How much does camping cost at Elkhead Reservoir State Park?

Camping fees at Elkhead Reservoir State Park range from $20-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Elkhead Reservoir State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Elkhead Reservoir State Park 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 State Park before I book?

Yes! Elkhead Reservoir State Park has 14 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. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

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

Elkhead Reservoir State Park is open Elkhead Reservoir is open for camping from May 1 to November 30 each year.. 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 State Park?

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

How many campsites does Elkhead Reservoir State Park have?

Elkhead Reservoir State Park has 16 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 State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Elkhead Reservoir State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Elkhead Reservoir State Park?

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

What activities can I do at Elkhead Reservoir State Park?

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

Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Q: Can I have a campfire at Elkhead Reservoir State Park?

Fire policies at Elkhead Reservoir State Park: Campfires allowed at designated sites with fire rings; bans may occur during certain conditions.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.74

21 reviews

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

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Colorado

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,404 ft

Price

$20 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Elkhead Reservoir is...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Colorado Parks and Wildlife Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,404 ft

Price

$20 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Elkhead Reservoir is...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Colorado Parks and Wildlife Official Website

Get Directions

Elkhead Reservoir State Park

$20.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Pass Campsite Description Single campsite (max 6 occupants) Duration 1 Night Cost $28

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$35.00

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Reserve America

Provider

9702762061

I manage this campground

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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

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.

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.

Weather at Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Best Time to Camp at Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Summer delivers the best conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to upper-80s°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s. The reservoir is fully accessible for boating, swimming, and shore fishing, and weekends see the most activity though crowds remain lighter than at Front Range parks. Evenings drop enough for comfortable campfires and stargazing under clear skies. Wind is a constant presence, particularly on exposed sites. Cell service is weak to nonexistent across the park.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is best: boating, swimming, hiking; daytime highs in the 70s–80s and full reservoir access.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Elkhead Reservoir is open for camping from May 1 to November 30 each year.

About Elkhead Reservoir State Park

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.

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.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to upper-80s°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s. The reservoir is fully accessible for boating, swimming, and shore fishing, and weekends see the most activity though crowds remain lighter than at Front Range parks. Evenings drop enough for comfortable campfires and stargazing under clear skies. Wind is a constant presence, particularly on exposed sites. Cell service is weak to nonexistent across the park.

ElevationPerched high in the windswept plains of northwest Colorado, this elevated sanctuary offers the crisp, clean air and expansive views that only the high country can provide.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground is situated around a 900-acre reservoir in the Yampa Valley, an oasis in the high desert surrounded by sagebrush-shrub community, riparian habitat, rolling hills, bluffs, agriculture fields, and grasslands. The landscape offers shoreline access with majestic views over the water.[1][5][7]

Geological RegionWelcome to Colorado's high plains, a realm of sweeping vistas and subtle beauty where the earth rolls gently beneath endless skies. This unique landscape weaves together a patchwork of working lands—from irrigated farms to dryland wheat fields and open rangeland—before giving way to the park's wild heart. Here, ancient geological forces have sculpted a dramatic backdrop of cliffs and canyons, while resilient sagebrush and juniper communities create a living testament to the endurance of life in this rugged terrain.

Scenic ViewsStunning views of Elkhead Reservoir as highlighted in user reviews.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is mentioned as available within the park.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact number not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are spacious and well-spaced with large tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. The campgrounds follow a layout that provides separation between neighbors, though the treeless terrain means you'll see adjacent sites clearly. Wind exposure varies by location within each loop.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via www.cpwshop.com or the Aspira Call Center at 1-800-244-5613.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations required; spontaneous camping without prior booking is no longer allowed, as noted by user reviews.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made within 28 days incur penalties ranging from 25% to 100% of the fee depending on timing. Changes also incur penalties of 10% to 20%. No refunds for weather, bugs, or campfire bans.

AccessibilityThe campground offers ADA campsites with concrete pads for disabled campers. However, one user noted that around 90% of the lake's areas are not wheelchair-accessible.

Site SizeSites are noted to be spacious, well-spaced, and include large tent pads.

PrivacyCampsites are described as well-separated, providing some level of privacy. However, the lack of trees means there is minimal natural screening between sites.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesSites at Pronghorn Campground are preferred for tent camping, offering picnic shelters, power, and scenic reservoir views.

Best CampsitesPronghorn Campground offers modern electric-only sites near the north end boat ramp with large pull-through and back-in spaces up to 141 feet; Bear's Ears has 15-16 basic non-electric sites on a first-come basis overlooking the reservoir. Six ADA-accessible sites available across campgrounds.[1][3][7]

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Booking tips & windows

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

No water or dump station is available at this park, but dump stations at Yampa River State Park, 12 miles west, may be used starting May 1.

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available, but vault toilets are provided at both ends of Bear's Ears Campground.

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed at designated sites with fire rings; bans may occur during certain conditions.

Emergency ServicesClosest ranger station and emergency contact is available at 9702762061. No hospitals or police stations specified.

Trash & RecyclingDumpsters are available on-site for trash disposal.

Water FeaturesLocated near the 900-acre Elkhead Reservoir, with swimming, kayaking, and fishing options.

Camp HostHosts at Pronghorn Campground are frequently praised as kind and helpful.

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

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.7

21 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 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Peaceful with no mosquitoes; clean facilities; great reservoir access for boating and fishing; shoreline campsites; pet-friendly.[1][8]

Based on 21 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 21 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 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water as none available on-site; use dump station at Yampa River State Park starting May 1; silence generators 10 PM-6 AM; take a fly swatter for outhouses; have a boat for best...

Based on 21 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...

Based on 21 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...

Based on 21 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 21 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 21 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Boaters, anglers, and swimmers who want direct reservoir access will get the most out of this place. Pronghorn Campground has covered picnic tables and electric hookups; Bear's Ears is more bare-bones. Northern Pike and bass fishing draws consistent praise, and summer weekends st

Skip if

No potable water anywhere in the park, no dump station, no showers, you're hauling everything in. Wind is relentless on exposed sites, shade is essentially nonexistent, and campers without a boat or strong interest in the water tend to run out of reasons to stay.

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