Yampa River State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Yampa River State Park
A trail in Yampa River State Park
Yampa River State Park Location in Colorado
Location	Routt & Moffat Counties, Colorado, US
Nearest city	Craig, Colorado
Area	3,112 acres (1,259 ha)
Established	1998
Visitors	78,780 (in 2009-10)
Governing body	Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Yampa River State Park is a special natural area in northwestern Colorado, US. It's a state park, which means it's a place protected by the state government for people to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. This park stretches along the beautiful Yampa River through Routt and Moffat Counties. It's a great spot for adventures like boating, hiking, and camping.

Explore Yampa River State Park

Yampa River State Park offers many ways to explore the outdoors. It's especially popular for activities along the river.

Boating and River Access

The park is a fantastic place for boating. It has 13 different spots where you can get your boat into the Yampa River. These access points are spread out along about 134 miles (216 km) of the river. You can start your river adventure near Hayden and travel all the way to the edge of Dinosaur National Monument.

Hiking Trails and Nature

If you love to walk or hike, this park has trails for you. These paths let you explore the river's canyons and the areas right next to the water, called riparian zones. You can see interesting rock formations and different natural habitats. It's a perfect way to observe local plants and animals in their natural homes.

Visitor Center Fun

The park has a visitor center located about 17 miles (27 km) east of Craig. This center is a great place to start your visit. It offers information about the park and even has its own nature trail. You can learn about the park's history, wildlife, and geology here.

Camping Adventures

Spending a night under the stars is easy at Yampa River State Park.

Main Campground

The main campground is right next to the visitor center. It has 50 campsites for different needs.

• 35 sites have electricity for RVs.
• 10 sites are perfect for setting up tents.
• 5 sites are designed for group camping, so you can bring all your friends or family.

River Access Campsites

Besides the main campground, there are also simpler campsites. These are located near many of the river access points. They are less developed but offer a more rustic camping experience closer to the water.