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Ridgway/Pa Co-Chu Puk
Overview
Ridgway/Pa-Co-Chu-Puk is a standout destination within the Colorado State Park system, located just below the Ridgway Reservoir dam. Often referred to by locals simply as Paco, this campground offers a unique combination of full hookup sites and scenic river access. It serves as a peaceful gateway to the rugged San Juan Mountains, providing a well-maintained environment that balances modern convenience with the natural beauty of the Uncompahgre River valley.
Location & Surroundings
Nestled in a valley between the towns of Montrose and Ridgway, the park is surrounded by high desert mesas and dramatic mountain peaks. The campground sits along the banks of the Uncompahgre River, offering a lush, riparian corridor that contrasts beautifully with the red rock cliffs nearby. Its location on the San Juan Skyway makes it a strategic stop for travelers exploring southwestern Colorado’s most iconic scenic drives.
Amenities & Park Features
What sets Pa-Co-Chu-Puk apart from many state park facilities is the availability of 50-amp full hookups, making it highly desirable for large RVs. The park features spacious, paved sites that are easy to navigate for big rigs. Travelers have access to clean modern restrooms and showers, as well as laundry facilities and a seasonal camp store. The layout includes several loops, some of which are positioned directly adjacent to prime fishing waters.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Anglers consider this area a paradise due to the world-class tailwater fishing located just steps from the campsites. Beyond fishing, visitors can head north to the Ridgway Reservoir for boating and swimming or drive south to the town of Ouray to soak in the historic hot springs. Hiking trails wind through the park, offering views of the Cimarron Range and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for big rig travelers who want the amenities of a private resort with the atmosphere of a state park. It is a top choice for fly fishing enthusiasts looking for easy river access and families who need a comfortable home base for day trips to Telluride or Silverton. If you appreciate paved level pads and breathtaking mountain vistas, this is one of the best RV stops in Western Colorado.
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
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.