Revenuers Ridge. Most hydrants are closed; water is available at the comfort-station spigot. The dump station has no rinse water. Bring water and confirm services before arrival. [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/mueller-state-park/mueller-state-park-camping-lodging)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Mueller State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/mueller-state-park) Visitor advisoryFacilities ### John Martin Reservoir State Park: Winter campground services Park-specific information - Winter campground services Winter camping continues in selected Lake Hasty and Point sites. The camper-services building closes November 1–March 31; check the official page for the different comfort-station schedule and available water. [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/john-martin-reservoir-state-park/john-martin-reservoir-state-park-camping-lodging)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [John Martin Reservoir State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/john-martin-reservoir-state-park) Visitor advisoryFacilities ### Golden Gate Canyon State Park: Winter campgrounds and lodging Park-specific information - Winter campgrounds and lodging Aspen Meadows closes in winter. Reverend’s Ridge operates at reduced capacity, while yurts and cabins are described as year-round. The office, showers, laundry and dump station close; flush toilets and sinks remain behind the office. All sites require reservations. [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/golden-gate-canyon-state-park/golden-gate-canyon-state-park-camping-lodging)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Golden Gate Canyon State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/golden-gate-canyon-state-park) Visitor advisoryFacilities ### Golden Gate Canyon State Park: Winter water and dump station Park-specific information - Winter water and dump station The dump station is closed and water is shut off for winter. Flush toilets and sinks remain available behind the campground office. [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/golden-gate-canyon-state-park)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Golden Gate Canyon State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/golden-gate-canyon-state-park) Visitor advisoryFacilities ### Eleven Mile State Park: Seasonal water and washrooms Park-specific information - Seasonal water and washrooms Park water has been shut off for the season. Showers, flush toilets and the laundry room are closed; plan your stay around those service limits. [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/eleven-mile-state-park)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Eleven Mile State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/eleven-mile-state-park) UpcomingVisitor advisoryFacilities ### Cheyenne Mountain State Park: Winter camper services Park-specific information - Winter camper services Winter camping is limited to the available loop. The camper-services building closes from November through April; verify services for your reserved site. Nov 1, 2026 – May 1, 2027 [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/cheyenne-mountain-state-park/cheyenne-mountain-state-park-camping-lodging)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Cheyenne Mountain State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/cheyenne-mountain-state-park) UpcomingVisitor advisoryFacilities ### Cherry Creek State Park: Winter camping and dump station Park-specific information - Winter camping and dump station From November 1 through March 31, camping is limited to Abilene Loop and requires a reservation. The dump station is closed in winter; showers and laundry may also close seasonally. Nov 1, 2026 – Apr 1, 2027 [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/cherry-creek-state-park/cherry-creek-state-park-camping-lodging)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Cherry Creek State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/cherry-creek-state-park) Visitor advisoryFacilities ### Beaver Ranch Park: Beaver Ranch construction Park-specific information - Beaver Ranch construction Phase 5B construction continues through December 2026. Main Trailhead parking is available, with limited parking at the Upper Trailhead. Check project updates for temporary changes. [Read the official notice: Jefferson County Parks & Open Space ↗](https://www.jeffco.us/3891/Beaver-Ranch-Park)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Beaver Ranch Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/beaver-ranch-park) Visitor advisoryFacilities ### Dinosaur National Monument: Deerlodge Campground — Colorado Park-specific information - Deerlodge Campground — Colorado Deerlodge Campground has vault toilets but no drinking water. Pack out trash and use caution at the river edge because of bank collapse. [Read the official notice: National Park Service Colorado destinations ↗](https://www.nps.gov/dino/planyourvisit/conditions.htm)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Dinosaur National Monument ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/dinosaur-national-monument) Visitor informationFacilities ### Pearl Lake State Park: Winter yurt water Park-specific information - Winter yurt water Drinking water is unavailable at Pearl Lake’s yurts during winter. Plan to bring your own supply. [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/pearl-lake-state-park/pearl-lake-state-park-camping-lodging)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Pearl Lake State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/pearl-lake-state-park) Visitor informationFacilities ### Pearl Lake State Park: Winter campsites Park-specific information - Winter campsites Pearl Lake closes its campsites for winter. Yurts have a separate reservation schedule; contact the park rather than applying the campsite closure to all lodging. [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/pearl-lake-state-park/pearl-lake-state-park-camping-lodging)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Pearl Lake State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/pearl-lake-state-park) Visitor