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Park Activities
Park Activities
Elkhead Reservoir landscape. By Vic Schendel.

  • Boating

    Open/Close Date: May 8 – September 30th

    Hours of Operation:

    • May: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
    • June - July: 6:00 am – 9:30 pm
    • August: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
    • September: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm

      Special Considerations: Northeast access hand launch only



      Boating on over 900 surface acres can satisfy the power boater, skier or angler looking for a more remote experience.  Aquatic Nuisance Species pre-inspection is required for boats prior to launching. 

      Boat registrations and renewals can be issued at the Yampa River State Park Visitor Center.


      (Updated: 4/15/2021 1:30 PM)

    • Camping

      Camping at one of the nearly 50 developed sites allows easy access to many of the activities offered at the reservoir. 

      Sites at Bear's Ears Campground or Pronghorn Campground can be reserved online or by calling 1-800-244-5613​. 

      For more information, see the Elkhead Reservoir camping page.
      (Updated: 5/20/2020 2:01 PM)

    • Dog-friendly

      ​Dogs are welcome in the park as long as:

      • they are on a six-foot or shorter leash at all times

      • their waste is properly disposed of

      ​Dogs are not allowed in the water. 

      (Updated: 3/9/2021 2:39 PM)

    • Fishing

      Fishing has been off and on lake is muddy, lake level is extremely low. 

      (Updated: 10/16/2021 11:31 AM)

    • Hiking

      Hike along one of a variety of trails that follow the lakeshore. Although many are short hikes, they can be very rewarding to the conscious viewer. 

      For more information, please call the Park Office at 970-276-2061.
      (Updated: 3/9/2021 2:40 PM)

    • Hunting

      Hunting is allowed after Labor Day during legal seasons in designated hunting areas only. 

      For Waterfowl Hunting, see the Elkhead Waterfowl Hunting Map for designated Waterfowl hunting areas. Waterfowl hunting is only allowed from the high-water mark of the shoreline and below.
                                                                                                              For Big Game Hunting, see the Elkhead Big Game Hunting Map.

      All hunting regulations apply. See the regulations for more information.

      Check with the Park Office for questions or additional maps of hunting areas.
      (Updated: 10/16/2021 11:35 AM)

    • OHV Riding

      ​OHV registrations and renewals can be issued at the Yampa River State Park Visitor Center​.

      (Updated: 11/14/2019 2:32 PM)

    • Photography

      Photo opportunities abound all around the reservoir. Whether of wildlife or plant life, there is a great shot waiting for you.
      (Updated: 11/14/2019 2:34 PM)

    • Picnicking

      Picnic or BBQ at one of many day use sites around the reservoir.
      (Updated: 3/9/2021 2:40 PM)

    • Snowmobiling

      ​Snowmobile registrations and renewals can be issued at the Yampa River State Park Visitor Center​.

      (Updated: 11/14/2019 2:32 PM)

    • Wildlife Viewing

      There is always an opportunity for wildlife viewing in one of Colorado’s most abundantly rich wildlife areas.
      (Updated: 3/9/2021 2:41 PM)

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