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Elkhead Reservoir State Park RV & Campground Guide

Colorado

If you want to experience the stunning beauty of Colorado's wilderness, check out Elkhead Reservoir State Park. Not only is the man-made lake in the park a perfect place to go fishing, but it's also great for kayaking and canoeing. Furthermore, you'll be able to enjoy scenic hikes and cross-country skiing throughout the region and in this beautiful 900-acre state park. In addition, the area is known for its world-class elk hunting season, which is in the fall.

Nearby Cities

  • Hayden, CO

  • Steamboat Springs, CO

  • Craig, CO

  • Yampa, CO

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Weather
Spring 21-47 F
Summer 50-86 F
Fall 30-62 F
Winter 8-30 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Campground Accommodations

Bear's Ears Campground

  • Water hookup: No

  • Electrical hookup: No

  • Sewer hookup: No

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Max RV length: 40 feet

  • Other amenities: Shade shelters and picnic tables, fire rings

Pronghorn Campground

  • Water hookup: No

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: No

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Max RV length: 40 feet

  • Other amenities: Shade shelters and picnic tables, fire rings

Elkhead Reservoir State Park Campground

You will love that many of the campsites at this state park are very close to the lake. Choose between campsites near the dam or on the reservoir’s north banks. Rates start at $22 per night. 

• Water hookup: No 

• Electrical hookup: Yes 

• Sewer hookup: No 

• Wi-Fi: No 

• Pet-friendly: Yes 

• Other amenities: Water access at many campsites 

Yampa River State Park

There are many sites at the well-organized Yampa River State Park that are located near the park’s headquarters. You can also choose one of their more isolated spots away from the crowds. Rates start at $14 a day. 

• Water hookup: Yes 

• Electrical hookup: Yes 

• Sewer hookup: Yes 

• Wi-Fi: No 

• Pet-friendly: Yes 

• Other amenities: Riverfront campsites, teepees

Craig KOA Journey

If you love to play games while camping, you will adore Craig KOA Journey. It has a horseshoe pit, an outdoor checkerboard, and a sand volleyball area. You can even play some unique games such as Yardzee, outdoor ladder golf, and outdoor Connect Four. Rates start at $42 per night. 

• Water hookup: Yes 

• Electrical hookup: Yes 

• Sewer hookup: Yes 

• Wi-Fi: Yes 

• Pet-friendly: Yes 

• Other amenities: Outdoor games 

Freeman Reservoir Campground

Freeman Reservoir Campground offers easy access to many hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails near Freeman Reservoir. Of course, you can also easily access the reservoir from the campground. Rates start at $12 per night. 

• Water hookup: No 

• Electrical hookup: No 

• Sewer hookup: No 

• Wi-Fi: No 

• Pet-friendly: Yes 

• Other amenities: Potable water 

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What to Do at
Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Elkhead Reservoir is a great place to go fishing, kayaking, canoeing or swimming. During certain times of the year, hunting for waterfowl and big game is an option. In addition, off-roading and snowmobiling are permitted seasonally with registered vehicles.

If you're headed to Elkhead Reservoir State Park, you'll be able to enjoy incredible scenery and experience a wide range of outdoor activities.

Inside Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Since the creation of Elkhead Reservoir in 1974, this state park has been a favorite place to camp, fish, boat, and ski on the water. Over 10 miles of hiking trails are available, and you can often see a variety of large and small animals when you're hiking. Spring, summer, and fall are popular fishing times at this park, and anglers often catch their northern pike limit. With a permit, you can go hunting after Labor Day for mule deer, elk, pronghorn, and bear in the Elkhead Reservoir area. 

Fishing Fishing

Elkhead Reservoir is home to a wide range of fish species, including trout, perch, bullhead and kokanee salmon. Many people feel that it's one of the best places to go fishing in western Colorado. If you visit the park during the winter months, you'll be able to enjoy world-class ice fishing on the reservoir.

