Is Elkhead Reservoir Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Elkhead Reservoir Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Elkhead Reservoir Campground before I book?

Yes! Elkhead Reservoir Campground has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

What is the best time to visit Elkhead Reservoir Campground?

Elkhead Reservoir Campground is open Camping generally open May 1 to November 30; park not open for winter camping (dates may be weather dependent).. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Elkhead Reservoir Campground?

Elkhead Reservoir Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Elkhead Reservoir Campground?

Fire policies at Elkhead Reservoir Campground: Each site has a fire ring or pit; vault toilets are provided. Campers must follow Colorado Parks & Wildlife fire restrictions and current park rules (check CPW for up‑to‑date fire restrictions).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Elkhead Reservoir Campground have?

Elkhead Reservoir Campground has 46 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Elkhead Reservoir Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Elkhead Reservoir Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Elkhead Reservoir Campground?

Elkhead Reservoir Campground offers: Restrooms, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Elkhead Reservoir Campground?

Popular activities at Elkhead Reservoir Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Elkhead Reservoir Campground

3.72

25 reviews

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,424 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Camping generally op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Book on Colorado State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

6,424 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Camping generally op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Book on Colorado State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Elkhead Reservoir Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Advance campsite reservations required through Colorado Parks & Wildlife; a vehicle parks pass is also required. No potable water or sewer/dump...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Colorado State Parks

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Campground Map

Elkhead Reservoir Campground

40.5569, -107.3806

Nearby supplies

Craig, CO (supplies and services)

Weather at Elkhead Reservoir Campground

Best Time to Camp at Elkhead Reservoir Campground

The campground welcomes visitors from May 1st through November 30th, with summer being the sweet spot when daytime temperatures hover in the comfortable 80s before dropping to pleasantly cool evenings perfect for campfires. Spring and fall offer their own rewards with fewer crowds and crisp, refreshing air, though you'll want to pack extra layers as services wind down and temperatures dip. The high-desert location means you might encounter some wind and weather variability, so come prepared—but that's all part of the authentic Colorado camping experience.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is the sweet spot: comfortable 80s days, swim beach, peak boating and fishing season.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Camping generally open May 1 to November 30; park not open for winter camping (dates may be weather dependent).

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Elkhead Reservoir Campground

Spread across the shores of a stunning 900-acre reservoir in northwest Colorado's Yampa Valley, Elkhead Reservoir Campground invites you to experience wide-open high-desert vistas and endless water recreation. Choose between the Pronghorn area with electric hookups or the rustic Bear's Ears section, both offering vault toilets and essential amenities—just remember to bring your own water and secure your reservation and parks pass before arrival.

Two developed campgrounds (Pronghorn — electric sites; Bears Ears — non‑electric) offering organized sites with shelters and pads. Sites accommodate both tent campers and RVs, but there is no on‑site potable water or sewer service.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground welcomes visitors from May 1st through November 30th, with summer being the sweet spot when daytime temperatures hover in the comfortable 80s before dropping to pleasantly cool evenings perfect for campfires. Spring and fall offer their own rewards with fewer crowds and crisp, refreshing air, though you'll want to pack extra layers as services wind down and temperatures dip. The high-desert location means you might encounter some wind and weather variability, so come prepared—but that's all part of the authentic Colorado camping experience.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself camping where vast western skies meet the glimmering waters of a sprawling flatwater reservoir, surrounded by gentle rolling hills and the golden hues of high-desert grasslands. Some campsites place you right on the shoreline where you can wake up to sunrise reflections dancing across the lake, while others nestle into quiet slopes and open meadows that frame those signature Colorado long views. The landscape here embodies the spirit of the open West—farmland stretching to distant horizons, native shrublands dotted with sage, and that magnificent reservoir serving as the sparkling centerpiece of it all.

Geological RegionYampa Valley (high‑desert shrubland and grassland surrounding a 900‑acre reservoir)

Scenic ViewsOpen, unobstructed views across the 900‑acre reservoir and surrounding rolling hills; many sites (especially in Pronghorn and lakeside sites) offer sunrise and sunset views over the water.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsColorado Parks & Wildlife online reservation system (UseDirect)

Total Campsites46 campsites

Best CampsitesLake‑edge sites and those closest to the swim beach/boat ramp provide the best reservoir views and quickest water access. Pronghorn campground sites (electric) are preferred for RVs needing hookups, while Bear's Ears (non‑electric, smaller) is often chosen for a quieter, more simple lakeside experience.

Need help booking Elkhead Reservoir Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Colorado State Parks Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Two developed campgrounds (Pronghorn and Bears Ears) with gravel pads, covered picnic-table shelters, and fire rings/pits at sites. Vault toilets available throughout the camping areas; Pronghorn offers electric service while there is no potable water, sewer hookups, or on‑site dump station.

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Elkhead Reservoir Campground

Lake-centered recreation on a 900-acre reservoir (boating, swimming, fishing) combined with a trail network and open high‑desert landscape for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Facilities support picnicking and general day-use as well as overnight camping for tent and RV users.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5Top 8% in Colorado

Designated swim beach; water recreation is a primary summer draw on the 900-acre reservoir.

Boating4.0/5

Hiking3.0/5

Newer trail system around parts of the reservoir offers hiking and wildlife viewing in rolling hills.

Biking3.0/5

Trail network and open rolling hills support biking but it's not highlighted as a major draw.

Wildlife viewing3.0/5

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Vast western skies and open high-desert vistas conducive to dark-sky stargazing.

Photography4.0/5Sunrise reflections, wide skies and lakeshore vistas make it a very photogenic location.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsExposed, often windy sites are common; there is no potable water or sewer at the campgrounds so visitors must bring drinking water and plan for dry camping. Summer weekends can see heavy boat and jet ski traffic on the reservoir. Cell coverage is variable/uncertain in this rural area.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.7

25 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Elkhead Reservoir Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews and guides emphasize a scenic, open high‑desert lake setting with well‑maintained, modern campgrounds. Visitors praise the reservoir for boating, fishing, and the swim beach; common operational drawbacks noted are lack of potable water, no dump station, and vault toilets only. Cell service is inconsistent and summer weekends can be busy.

Review Summaries

Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic 900‑acre reservoir with wide views; good warm‑water fishing and boating; Pronghorn campground described as well maintained with covered picnic shelters and electric hookups; sites have gravel...

Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve campsites and obtain the required parks pass in advance; bring all drinking/cooking water and plan for dry camping; bring means to manage waste (no sewer/dump on site); prepare for windy,...

Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

The Pronghorn campground is beautiful and very well maintained; Electric but no water or sewer at sites; Vault toilets only; Cellular service is weak to none.

Based on 25 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Elkhead Reservoir Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Advance campsite reservations required through Colorado Parks & Wildlife; a vehicle parks pass is also required. No potable water or sewer/dump...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Colorado State Parks

Provider

Go if

Summer lake days are the draw here. Boaters, swimmers, and anglers get the most out of the swim beach, shore fishing for bass and pike, and shoreline sites with sunrise views. Reserve early and bring your own water.

Skip if

No potable water, no dump station, and vault toilets only make this a rough fit for campers who want full hookups or easy cleanup. Windy, exposed sites and weak cell service add to the hassle.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.7

(25)

Elkhead Reservoir State Park

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

Elkhead Reservoir State Park sits on Colorado's high plains near Craig, where sagebrush and juniper meet sandstone cliffs above a working landscape of farms and rangeland. The park has 16 campsites spread across two campgrounds, with fees ranging from $20–$35 per night. Sites are spacious and well-separated, though the lack of trees means minimal natural screening.