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Park Activities
Park Activities

  • Backcountry camping

    Fourteen beautiful and secluded backcountry sites are perfect for those who are willing to pack or boat in. This is the prettiest area of the park, so even if you don't choose to camp here, plan on scheduling a hike through the area.   The hiking distance is between 0.50 and .75 miles depending on which campsite is selected.

    Important Backcountry Camping Rules

    • You must camp in a designated site where there is a picnic table and firepit.
    • Bring your own firewood or purchase it from the 11 Mile Marina! State regulations prohibit collecting any vegetation on all State Parks.
    • Use the Bear Proof Containers provided: an all year Bear Regulation is in effect at Eleven Mile State Park.
    • Please be aware that you are not allowed to attach items to trees and shrubs at Eleven Mile State Park. 
      • These items include, but are not limed to: hammocks, clotheslines, dog leashes, cables, cable runs, shade canopies, rope swings and tarps for shade, for wind blocks, or for privacy. 
      • These items can damage the protective bark of trees and shrubs by cinching them. Damage to the bark can allow potential parasites and disease to get into the tree/shrub, affecting its longevity and the health of surrounding trees and shrubs.

    For more information, see the Camping page.

    (Updated: 4/9/2021 2:36 PM)

  • Biking

    Visitors can enjoy nearly five miles of scenic biking. Bikes are allowed on the trails in the Coyote Ridge/Backcountry area, but be aware that it is not a smooth trail and that sometimes bikes may have to be picked up over rocks and other obstacles. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all trails and are only allowed on designated roads. 

    ​You can also bike throughout the campgrounds, and Rocky Ridge and North Shore have paved roads.

    For more information, visit the Trails​ page.

    (Updated: 11/13/2019 4:25 PM)

  • Birding

    Many migratory and resident birds inhabit the park, including a variety of songbirds, raptors, waterfowl and shorebirds that are all attracted to the reservoir. Three rare bird species observed at the park include the bald eagle, American peregrine falcon and white pelican. 

    See Eleven Mile's bird list brochure​.

    (Updated: 11/8/2019 10:26 AM)

  • Boating

    All types of boating are popular on this large reservoir including: kayaking, canoeing, sailing and motorboating. Body water-contact activities including scuba diving, water skiing, jet skiing, wading (without waders), swimming, etc. are prohibited. 

    The boat ramps at Eleven Mile State Park close October 31st each year for the season half an hour after sunset.

    As of November 1st, once the boat ramps have closed for the season, Eleven Mile Reservoirs will only allow vessels exempted from Aquatic Nuisance Inspections (per Parks Chapter 8 Regulation #800K) to operate on their waters until they ice over.

    During that time, only vessels that are BOTH hand-launched AND human-powered will be allowed. ​Marine propulsion systems of any type are prohibited.


    For more information, see the Boating​ page.

    (Updated: 3/20/2022 9:14 AM)

  • Camping

    Eleven Mile State Park has 326 campsites in nine separate campgrounds scattered around the lake. From basic and walk-in sites to electric or lakeshore sites, there is something for every camping style. 

    Please read the Conditions Page for any closures.

    Camping cannot be paid for at the self-service stations, this park is reservations only, please visit the park office during open hours, call 1-800-244-5613 or reserve online at www.cpwshop.com.  

    For more information, see the Camping page.​​


    (Updated: 3/18/2023 9:57 AM)

  • Cross-country Skiing

    It is best to cross-country skii over the lake only after the lake surface is frozen solid and then covered with snow. Experienced cross-country skiers may wish to try out the fields and meadows of the Backcountry after heavy snowfalls.
    (Updated: 11/13/2019 4:02 PM)

  • Dog-friendly

    ​Dogs are welcome in the park as long as:

    • They remain on a six-foot or shorter leash at all times when outside of a vehicle, boat or camping unit.
    • All dog waste is properly disposed of.

    Dogs are not allowed in the water for any reason.

    (Updated: 11/13/2019 4:04 PM)

  • Education Programs

    Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Interpreters present the park’s environmental education programs each summer. ​​

    Check the CPW calendar for upcoming programs. 

    Junior Rangers (6-12 year olds) who have completed the Eleven Mile Junior Ranger activity book are invited to participate in the Sunday morning ceremonies when Junior Ranger badges and certificates are awarded. 

    ​For more information, visit the Outdoors Education​ page​.

