Crawford State Park invites anglers, boaters, hikers and water sports enthusiasts to the western slope, for one day or several.
Jet skiing, motor boating and water skiing are very popular action-oriented activities at peak times like summer weekends. The park is quiet and restful during the week and lower peak times.
A nice retreat for outdoor recreation, groups are welcome to gather and enjoy the group picnic facility. Crawford is a great place to take a break and enjoy great recreation and stunning scenery.
Colorado State Parks in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation recently refurbished and added modern campground amenities to the park.
Biking
1.3 miles of disconnected trails along Hwy 92 from the swimbeach south to Iron Creek campground; .3 mile trail in Iron Creek interior.
Boating
Boating capacity is 60 boats if we have 20 water skiing and 40 slow trollers fishing. IF we get a sailboat, that lowers the capacity because of the extra space a sailboat needs.
Camping
There are over 60 campsites at the Iron Creek and Clear Fork campgrounds. Iron Creek sites offer electrical hook-ups and 33,34,35,36,44 and 63 are universally accessible. Sites 15,22,24,32,34,35,37, and 38 have 50 amp service. All other sites in Iron Creek have 30 amp service.
Cross-country Skiing
Allowed only when there is enough snow to protect the vegetation; otherwise use the unplowed roads down to the frozen lake and travel there allowed ONLY when there is 8 inches or more of ice.
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome in the park as long as:
they are on a six foot or shorter leash at all times
their waste is properly disposed of
they are attended at all times; please do not leave them alone at your camp site or put them in a hot vehicle while you are enjoying ativities elsewhere
they are NOT allowed at the swim beach
Fishing
Crawford State Park is known as a quality perch and crappie fishery. Anglers may reel in a lunker channel catfish, a dandy largemouth bass or a nice northern pike or rainbow trout.
Group Picnicking
Gather the group for a day of fun at the Peninsula day-use area. The group area accommodates up to 100 people with a nice swim beach including an outdoor shower and comfort station, and is available by reservation at the park office. The Visitors Center with educational displays and park information is close by, as well as picnic areas not needing reservations.
Hiking
1.3 miles of disconnected trails along Hwy 92 from the swimbeach south to Iron Creek campground; .3 mile trail in Iron Creek interior; .5 mile Indian Fire Nature trail on West Side. First two trails are ADA accessible, Indian Fire is not.
Horseback Riding
Presently, there are no horse trails on the park, as no horses are allowed on the park by Bureau of Reclamation orders.
Hunting
Waterfowl hunting is allowed in the fall seasons as long as the hunter is 100 yards away from anyone fishing on shore and 150 yards away from any campground. Big game hunting allowed in season under the above conditions.
Ice Fishing
Allowed anywhere on the lake BUT only when there is a full 6 inches of ice. Snowmobiles may not be used as an aid to ice fishing.
Jet Skiing
Must obey all boating rules of the road. If in the ski area, you must go in the same counter-clockwise direction as everyone else. The east bay bound by the Peninsula, the highway & Clear Fork campground is the play area.
OHV Riding
OHV's are not allowed to be ridden anywhere on the park by Bureau of Reclamation orders
Paddle Boarding
All paddle boarders must have a sounding device and a properly fitted PFD on board while on the lake. Paddle boards are considered a vessel, and must follow all the rules that a kayaker or canoer must follow. Additionally, all children under the age of 13 MUST wear a properly fitted PFD while on a paddle board.
Picnicking
Several picnic sites are located throughout the park, each with a grill or fire ring.
Sailboarding
Sailboarding allowed but few come. Best time is late May and June when we get more wind but the water is COLD.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobile's are not allowed to be ridden on the park by Bureau of Reclamation orders. There are many areas near the park that snowmobiles may be used.
Snowshoeing
Allowed wherever you want to go as long as there is enough snow to protect the vegetation.
Snowtubing
Only good area is the Peninsula and then only when there is enough snow to protect the vegetation.
Swimming
The swim beach is open during the late spring and throughout the summer season.
Water Skiing
Water-ski season at Crawford usually is mid-May to mid-August. Scuba diving is permitted in any safe area but a diver's flag is required. Swimming is permitted in the swim area only, and is located in the Peninsula day-use area. Boaters at Crawford State Park are subject to Colorado boating statutes and regulations, available at the entrance or boat ramp safety display.
Winter Activities
Cold weather enthusiasts come to Crawford State Park for ice fishing, ice-skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Before going out onto a frozen lake, pond or river, it's important to take safety precautions to reduce the risk of falling through the ice. Knowing how to judge ice conditions will also help you make more informed decisions while enjoying winter activities.
Winter Camping
Allowed in Clear Fork campground (plowed in winter) but have only a vault toilet near sites 46 through 54. No water or flush facilities open in winter.