About Crawford Reservoir
Crawford Reservoir was created by Crawford Dam which crosses Iron Creek, a tributary of the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River. The reservoir is part of the Smith Fork Project.Recreation at Crawford Reservoir is managed by the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Western Colorado Area Office, Grand Junction, Colorado. The 96,000 annual visitors recreation activities are accommodated by 7 miles of shoreline and 394 acres of water surface. The average elevation is 6,500 feet above sea level.Water activities include boating, waterskiing, sailboarding, and swimming. For fishing enthusiasts, yellow perch, black crappie, largemouth bass, trout, channel catfish, and northern pike are in the reservoir. Winter activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. There are 45 campsites with hookups and 21 without. Showers and flush toilets are available. Call 800-678-2267 for camping reservations
How to Get There
From Delta, take Colorado Highway 92 east to Hotchkiss. Stay right on Highway 92 where it intersects Colorado Highway 133 and drive 10 miles to the town of Crawford. The reservoir is 1 mile south of town.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Crawford Reservoir
Heading to Crawford Reservoir? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Crawford Reservoir?
No central reservation system listed for Crawford Reservoir. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/50) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Crawford Reservoir?
From Delta, take Colorado Highway 92 east to Hotchkiss. Stay right on Highway 92 where it intersects Colorado Highway 133 and drive 10 miles to the town of Crawford. The reservoir is 1 mile south of town.
How do I contact Crawford Reservoir?
You can reach the park at phone: 970-921-5721 or email: crawford.park@state.co.us.
References & Official Resources
