Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Star3.87
15 reviews
135 Counrty Road 28 , Hayden, Colorado, 81639, United States
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,404 ft

Price

$20 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Colorado Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website
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Elkhead Reservoir State Park
$20.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by site type, ranging from $20 to $35. Cancellations and changes may incur fees based on timing, with penalties ranging between 10% and...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$35.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve America
Provider
9702762061
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What Campers Say

3.87

Mixed Reviews

Based on 15 reviews

45 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciousfriendly

"User reviews highlight the park's scenic beauty, clean facilities, and variety of recreational activities. The campgrounds are noted to be well-maintained, and the camp hosts receive consistent praise for their friendliness."

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Campground Map

135 Counrty Road 28 , Hayden, Colorado, 81639, United States

Elkhead Reservoir State Park

135 Counrty Road 28 , Hayden, Colorado, 81639, United States

Driving directionsFrom Craig: Travel East on Highway 40 approximately 7 miles until you reach MCR 29. Turn left on MCR 29 and continue North 4 miles. Turn right on MCR 28 to enter the park. Continue on MCR 28 across the dam to reach Bear's Ears Campground. From Hayden: Travel West on Highway 40 until you reach mile marker 97. Turn right on MCR 29 (North), continue North for approximately 4 miles until you reach MCR 28. Turn right to enter the park. Continue on MCR 28 across the dam to reach Bear's Ears Campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads; seasonal closures are not mentioned. Roads may include turns near the dam.
Nearby places
Craig (10 miles northeast)
Nearby supplies
No water or dump station is available within the park. Supplies like water are accessible 15 minutes away at the Headquarters Campground near Hayden.

Best Time to Camp at Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Experience Colorado's dramatic seasonal transformations at Elkhead Reservoir, where winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow perfect for ice fishing and snowshoeing adventures. As temperatures climb toward summer's peak of 87°F, the park transforms into a sun-drenched paradise under crystalline blue skies, ideal for water sports and stargazing. Spring and fall offer their own magic, with wildflowers dotting the prairie and golden aspens painting the distant hillsides.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summers are ideal for water sports, swimming, boating and hiking; beaches and boating get busy.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall offers pleasant scenery and hunting seasons; activity levels moderate.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring is a transitional season with available activities but not specifically highlighted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 14% in CO

Winter praised for ice fishing and wildlife viewing; park remains open year-round.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; hunting permitted after Labor Day during established seasons.

About Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Discover the untamed beauty of Elkhead Reservoir State Park, where endless sagebrush prairies meet dramatic cliff faces and ancient juniper groves. This hidden gem in Colorado's backcountry beckons adventurers with two distinctive camping experiences: the tranquil Bear's Ears Campground, nestled just across the dam, and the wildlife-rich Pronghorn Campground, where you might wake to antelope grazing just beyond your tent.
Elkhead Reservoir State Park provides diverse camping accommodations with options for RV camping, tent camping, and ADA-accessible sites. The Bear's Ears Campground features basic sites with varying levels of amenities.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Per CPW regulation, no individual may camp or park a motor vehicle, trailer or camper on a state park for more than fourteen (14) days in any twenty-eight (28) day period.

Amenities available

Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Elkhead Reservoir State Park offers a wide range of activities, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, kayaking, picnicking, and more. Winter recreation opportunities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
HikingThe park includes several hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the sagebrush prairie, juniper trees, and scenic cliff areas. Specific trail details, such as length or difficulty, are not provided.
FishingFishing is a significant draw, with anglers targeting warm-water species such as Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, and Crappie. User reviews also mention that fishing is picking up.
SwimmingSwimming is allowed at the designated swim beach and in no-wake zones on the north end of the lake. Personal flotation devices are mandatory except at the swim beach. No lifeguards are on duty.
BikingThe park includes biking trails, which are popular among visitors. Terrain details are not specified.
BoatingBoating, jet skiing, and water-skiing are popular activities on the reservoir. All watercraft must undergo aquatic nuisance inspections.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a common activity, and winter is noted as a great time to see large herds of animals in the park.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWind vortexes in the basin can make the area extremely windy, as noted by user reviews.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Reviews

3.9
15 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Elkhead Reservoir State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the park's scenic beauty, clean facilities, and variety of recreational activities. The campgrounds are noted to be well-maintained, and the camp hosts receive consistent praise for their friendliness.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained facilities, friendly camp hosts, scenic views of the reservoir, variety of recreational activities, spacious and well-designed campsites.
Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent high winds making camping challenging, lack of potable water and dump station within the park, inconsistent enforcement of pet rules, minimal shade at campsites.
Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water as there is none available within the park. Prepare for windy conditions, especially for tent camping. Weekdays are less crowded, making them a preferred time for a tranquil...
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Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winters are great for ice fishing and wildlife viewing, while summers are ideal for water sports and hiking. Weekends tend to be busier, and weekdays often offer a quieter and more relaxing...
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Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The views of the reservoir are stunning. Each site comes with a shelter over the picnic table, power, and there are plenty of clean toilets around the camp." (Jessica Newman, 2020-06-07) "Brand new...
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Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Pronghorn Campground is praised for its covered picnic tables, electrical hookups, and cleanliness. Bear's Ears Campground is noted to have no hookups and fewer amenities.
Based on 15 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA campsites are available and well-designed; however, most of the park's terrain is not wheelchair accessible, limiting options for visitors with mobility challenges.
Based on 15 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are inconsistently enforced as noted by users, with some rangers permitting off-leash activities and others warning of tickets. This has caused confusion among pet owners.
Based on 15 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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