• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Uncover Colorado Logo

  • Blog
  • Activities
    • Year-round
      • Brewery Tours
      • Casinos & Gaming
      • Colorado Brands
      • Federal Lands
      • Food & Dining
      • Ghost Towns
      • Gondola & Chairlifts
      • Hot Springs
      • Mine Tours
      • Museums
      • Paintball
      • Public Parks
      • Scenic Drives
      • Shopping
      • Sports Teams
      • State Parks
      • Train Rides
      • Transportation
      • Wildlife
      • Zip Lines & Aerial Parks
    • Spring, Summer & Fall
      • Amusement Parks
      • ATV Rentals
      • Biking
      • Boating
      • Camping
      • Drive-In Theaters
      • Fishing
      • Golf Courses
      • Hiking
      • Horseback Riding
      • Rock Climbing
      • Tubing & Paddling
      • Waterfalls
      • Whitewater Rafting
    • Winter
      • Cross Country Skiing
      • Dog Sledding
      • Ice Climbing
      • Ice Fishing
      • Ice Skating
      • Skiing & Snowboarding
      • Sleigh Rides
      • Snow Tubing
      • Snowmobiling
      • Snowshoeing
  • Events
    • January
    • February
    • March
    • April
    • May
    • June
    • July
    • August
    • September
    • October
    • November
    • December
  • Lodging
    • Budget Hotels
    • Historic Hotels
    • Luxury Hotels
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • Cabins & Glamping
    • Casinos with Lodging
    • Dude Ranches
    • Hot Spring with Lodging
    • Wineries with Lodging
    • Campgrounds
  • Towns
  • Trip Planner
  • Search
  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Lodging
  • Towns
  • Trip Planner
Buckeye Reservoir, CO
Buckeye Recreation Area on the Manti-La Sal National Forest in southwestern Colorado. Photo: GPA Photo Archive

Buckeye Reservoir – Paradox

FacebookTwitter

Tucked away in the La Sal Mountains of northwest Montrose County, the Buckeye Reservoir is a 109 surface-acre lake north of Paradox, Colorado. At 7,600 feet above sea level, the Buckeye Reservoir offers scenic camping and fishing in a seldom-seen part of the state, directly next to the Utah border.

The Buckeye Reservoir is managed by the Manti-La Sal National Forest while the US Forest Service maintains the day-use and campground facilities. Developed by the Paradox Canal and Reservoir company, and its water is still irrigated to the Paradox area, which is why the water level varies throughout the year.

To reach the Buckeye Reservoir, motorists must travel on steep gravel roads, so access may be dangerous in severe weather conditions.

Activities

Image of a man at the Buckeye Reservoir in Paradox, Colorado
Buckeye Reservoir. Photo: slashvee

Birding: The ponderosa pines and high-elevation waters attract many bird species to the Buckeye Reservoir, including crossbills, nuthatches, warblers, waterfowl, and more.

Boating: Small boats are permitted for wakeless travel on the Buckeye Reservoir with a 5 HP motor limit. Self-propelled watercrafts such as kayaks, canoes, and standup paddleboards are also quite popular here. There is a boat ramp near the campground for free public use.

Camping: The Pioneer Campground is located on the north side of the Buckeye Reservoir. The 30 designated campsites can be reserved in advance, each of which contains a picnic table, fire ring, grill, and access to restrooms. Spots are available for a small overnight fee and there is room for both small RVs and trailers.

Read about theย camping near Naturita, Norwood, Nucla, and Gateway.

Fishing: Fishing is very popular at the Buckeye Reservoir and a valid Colorado fishing license is required (despite the Manti-La Sal National Forest being primarily in Utah). The Buckeye Reservoir is stocked annually by Colorado Parks and Wildlife with a variety of rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout.

Hunting: The Buckeye Recreation Area is a popular basecamp for hunting, with licensed big game opportunities for deer, elk, and even black bears.

Trails: Beyond the Buckeye Reservoir, the La Sal Mountains offer a tremendous network of trails that are primarily enjoyed by hikers, mountain bikers, ATVs, and other off-road vehicles. There is also a scenic loop trail around the reservoir which offers great views of the areaโ€™s scenery.

Swimming: Swimming is prohibited in the Buckeye Reservoir.

Details

Address: Buckeye Reservoir, Montrose County, CO 81429

Phone: 435-259-7155

Season: Year-round

Hours: 24/7

Fees: None

Website: fs.usda.gov…

Primary Sidebar

Join our Colorado travel community

Enter your email below and grab our free locals' guide and monthly what's up designed to help you live your Colorado life and uncover fun things to do. โ€”and never miss out again.

Recent Posts

  • 15 Summer County Fairs in Colorado
  • 20 Cool Colorado Winter Activities To Try
  • 5 Reasons to Visit Mesa Verde this Winter
  • Things to do at Colorado’s Pikes Peak
  • Things to do in February in Colorado

Footer

Get In Touch

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Resources
  • Disclaimer
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter

Disclosure: Uncover Colorado is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Things To Do

  • Travel Blog
  • Colorado Activities
  • Colorado Events
  • Colorado Towns
  • Colorado Hotels
  • Colorado Restaurants
  • Colorado Transportation
  • Made in Colorado

Cheers! Mile High Happy Hour shares showcases Denver neighborhoods' restaurant happy hours.

Winter Activities

  • Federal Lands
  • Ghost Towns
  • Hot Springs
  • Ice Skating
  • Ski Resorts
  • Snow Tubing
  • State Parks
  • Train Rides

Copyright © 2023 ยท Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise