Is John Martin Reservoir Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

John Martin 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 John Martin Reservoir Campground before I book?

Yes! John Martin Reservoir Campground has 3 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 John Martin Reservoir Campground?

John Martin Reservoir Campground is open Campgrounds are open year‑round. Lake Hasty camper services and swim beach operate seasonally (swim beach Memorial Day weekend–Labor Day weekend; some camper services April 1–September 30). Boat ramps on the main reservoir are typically closed November 1–mid‑March for waterfowl resting.. 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 John Martin Reservoir Campground?

Yes, John Martin Reservoir Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at John Martin Reservoir Campground?

Cell phone service at John Martin Reservoir Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

Are dogs allowed at John Martin Reservoir Campground?

Pets are not allowed at John Martin 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 John Martin Reservoir Campground?

John Martin Reservoir Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at John Martin Reservoir Campground?

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

John Martin Reservoir Campground

3.98

193 reviews

Top 13% in COSpring

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

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,855 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Campgrounds are open...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Full HookupsShowers

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

3,855 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Campgrounds are open...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Colorado State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

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

John Martin Reservoir Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Daily park pass required; campsite fees vary by site and season. Showers at Lake Hasty are pay-per-use (quarters). Reservations are required for...

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

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about John Martin Reservoir Campground

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

John Martin Reservoir Campground

38.0847, -102.9583

Weather at John Martin Reservoir Campground

Best Time to Camp at John Martin Reservoir Campground

Summer brings sun-soaked days perfect for splashing at Lake Hasty's swim beach (open Memorial Day through Labor Day) and cruising the reservoir's expansive waters. Spring and fall transform the area into a birder's paradise, with comfortable temperatures drawing both migrating species and adventurers who prefer cooler weather for hiking and fishing. Even winter has its charm – the campground stays open year-round for hardy anglers and campers, though some facilities close to give waterfowl their peaceful winter rest. Each season paints the reservoir in different light, making return visits feel like new discoveries.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 13% in CO

Spring brings active wildlife, migration and good water-level conditions for boating/fishing.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Campgrounds are open year‑round. Lake Hasty camper services and swim beach operate seasonally (swim beach Memorial Day weekend–Labor Day weekend; some camper services April 1–September 30). Boat ramps on the main reservoir are typically closed November 1–mid‑March for waterfowl resting.

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

About John Martin Reservoir Campground

Discover the "Sapphire on the Plains" – a sprawling reservoir oasis set against Colorado's Lower Arkansas River Valley. John Martin Reservoir Campground delivers the best of both worlds: wide-open lakeside sites perfect for water adventures and the intimate, tree-shaded Lake Hasty area ideal for families. With hundreds of bird species calling this diverse landscape home, you'll find world-class birding alongside excellent boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities.

Two main developed camp areas (Lake Hasty and Point) with sites for RVs, trailers, and tents; dispersed (south shore) camping is available. Lake Hasty provides more shaded, service-oriented sites while Point offers open lakeshore sites on the main reservoir.

Historical Significance

John Martin Reservoir was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the Arkansas River and provides flood control, irrigation storage, and regional recreation. The area contains historic sites and petroglyphs along some trails and hosts birding events such as the High Plains Snow Goose Festival and Bent on Birding.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings sun-soaked days perfect for splashing at Lake Hasty's swim beach (open Memorial Day through Labor Day) and cruising the reservoir's expansive waters. Spring and fall transform the area into a birder's paradise, with comfortable temperatures drawing both migrating species and adventurers who prefer cooler weather for hiking and fishing. Even winter has its charm – the campground stays open year-round for hardy anglers and campers, though some facilities close to give waterfowl their peaceful winter rest. Each season paints the reservoir in different light, making return visits feel like new discoveries.

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

Natural Features and SceneryJohn Martin Reservoir sparkles like a jewel against the prairie horizon, its vast waters fed by the Arkansas River and complemented by the smaller Lake Hasty nestled below the dam. The landscape here tells a story of contrasts – windswept short-grass prairie dotted with yucca gives way to lush marshes and riparian corridors where cottonwoods and willows provide shade. Tamarisk thickets fringe the shoreline, creating perfect habitat for the waterfowl and shorebirds that gather here by the thousands during migration. Whether you're watching a great blue heron stalk the shallows or scanning the grasslands for burrowing owls, the ecological diversity makes every visit unique.