Nature Watching Nature Watching

Elkhead Reservoir is a great place to see the wildlife of northern Colorado, such as elk, wolves, foxes, black bears and other native species. In addition, you'll be able to enjoy birdwatching throughout the area.

Stargazing Stargazing

Elkhead Reservoir is located in a region of the state with a dry climate, which means that you'll be able to enjoy clear skies on most nights throughout the year.

Flora and Fauna

Elkhead Reservoir is a great place to see local wildlife. You'll be able to see elk, deer, foxes, bears and other species throughout the park.

Hiking Hiking

You'll be able to enjoy a wide range of scenic, family-friendly hikes in Elkhead Reservoir State Park. The most popular trail is the Dam Overlook Trail, and it's approximately a mile in length. Not only will you be able to enjoy hiking during the warmer weather, but the park's trails are also great for snowshoeing in the winter.

Boating

The reservoir is great for canoeing and kayaking. However, keep in mind that boating access is limited when the reservoir is drawn down.

Swimming Swimming

Swimming is permitted in all wakeless areas of the lake. In addition, there's a small designated swimming area.

Biking

You'll be able to enjoy mountain biking on the park's trails during the warmer months when the ground is snow-free.

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How to Get to
Elkhead Reservoir State Park

If you're coming from the Denver area, begin your trip by heading west on I-70 toward Grand Junction. Then, take a right at exit 205 and stay on the right once you reach the sign for Steamboat Springs/Silverthorne. Then, turn left on US-40 West until you reach County Road 29. Stay on County Road 29 for approximately 87 miles until you reach County Road 28. This will lead you directly to the park.

If you're coming from Salt Lake City or the surrounding area, take I-80 east until you reach exit 146 to get on US 40 West. After you reach US-191 N/US-40 East, get on this road and travel for around 74 miles. Then, bear right near the Dollar Tree to stay on this road, which also merges with E 200 N. Stay on US-40 east until you reach Colorado state Route 29. Take this until you reach Route 28, which leads directly to the park.

Entering Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Elkhead Reservoir State Park offers two different parking payment options. Single-day parking is $10, and an annual pass is $80.

Elkhead Reservoir State Park Per Day : $10.0

Elkhead Reservoir State Park Annual Pass : $80.0

Elkhead Reservoir State Park is a beautiful place to swim, fish, boat, hike, and enjoy many other activities. If you have spent time here or are planning a visit, be sure to post about your experiences on your social media account and tag RVshare in them. You can also send your photos and stories to [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions About Elkhead Reservoir State Park

What is the best time of year to visit Elkhead Reservoir State Park?

While it's possible to visit the park anytime, summer is the most popular season. However, you can enjoy snowshoeing cross-country skiing and ice fishing during the winter months.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Elkhead Reservoir State Park?

Elkhead Reservoir State Park and the surrounding area are home to elk, deer, black bears, foxes, raccoons, wolves, coyotes, mountain lions and other species native to the Colorado Rockies. In addition, you'll be able to see a wide range of bird species, including northern bobwhites, California quail, eagles, mallards, ducks and Canadian geese. White-tailed ptarmigans can be found in the mountains near the reservoir.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Elkhead Reservoir State Park?

There are designated RV camping spots in Elkhead Reservoir State Park. Some of the sites come with hookups for electricity. However, other services are not offered at Elkhead Reservoir State Park, and the maximum RV length is 40 feet.

Do you have to reserve a camping spot at Elkhead Reservoir State Park and what is the cost?

You do have to reserve a camping spot at Elkhead Reservoir State Park, and it costs $22 to park overnight. In addition, you'll need to pay a $10 parking fee if you're staying for the day. The cost of a site with electricity is $37.

Are pets allowed at Elkhead Reservoir State Park?

Pets are allowed at Elkhead Reservoir State Park. However, they must be supervised and kept on a leash at all times. There is no additional fee to stay at the park with pets.