How much does camping cost at Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area?

Camping fees at Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area 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 Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area before I book?

Yes! Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area 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. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area?

Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area is open No peak season pricing information provided.. 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 Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area?

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

Can I have a campfire at Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area?

Fire policies at Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area: No specific fire policies mentioned; fire pits are available.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area have?

Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area. 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 Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area?

Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area?

Popular activities at Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area include Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area

4.67

6 reviews

28167 County Road T, Brush, Colorado, 80723, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Colorado

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,711 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Colorado Parks and Wildlife Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,711 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Colorado Parks and Wildlife Official Website

Get Directions

Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Reservations are currently free, but all individuals over 18 must possess a valid hunting or fishing license. This will change next year as the...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

9708426300

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

28167 County Road T, Brush, Colorado, 80723, United States

Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area

28167 County Road T, Brush, Colorado, 80723, United States

Nearby places

Brush (approximately 30 miles away), Red Lion State Wildlife Area.

Nearby supplies

Within 10 miles: Kuskies and Sinclair-Crook (gas and fishing licenses), Missy's Worms-Ovid (gas, fishing supplies, fishing licenses).

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 76 at the Red Lion exit (Exit 155), go 3 miles north (left) to Highway 138, then 1 mile northeast (right) to County Road 95, then 2 miles north (left) to the reservoir.

Road access to Jumbo Reservoir is relatively straightforward but may pose challenges due to its remote nature and the need to navigate several county roads. Roads are not explicitly described as paved or unpaved; seasonal conditions may affect accessibility.

Weather at Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area

Best Time to Camp at Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area

Summer brings the best conditions for camping and water activities, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to mid-90s°F and cool nights in the 50s. This is prime time for boating and shore fishing, though afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly. Early mornings are best for fishing before the heat sets in. Winter freezes the reservoir and turns the area into a different kind of destination. Bring shade, water, and supplies for any visit since nearby facilities are limited.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is prime for boating and shore fishing; daytime highs favorable for camping.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No peak season pricing information provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area

Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area has six primitive campsites scattered around a 1,578-acre reservoir on Colorado's Eastern Plains near Brush. The sites accommodate up to six people each and come with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Fishing for walleye, bass, crappie, and catfish draws most visitors, though Google Maps struggles to locate the area reliably.

The campground offers exclusively primitive camping options with no RV hookups, water, or electricity.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions for camping and water activities, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to mid-90s°F and cool nights in the 50s. This is prime time for boating and shore fishing, though afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly. Early mornings are best for fishing before the heat sets in. Winter freezes the reservoir and turns the area into a different kind of destination. Bring shade, water, and supplies for any visit since nearby facilities are limited.

ElevationElevation data not provided.

Natural Features and SceneryJumbo Reservoir is a large **warm‑water reservoir on the flat short‑grass prairie** of northeastern Colorado’s eastern plains, creating a stark contrast between open grassland and broad open water[4]. The reservoir property is around **1,700 acres** and sits at roughly **3,700 ft elevation**[2][4]. The landscape is mostly open, with big‑sky views, low vegetation, and few trees, giving expansive vistas over the water and surrounding agricultural fields. Bird habitat is a defining natural feature: mudflats can form along the reservoir margins, drawing large numbers of shorebirds in late summer and fall, and up to five species of geese have been recorded in huge winter flocks when water stays open[1]. Raptors such as golden eagles and ferruginous hawks occasionally hunt over the area, and great horned and eastern screech‑owls have nested in and near the primitive campground[1]. Overall scenery is more about wide‑open plains, water, and abundant bird life than about mountains or forests.

Geological RegionNestled in Colorado's Northeast Region, Jumbo Reservoir emerges like an oasis from the Eastern Plains' characteristic flat terrain. This remarkable 1,578-acre body of water represents a geological marvel where ancient prairie lands cradle a modern recreational treasure, creating a unique ecosystem where the subtle beauty of grassland horizons meets the reflective expanse of one of the region's premier fishing destinations.

