Paonia State Park

We stayed at the spruce campground, it has fantastic views and shade coverage. No water so bring your own. The stream is pretty muddy for exploring but still fun. The campground is very dog friendly. Ranger Chuck was what made our stay though, he was super knowledgeable about the local hikes in the area. Rangers come round once a day (as far as we could tell) and they have firewood, it's $6 per bundle instead of buying at the general store down the road for $12 per bundle. We didn't get to explore the reservoir because of the time of year (low water and lots of mud), id recommend visiting earlier in the year to see the reservoir full, lots of aspens in the area which will also be beautiful in the fall.

Pictures were taken in September of 2022, so not an accurate measurement of the water table.

Beautiful park away from crowds and the city. As with any state park as long as you do research beforehand and make reservations you'll have a great time. Rangers are very knowledgeable and friendly. The sunset here behind the mountains is one of the best I've ever seen in Colorado!

Spruce is the better of the 2 campgrounds. Beautiful setting. Quiet. Take bug spray. Gnats are biters! Bathrooms clean. Just a very nice place.

Amazing.. really nice camp ground.

What a great place to be awesome staff and lots of fun camping and boating with the family

So beautiful ❤

This review is specifically for the new Anthracite Campground. It’s a nice little campground.
However, there is only one outhouse with one toilet, and it is located directly behind the handicap accessible campsite. The only way to access the outhouse is to walk directly through the HA site, it’s very awkward when the sight is occupied. There needs to be a second outhouse with two toilets built in a central location in the campground.

Also, the sites are very poorly landscaped with lots of weeds that need to be removed. Particularly on the river side. There were also wasp nests in shelter.

Lastly, although Kebler Corner is cool, some of the patrons like to party loudly until the wee hours of the morning.

With a second outhouse and better landscaping it would be a great little campground.

Very disappointed with the park in general. Needs some updates. Signage is not helpful. Both campgrounds say picnic and boat ramp, but not located in those areas.

The dirt road to the top of the lake overlook is basically one lane. Needs signage that warns of that as well as no trailers or motorhomes. Damaged and run down picnic areas.

Campground says reservation only, and to call for a site. But definitely no cell service for miles. Who comes up with these ideas?

Colorado can do better!