The clean, clear waters of Rifle Gap State Parks 350-acre reservoir provide some of the best boating, fishing, swimming, water-skiing and windsurfing in Colorado.

The long, narrow reservoir is inviting to water-skiers, jet-skiers and power boaters. Rifle Gap often has good conditions for sailing and windsurfing. The beach on the west side of the reservoir is popular for its swimming Rifle Gap anglers catch rainbow and German brown trout, walleye, pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass and yellow perch.

Camping in the parks 89 sites and picnicking are also popular. In the winter, anglers bundle up for ice fishing.

Rifle Gap lies on the edge of the White River Plateau, just north of the Grand Hogback. The Grand Hogback monocline consists of Upper Cretaceous Williams Fork Formation sandstone, shale and coal beds that are approximately 4,500 feet thick. From the reservoir, views to the south offer unparalleled exposures of the coal-bearing Mesa Verde group in the hogback. Most of the park is comprised of exposed Mancos Shale, and as a result, park soils are rich in salts. Fossils of leaves are abundant, and some fish and shellfish fossils exist as well.

Mule deer, elk, cottontail rabbit, coyote, ground squirrels, great-horned owls, and yellow-tailed weasel are common sights in the hills around the campsites for wildlife watchers at Rifle Gap. Visitors may also observe beavers sliding around the bends of East Rifle Creek and small lizards sunning themselves on the rocks. A diversity of reptile species is recorded in the area, including Utah milksnake, midget-faded rattlesnake and western yellow-bellied racer.

The small town of Austin once stood where Rifle Gap sits today. Austin was an area used primarily for cattle ranching during the late 1800s until 1958 when the town was relocated once the US Bureau of Reclamation drew up plans for the Rifle Gap reservoir to be completed in 1968. The main purpose of the reservoir was irrigation for the farmers and ranchers in the Rifle area. Water was drawn from the reservoir in 1969.

By this time, Rifle Gap State Park was officially a new park for the state to enjoy, and the reservoir added to the parks features. The clean, clear waters of this 350-acre reservoir afford some of the best boating, swimming, water-skiing and windsurfing in Colorado. Camping, hiking and picnicking opportunities at this 1,305-acre park also await the Rifle Gap State Park visitor.

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 popular campsites at Rifle Gap are spread out along the northern shore of the reservoir. Campers like Rifle Gaps campgrounds for their wide-open sites, breathtaking views of the reservoir, and spectacular mountain vistas. To get the most out of the camping adventure, guests should plan early sites fill quickly.

Lakeview Campground sits on top of the hill with a spectacular view of the reservoir and the mountainside. It includes paved RV/tent sites and walk-in tent sites. The RV/tent sites can accommodate tents, small trailers, large motor homes and pickup campers with pull-through sites and back-in sites.

Cedar Campground sits up on the hill along the waters edge, and can accommodate tents, small trailers, large motor homes and pickup campers with pull-through sites and back-in sites.

Sage Campground is adjacent to CPW and BLM property, and provides easy access for OHV use. Campsites are basic and can accommodate tents, small trailers, large motor homes and pickup campers with pull-through sites and back-in sites.

Pinyon Campground sits up on the hill overlooking the water, and is nestled within pinion and juniper trees, providing some privacy. Campsites are basic and can accommodate tents, small trailers, and pickup campers with pull-through sites and back-in sites.