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Ridgway/Dutch Charlie
Overview
Ridgway State Park’s Dutch Charlie area serves as a premier destination for travelers exploring the rugged San Juan Mountains of Western Colorado. Often referred to as the gateway to the Switzerland of America, this specific section of the park offers modern camping facilities overlooking the expansive Ridgway Reservoir. It provides a structured yet incredibly scenic base for high-altitude adventures, balancing pristine natural beauty with the reliability of well-maintained state park facilities.
Location & Surroundings
Perched at an elevation of approximately 6,800 feet, the Dutch Charlie area offers sweeping, panoramic views of the Cimarron and San Juan Mountains. The park sits just north of the town of Ridgway, which acts as a central hub for outdoor enthusiasts in the region. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling sagebrush hills, dramatic mesas, and the deep blue waters of the reservoir, creating a stunning visual contrast against the jagged, snow-capped peaks in the distance.
Amenities & Park Features
As the most developed section of the state park, Dutch Charlie offers nearly 200 campsites across several distinct loops. Travelers can utilize full-hookup sites in the Elk Ridge loop, while other areas provide electric service and easy access to shared water stations. The park features modern restrooms and showers, a visitor center, and a seasonal laundromat. Paved pads are standard here, making it an accessible and level choice for larger motorhomes or fifth wheels requiring extra stability.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Water-based recreation is a major draw for visitors, featuring a dedicated swim beach and a full-service marina that offers various boat rentals. Anglers frequently visit the reservoir for its excellent trout and kokanee salmon fishing opportunities. Just a short drive south, the historic town of Ouray beckons with its soothing hot springs and alpine charm. Additionally, the iconic mountain town of Telluride is within reach for world-class hiking, jeep tours, and famous seasonal festivals.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is perfectly suited for active families and retirees who appreciate a blend of mountain wilderness and modern conveniences. Because of the wide, paved roads and level parking spurs, it is an excellent choice for big-rig travelers who want to avoid the tighter, more primitive camping spots often found at higher elevations. It serves as the ultimate basecamp for those who want to explore the San Juan range by day but return to a reliable, comfortable site by evening.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Rentals
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Lisa Boss
Camped two nights in our class b camper van with our two doggies and it was a beautiful campground. The campground has some nice short trails for walking the dogs. The views were amazing of the Reservoir. The sites were clean and so were the shower rooms. The campground is close to town. There were a lot of deer at this campground. I will definitely revisit this place.
Larkspur
We stayed in the yurt during the hot summer month of July. Great news! Air conditioner in the yurt! Our campground host brought over a hammock to use since hammocks are not allowed to be tied to ANY tree in ANY state park. Love the solution! Positioned well within the state near a national park (Gunnison) and loads of hiking trails. We drove into Ouray and up the million dollar highway to Silverton for the jaw dropping views and white knuckle ride. The kids had a lot of fun at the swim beach. The bathrooms were clean and well stocked. We loved listening to the foxes at night. Thanks for a great time Ridgway! #COParksPassport
Bill Ferrel
Visited this park for a few hours early October. This is an amazing find we just happened across as we we're heading toward Montrose from Ouray. Excellent views with lake, mountains, rolling hills all in one shot. Stopped by the visitor's center. Staff there was top notch answering questions about the park, but also about various Colorado sites. While the park is not huge, it is an exemplary example of why Colorado does tourism right!
Jack Reerink
We stayed at the Elk Ridge campground. Views from sites on the outer loop are amazing. Our site (123) came with a neat fire pit and grill. The campground was quiet. A steep trail leads down to the reservoir and more trails below. Cell service is excellent. Laundry is on site, with dryers running for one hour on $2. The town of Ridgway is just 5 miles away, and Ouray and Telluride are within beautiful drives.
James Wood
Beautiful facility hoped to windsurf the lake. Camp sites are not directly located on the lake. Boat ramp surrounded by high bluffs in a narrow bay making windsurfing challenging. Ranger recommended the access down the road where cars can drive upon the beach. Unfortunately fall low water limited use of that area.
