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

  • Boating

    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.

    Tentative dates and times for the 2020 Elkhead Reservoir boating season are as follows:

    5/9/20 Open to boating
    9/30/20 Last day of boating

    Inspection hours as follows:
    May 0700-2100
    June 0600-2130
    July 0600-2130
    August 0600-2100
    September 0700-2000

    (Updated: 5/20/2020 2:10 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: 11/14/2019 2:20 PM)

  • Fishing

    The Boat Ramp is open.

    (Updated: 5/12/2020 9:52 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: 11/14/2019 2:25 PM)

  • Hunting

    Hunting is allowed in designated areas around the reservoir. See the regulations for more information.

    Check with the Park Office for maps of hunting areas.
    (Updated: 11/14/2019 2:28 PM)

  • 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: 10/6/2017 9:47 AM)

  • 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: 10/6/2017 9:47 AM)

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