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.
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.
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