informationFacilities ### Paonia State Park: Campground drinking water Park-specific information - Campground drinking water Water is not available at Paonia’s campsites. Bring your own supply; electrical hookups are limited to Anthracite Campground. [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/paonia-state-park/paonia-state-park-camping-lodging)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Paonia State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/paonia-state-park) Visitor informationFacilities ### Paonia State Park: Winter camping Park-specific information - Winter camping Paonia’s campgrounds close in winter. Confirm the seasonal schedule with the park before planning an overnight stay. [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/paonia-state-park/paonia-state-park-camping-lodging)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Paonia State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/paonia-state-park) Visitor informationFacilities ### Lory State Park: Hike-in backcountry campsites Park-specific information - Hike-in backcountry campsites Lory’s campsites are hike-in only, with no vehicle access, water, restrooms or tent pads. Fires are prohibited; small camp stoves are permitted. Bring all required water and supplies. [Read the official notice: Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor directory ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/lory-state-park/lory-state-park-camping-lodging)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Lory State Park ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/lory-state-park) Visitor informationFacilities ### Amache National Historic Site: No drinking water or restrooms Park-specific information - No drinking water or restrooms There is no drinking water or restroom facility at Amache. Bring the supplies you need and plan stops before reaching the site. [Read the official notice: National Park Service Colorado destinations ↗](https://www.nps.gov/amch/planyourvisit/conditions.htm)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Amache National Historic Site ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/amache-national-historic-site) Visitor informationFacilities ### Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve: Sand Board and Sand Sled Rentals Not Available In Park. Park-specific information - Sand Board and Sand Sled Rentals Not Available In Park. Sand boarding and sand sled rentals are located in local communities surrounding the park. Visitors are encouraged to arrange rentals BEFORE coming to the park. [Read the official notice: National Park Service Colorado destinations ↗](https://www.nps.gov/grsa/park-alerts-grsa.json)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/great-sand-dunes-national-park-and-preserve) Visitor informationFacilities ### Hovenweep National Monument: Voicemail not functioning Park-specific information - Voicemail not functioning The voicemail for the main park phone line (970-562-4282) is not functioning reliably. People are advised to call during business hours in order to speak with a ranger. [Read the official notice: National Park Service Colorado destinations ↗](https://www.nps.gov/hove/park-alerts-hove.json)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Hovenweep National Monument ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/hovenweep-national-monument) Visitor informationFacilities ### Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument: Winter Hours Begin September 14 Park-specific information - Winter Hours Begin September 14 Winter Operating Hours in effect September 14, 2026: the visitor center is open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, closed on Monday and Tuesday. [Read the official notice: National Park Service Colorado destinations ↗](https://www.nps.gov/flfo/park-alerts-flfo.json)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/florissant-fossil-beds-national-monument) Visitor informationFacilities ### Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve: Piñon Flats Campground, sites can be reserved 3 months in advance for 2026 Park-specific information - Piñon Flats Campground, sites can be reserved 3 months in advance for 2026 Due to the need for improvements in Piñon Flats Campground, sites can be reserved 3 months in advance beginning in 2026. [Read the official notice: National Park Service Colorado destinations ↗](https://www.nps.gov/grsa/park-alerts-grsa.json)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/great-sand-dunes-national-park-and-preserve) Visitor informationFacilities ### Amache National Historic Site: No Visitor Center Park-specific information - No Visitor Center Currently, there is no visitor center for Amache National Historic Site. There is a museum in the town of Granada that is operated by Amache Preservation Society. Learn more at amache.org [Read the official notice: National Park Service Colorado destinations ↗](https://www.nps.gov/amch/park-alerts-amch.json)Source checked Oct 21, 2026 [Amache National Historic Site ↗](https://colorado-parks.com/parks/amache-national-historic-site) ## Sources & further reading - [cpw.state.co.us: eleven mile state park ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/eleven-mile-state-park) - [cpw.state.co.us: golden gate canyon state park ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/golden-gate-canyon-state-park) - [cpw.state.co.us: mueller state park camping lodging ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/mueller-state-park/mueller-state-park-camping-lodging) - [cpw.state.co.us: stagecoach state park camping lodging ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/stagecoach-state-park/stagecoach-state-park-camping-lodging) - [cpw.state.co.us: pearl lake state park camping lodging ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/pearl-lake-state-park/pearl-lake-state-park-camping-lodging) - [cpw.state.co.us: sylvan lake state park ↗](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/sylvan-lake-state-park) [Suggest a correction](https://colorado-parks.com/about#corrections) · [Markdown version](https://colorado-parks.com/guides/winter-camping-water-and-facilities.md)