Yampa River State Park, located in the beautiful Yampa valley west of Steamboat Springs, is actually three parks in one.

The headquarters on the Yampa River near Hayden, Colorado, provides excellent camping, a Visitor Center and nature trail. The headquarters has 50 camp sites 35 are RV electric sites, 10 tent sites and five sites for group camping. Potable water hydrants and dumpstation are located at the entrance to the campground.

The proximity to Hwy 40 makes the headquarters the base camp for many outdoor activities in the Steamboat area hunting, fishing, and OHV riding.

A 134 mile stretch of the Yampa River is the heart of Yampa River State Park. It has 13 access points stretching from Hayden to the Dinosaur National Monument near the Utah border. The river access sites offer recreationists six camping areas, excellent fishing on miles of flat-water and Class I-V river boating.

The Elkhead Reservoir is the third major component of the Yampa River State Park system. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, camping and picnicking at the lake. There are also many opportunities to view wildlife and a hiking trail that will appeal to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.

The Yampa River is located in the Wyoming Basin Physiographic Province of the Rocky Mountains. The river basin is defined by four major structural features, the Washakie Basin, the Park Range, the Unita Mountains and the White River Plateau. The headwaters of the Yampa River begin in the area know as the Flat Tops and pass through a variety of unique features such as volcanic dikes , exposed Precambrian through Quaternary rocks flowing into the wide alluvial valley where agricultural lands and riparian habitat co-exist.

The Yampa River basin in Western Colorado is rich in Native American and geologic history. It was not explored by people with logging or mining interests until the late 19th century. The indigenous people resided here for the abundance of wildlife and the ability to grow crops. A diverse climate enabled movement into regions that allowed access to food and amenable weather.

All Colorado State Parks have entrance fees. All vehicles are required to have an entrance pass and some parks have walk-in fees. Visit the Colorado Park Entrance Pass web page.

The Headquarters campground near Hayden, has 35 electric RV sites, 14 basic tent sites, 2 tipis, anda camper services building showers and laundry facilities available.

Potable water hydrants and dumpstation are located at the entrance to the campground.

There are five primitive campgrounds with river access along the 134-mile segment of the river from Hayden to the Dinosaur National Monument. Each primitive camping area has between five and 10 campsites.