Spruce Campground

Me and my partner frequent State Forest State Park but decided to mix it up and camp in Paonia State Park instead. Spruce Campground is beautifully maintained and relatively quiet (minus some road noise), and #9 is a couple steps from the river. They also have an accessible campsite for people who are less mobile. Bathrooms were clean and flanked by bear-proof trash bins. As of September 2025 entrance fee is $10 cash or check (self-service at the entrance to the campground), and the campsites are reserveable for $18 / night. Also it was peak leaf season so traffic on I-70 was heinous – it's normally a 4 hour drive from Denver but it took us closer to 6. Definitely recommended but maybe not as quiet as the primitive loop in State Forest. I've included photos of each campsite so people can

Convenient, shaded campground in Peionia State Park. Bring your own water, but there is a clean pivy and bear-safe trash bins have now been installed. Recommend campsites riverside to reduce surprising amounts of noise from Hwy 133. Reservations required, no walk up same day arrival options. Only six sites, so very private and family friendly. River is great for creek walking and mud castles! The reservoir is just down the road. A little further you'll find wineries and u-pick farms. Note that the reservoir is drained starting in August for farmers downstream, so go earlier in summer if you plan to paddle, fish or boat. Tuesdays are for non motorized vessels only.

Beautiful campground! Fantastic views and shade coverage. No water so bring your own. The stream is pretty muddy for exploring but still fun. The campground is very dog friendly. Ranger Chuck was what made our stay though, he was super knowledgeable about the local hikes in the area. Rangers come round once a day (as far as we could tell) and they have firewood, it's $6 per bundle instead of buying at the general store down the road for $12 per bundle

We arrived here on a Wednesday and were the only ones in this small campground. There are no water spigots. If you get a spot on the creek you can’t really hear the road noise. We rode our bikes over to the boat launch and took some pretty fantastic family photos! The creek was a nice way to cool off too. I recommend this campground over Hawsample for creek access. Big B’s orchard 25 minutes drive south of this campground was fun.

Nice campgrounds! Dry camping.. no electric, no water, no trash bins. Pack out. Small but beautiful scenery. Creek runs through it. Be sure to bring your bug spray. Mosquitoes are bad right now. Overall, we had a wonderful time and will be back!!