Geological RegionLower Arkansas River Valley / High Plains (eastern Colorado plains)

Scenic ViewsWide, open water views and expansive High Plains horizons provide dramatic sunrises and sunsets over the reservoir. Lake Hasty offers more intimate, tree‑lined water views, while Point Campground along the main reservoir provides unobstructed lakeshore vistas.

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 allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsUseDirect-based Colorado State Parks reservation system

Best CampsitesLake Hasty Campground is favored for level, well‑spaced, often shaded sites with close access to the small lake, swim beach, showers, laundry, and fishing pier. Point Campground (the Point) offers more open lakeshore sites with quick access to the main reservoir and prime sunset views; sites 242–279 in Point are noted as open year‑round with centralized water.

Need help booking John Martin 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

Amenities are concentrated between two main camp areas (Lake Hasty and Point) and include electrical hookups, centralized water and sewer access, restrooms (vault and flush), a camper services building with pay showers and laundry, fish cleaning stations, picnic areas/tables, playground, and ADA-accessible facilities.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at John Martin Reservoir Campground

The reservoir complex supports water-based recreation, shoreline and prairie trails, and rich wildlife/birding opportunities across varied habitats (open reservoir, marshes, riparian zones, and prairie).

Fishing4.0/5

Fishing for walleye, crappie, wiper, catfish and bass; fish cleaning stations and a fishing pier at Lake Hasty.

Boating4.0/5

Large, uncrowded reservoir ideal for boating; expansive waters fed by the Arkansas River.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Hundreds of bird species; marsh, riparian and prairie habitats support strong birding opportunities.

Water Sports4.0/5

Vast calm reservoir waters and shoreline access support kayaking and small-craft paddling.

Hiking3.0/5

Several trails loop around parts of the reservoir; user reports ~3 miles of trails.

Swimming3.0/5

Designated swim beach at Lake Hasty; seasonal (Memorial Day–Labor Day) and campsite services nearby.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Wide High Plains horizons, uncrowded sites and spotty cell service imply good dark-sky potential.

Photography4.0/5Wide water vistas, dramatic skies, marshes and abundant birdlife provide strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsExposed, windy plains conditions and rapidly changing weather (including severe storms) are common. Seasonal issues include heavy flies and spiders in hot months and limited shade in parts of the Point Campground. Cell service can be spotty or weak in places.

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

Rate John Martin Reservoir Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.0

193 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

Overall user sentiment is positive: visitors praise the reservoir scenery, fishing/boating opportunities, spacious and well-spaced sites (especially at Lake Hasty), and strong birding. Common negatives are summer flies/spiders, limited shade in some areas, pay showers, and spotty cell service.

Review Summaries

Based on 193 reviews

What Campers Love

Large, uncrowded reservoir for boating and fishing; Lake Hasty offers level, shaded sites, showers, laundry, and a swim beach; electrical hookups (20/30/50 amp) at many Lake Hasty sites; fishing pier...

Based on 193 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect repellent and consider head nets in midsummer; choose Lake Hasty for shaded, family-oriented sites and Lake Hasty swim beach (Memorial Day–Labor Day); bring quarters for pay showers;...

Based on 193 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Gorgeous sunsets here.” — “The flies were insane.” — “We loved our campsite in the Point campground loop. Overlooking the lake, great sunrise and sunset views with a lot of space between most of the...

Based on 193 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

John Martin Reservoir Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Daily park pass required; campsite fees vary by site and season. Showers at Lake Hasty are pay-per-use (quarters). Reservations are required for...

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

Lake Hasty is the pick for families and anglers who want shade, flush toilets, pay showers, laundry, and a swim beach in season. Birders and boaters will like the Point area and the reservoir trails, plus the fish pier and cleaning stations.

Skip if

Hot-weather campers who hate flies, spiders, or weak shade will have a rougher time, especially at Point. Cell service is spotty, showers cost quarters, and boat ramps on the main reservoir usually close from Nov. 1 to mid-March.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.0

(193)

John Martin Reservoir State Park

30703 County Road 24, Hasty, Colorado, 81044, United States

John Martin Reservoir State Park sits in the Lower Arkansas River Valley of southeastern Colorado, where 109 campsites spread across two distinct campgrounds overlooking prairie reservoir waters. Lake Hasty and Point campgrounds offer sites ranging from $9 to $27 per night, accommodating RVs up to 220 feet with full hookups or basic tent setups. The park attracts anglers, boaters, and wildlife watchers looking for uncrowded access to one of the region's largest bodies of water.