About Rifle Gap Reservoir
Recreation at Rifle Gap Dam and Reservoir, Silt Project, is managed by the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. The clear water at Rifle Gap Reservoir is excellent for scuba diving. Other water activities include boating, fishing, swimming, waterskiing, and windsurfing. Fishing enthusiasts can select from rainbow and German brown trout, walleye, perch, and smallmouth and largemouth bass. During your wildlife watching, you may see deer, elk, beaver, chipmunks, rabbits, or bobcats. Golf enthusiasts can tee off on the 18-hole golf course that lies adjacent to the area. Winter offers ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. There are 47 campsites that will accommodate tents, small trailers, and pickup campers. There are some pull-through sites for larger units and day-use picnic areas. Call 1-800-678-2267 for camping reservations.
How to Get There
Take I-70 north from Grand Junction to the Rifle exit, then north on Colorado Highway 13 for 3 miles. Right onto Colorado 325 and drive 9.8 miles to reservoir.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Rifle Gap Reservoir
Heading to Rifle Gap Reservoir? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Rifle Gap Reservoir?
No central reservation system listed for Rifle Gap Reservoir. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/60) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Rifle Gap Reservoir?
Take I-70 north from Grand Junction to the Rifle exit, then north on Colorado Highway 13 for 3 miles. Right onto Colorado 325 and drive 9.8 miles to reservoir.
How do I contact Rifle Gap Reservoir?
You can reach the park at phone: 970-625-1607 or email: rifle.gap.park@state.co.us.
References & Official Resources