    (Updated: 11/13/2019 4:07 PM)

  • Equipment Rental

    The 11 Mile Marina has boat rentals available that include a 20' pontoon, a couple of 16' Lund aluminum V-Hulls, and several canoes and kayaks. 

    Winter ice fishing equipment can also be rented and includes augers, shelters, fish finders, and heaters. 

    For more details, call Larry at the Marina at (719) 748-0317.

    (Updated: 11/13/2019 4:13 PM)

  • Fishing

    Fishing opportunities exist for brown, cutthroat, cutbow and rainbow trout, as well as northern pike. The lake is one of a very few in Colorado stocked with Kokanee salmon. (Note: Snagging for Kokanee salmon is PROHIBITED.) Carp abound in the shallow bays and inlets, providing great bow fishing. 

    Gold Metal Water fishing opportunities exist on the South Platte River within Eleven Mile State Park by the inlet.

    Fishing tournaments are posted on the CPW Calendar​. Fishing licenses are available at the park office. 

    For more information, visit Eleven Mile's Fishing​ page.

    (Updated: 11/13/2019 4:17 PM)

  • Hiking

    Visitors can enjoy nearly five miles of scenic hiking trails in the Coyote Ridge/Backcountry area.

    ​Both a self-guided Nature Trail and an Orienteering Trail are offered for hiking enthusiasts. Brochures for both are available either online or at the park office. 

    Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all trails and are only allowed on designated roads. 

    For more information, see the Trails​ page.

    (Updated: 11/13/2019 4:29 PM)

  • Hunting

    Big game, small game and water fowl hunting are all available during appropriate hunting seasons. Hunting licenses are available at the park office. 

    For more information, visit Eleven Mile's Hunting​ page.

    (Updated: 11/13/2019 4:31 PM)

  • Ice Fishing

    Excellent ice fishing opportunities for Kokanee, trout and pike are available all winter long once the ice cap forms and is sufficiently thick enough. 

    For more information, visit Eleven Mile's Fishing​ page.

    (Updated: 11/13/2019 4:33 PM)

  • Ice Skating

    Very good ice skating conditions exist in the early portion of the winter; after the ice forms solidly, but before too many pressure ridges have been created. 

    As of December, 2020 an ice skating ring has been set up by the Marina.  You can skate anywhere but now there is a place for just Ice Skating and the Marina is maintaining it wonderfully.
    (Updated: 2/18/2021 12:12 PM)

  • Picnicking

    Eleven Mile State Park offers 15 picnic sites. Some are located close to shoreline fishing access areas, while others are found near the playground. A universal access picnic site is also located adjacent to the playground. 

    Note: There are no group picnicking facilities.

    (Updated: 11/13/2019 4:39 PM)

  • Sailboarding

    The park offers tremendous windsurf boarding/sailboarding opportunities all summer long. Visitors participating in this sport need to understand that the winds here can make sailboarding a challenge even for the most experienced of sailboarders.  
    (Updated: 1/14/2019 11:37 AM)

  • Winter Activities

    Ice fishing is very popular at Eleven Mile State Park! 

    Ice boating is an unusual sport that is perfect for the lake's large frozen surface. Ice boating typically is best after the lake has frozen solid in the early winter before too many pressure ridges have been created. This is usually late December to early February. 

    The lake's large ice surface is also ideal for ice skating when there is no snow on the ice. When there is snow, feel free to shovel an area for ice skating.

    Cross country skiing is another possible activity (when there is snow on the ice).

    We do see some ice bikes with fat tires from time to time.
    (Updated: 11/13/2019 4:45 PM)

  • Winter Camping

    Camping is available year-round at Eleven Mile State Park.  

    From October 15th each year to March 31 st of the following year, the following campgrounds are closed: 

    • Rocky Ridge B through E Loops;
    • North Shore C through E Loops;
    • Stoll Mountain; (see Conditions on extended closure)
    • Rocking Chair Sites #610 - #613.
    • Lazy Boy; 
    • Howbert Point; and 
    • Witcher's Cove West Sites #807 - #822.

    NOTE: Additional closure may be needed in the winter due to snow and drifting snow.

    In the winter, the only electric campsites available are in Rocky Ridge loop A. 

    ​For more information, see the Camping​ page.

    (Updated: 8/17/2020 10:23 AM)

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