Scenic ViewsThe lake offers a serene, picturesque view. Linda Winter noted, 'The lake looked beautiful, the land was picturesque.'

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations such as cabins, lodges, or glamping options are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 days within a 28-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe six primitive sites spread around the reservoir's shoreline. They're designed for group camping with some spacing between sites, though specific layout details aren't well documented.

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Walk-in AvailabilityNext year, the campground will offer 15 first-come, first-serve spaces.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are subject to Colorado Parks and Wildlife rules. Any reservations made outside the 6-month window are frozen for 14 days.

Site SizeSites are designed for up to 6 people per site.

PrivacyCampsites provide opportunities for group camping with some privacy.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are first-come, first-serve. Next year, 15 spaces will be available for reservation.

Best CampsitesDetailed, site‑by‑site recommendations from campers are scarce. Current information indicates: - Historically there were four dispersed camp areas: **Boy Scout, Ditch Rider, East, and West**; East has been or is being converted to nine designated sites with pads, tables, and rings[7]. - Outdoorithm notes **six primitive sites** scattered around the reservoir, suggesting a small number of designated sites that fill quickly[4]. Given limited reviews, “best” sites are generally those near the water with good views and easy shore access, and those in the improved East campground that have level pads for tents, table, and fire ring[2][4][7].

Need help booking Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area?

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area offers basic amenities, with a focus on primitive camping. Campers will find vault toilets on-site and access to gas stations, fishing licenses, and supplies within 10 miles. There is also a boat ramp and an inspection station for boating enthusiasts.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is centered around fishing and boating, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and camping.

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRemote location may impact access to emergency services. Linda Winter reported issues with Verizon service at the campground, although Cricket (AT&T) worked moderately.

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

No Flush ToiletsThe campground only offers vault toilets, meaning flush toilets are not available.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies mentioned; fire pits are available.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No quiet hours explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesRanger Station: 9708426300, nearest emergency services in Brush, including hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingDumpsters are available for trash disposal, but no recycling facilities are mentioned.

Water FeaturesLocated adjacent to Jumbo Reservoir, which spans 1,578 water acres.

Cell CoverageCampflare reports **AT&T and Verizon** service available at Jumbo Reservoir SWA, with **no T‑Mobile** coverage[2]. Outdoorithm lists cell service as “unknown,” and no camper reviews provide detailed signal strength, so exact reliability and speeds are uncertain[4][3]. Coverage is likely spotty but usable on AT&T/Verizon on the open plains near the reservoir.

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.

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

4.7

6 reviews

Top-Rated

Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the area's natural beauty, good fishing, and spacious camping options, though connectivity and navigation issues were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers and sources highlight: - **Quiet, uncrowded environment** with soft ground that makes tent setup easy and peaceful evenings[3]. - **Good fishing** for multiple warm‑water species, which is a...

Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

Connectivity issues for Verizon users, difficulty finding the campground using Google Maps, and weather-related limitations were noted.

Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific loops like Boyscout, East, and West Loops A, B, and C are mentioned, though no reviews highlight notable differences between them.

Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Practical points drawn from camping and agency sources: - **Expect primitive conditions**: Bring all drinking water, as no potable water is listed at the primitive campsites, and there is no camp...

Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Cold weather can restrict activities, as one user mentioned leaving early due to bad weather.

Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

"I really like this place! The lake looked beautiful," and "Fishing is always good and love camping there."

Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and no complaints or issues were noted regarding pet policies.

Based on 6 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Anglers who want shoreline or boat access to walleye and crappie without paying a dime will find this hard to beat. The boat ramp is on-site, fire rings and picnic tables are at each site, and summer mornings before the heat sets in are prime. Just bring a valid fishing license a

Skip if

No potable water, no hookups, and Google Maps can't reliably find the place. Verizon users will essentially be off-grid. Anyone expecting shade, trails, or a store nearby will be frustrated fast.

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