Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Paonia
Overview
Located in the heart of the North Fork Valley, Paonia State Park serves as a serene gateway to the high country of Western Colorado. This park is defined by its deep canyon walls and the shimmering waters of the Paonia Reservoir, offering a stark contrast to the bustling resort towns nearby. It provides a scenic retreat that prioritizes natural beauty and quietude over modern commercial luxuries. The park is a favorite for travelers who want to immerse themselves in a rugged landscape while enjoying easy access to the region’s famous agricultural treasures.
Location & Surroundings
Situated along Highway 133, the park is surrounded by the vast Gunnison National Forest. The drive into the area is spectacular, featuring dramatic views of the Ragged Mountains and the winding North Fork of the Gunnison River. At an elevation of approximately 6,500 feet, the location offers a refreshing mountain climate. The landscape is a rich tapestry of mountain mahogany and oak brush, providing a vibrant backdrop that transforms with the seasons, especially during the brilliant autumn color change.
Amenities & Park Features
The facilities at this location are designed for those who appreciate a rustic, self-contained camping experience. The park features two distinct campgrounds known as Spruce Grove and Hawsapple. It is important for visitors to note that these are primitive sites with vault toilets and no hookups, making the park an ideal destination for RVers who enjoy dry camping. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, allowing for traditional evenings under the stars. A concrete boat ramp provides access to the reservoir for early-season water activities.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Water recreation is a primary draw, with boating and windsurfing being popular when water levels are high in the early summer. As the season progresses, the reservoir's mudflats become a unique environment for hiking and exploration. Beyond the park boundaries, the town of Paonia is world-renowned for its organic orchards and vineyards. Travelers can spend their afternoons touring local wineries or visiting farm stands for fresh cherries and peaches before retreating back to the peaceful solitude of the canyon.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is best suited for self-contained RV travelers who do not require electricity or water connections. It is a haven for those seeking a quiet escape from the digital world, as cell service is limited within the canyon. Nature photographers, birdwatchers, and those who enjoy a slower pace of travel will find the park’s atmosphere deeply rewarding. It is the perfect choice for adventurers looking to combine a rugged mountain experience with the refined flavors of Colorado’s premier fruit-growing region.
Amenities
- Tenting
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
LF77777
Over several years I have rented a 10x20’ and a 10x30’ storage unit at Farnsworth’s… with not the slightest hint of a problem. These are good hardworking - home town people. If you decide to give them a try you win’t regret it. It’s great to work with professional people who can easily become friends. Thanks…Lincoln…Paonia
Kat Little
Legitimately zero stars, but the review requires one star to be posted. I had a box truck and a vehicle carrier for my rental contract. First, I dropped off my car and the car trailer after hours. The lot was completely dark and I had to use a headlamp to unhook the equipment. There was no clear guidance on where to park or leave equipment. EARLY the next morning I received an angry call from Mrs. Farnsworth that I had 30 minutes to move my vehicle or it would be towed. I scrambled half asleep to move my car while Mrs. Farnsworth followed me ranting about how I was parked in the wrong place and how I left equipment in the wrong place. When I returned the box truck it was again after hours since they close early at 3pm. I was charged cleaning fees despite having swept it out before returning it. Overall, being yelled at, demeaned, and overcharged are not ways to treat customers. I hope I never have to deal with this lady again. I would rather return to a different location another 15 minutes down the road. During my latest equipment return, I was yelled at by an employee for the location I was parking the trailer, but the employee refused to answer the door to check-in the trailer since it was after hours. I was forced to choose between an after hours return fee or a late fee because the business was closed the day my contract ended and the equipment was due to be returned. Thankfully a complaint to customer service got me in contact with the area field manager that cancelled the unavoidable additional fee. As long as Farnsworth represents U-Haul, poor customer service experiences will continue.
Heidi Metroz
U-Haul should not operate out of the Farnsworth location in Paonia any more. The old woman who works there is incredibly rude, judgmental, closeminded, and impatient. She is also lazy. I have rented U-Haul trailers on many occasions, and I have never been expected - or even allowed - to hook the trailer up to my truck myself. This woman expected me to do so. I informed her that I had never done so and she told me that I would figure it out. I attempted to hook up the trailer, but was having difficulty, so I requested her help since she is the employee and it is her job. As she was hooking up the trailer to my truck, she was rude, she raised her voice, and she made degrading comments that implied that I was inept simply because I am from a larger city. Aside from the massive liability that could have arisen as a result of this woman failing to do her job, her behavior was wildly inappropriate and unprofessional. Further, I later had a friend check the trailer, and he discovered that the trailer had not been attached securely. Finally, the woman made comments about how much she dislikes having the U-Haul services as a part of her business. I would suggest that U-Haul cut ties with her and her business completely. She is not doing U-Haul any favors.
Jennifer Marinelarena
Arrived, and they didn’t have the truck size we reserved, nobody to help, tried using the app and it didn’t work. Wasted 2 hours driving to the location
Brandi West
Amazing, friendly, fast services! They made my experience very simple. No headache!!!