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Image of the Fairplay Beach in the distance within the town of Fairplay, Colorado
Fairplay Beach in the distance. Photo: Simon Morris

Fairplay Beach – Fairplay

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While Colorado may be the last place where most people would expect to find a beach, Fairplay Beach offers its high elevation community a variety of activities. The small pond, which is fed by the middle fork of the South Platte River, gives residents of this historic gold town a place to get outside and enjoy the Rockies’ natural beauty.

History

The development of Fairplay Beach in the town of Fairplay originally began in 1922. A dam was constructed to counteract the water’s muddiness, which ended up becoming a pond.

Fairplay Beach Colorado
Parking lot by Fairplay Beach.

Later, in 1990, Gary Nichols, the Park County Director of Tourism and Community Development, examined the site. Seeing as Fairplay did not have many parks or other recreational facilities, this area seemed like the perfect option.

Funds from Fairplay, the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Denver Water Board, and other organizations helped bring life to this pond. They added public restrooms, paved trails, and other amenities to attract visitors.

Activities

Fairplay Beach Panorama Colorado
Fairplay Beach panorama.

While swimming and building sandcastles are not a part of the Fairplay Beach experience, a number of other interesting activities take place here. Wildlife in the area has made the pond a successful fishing zone and for a small fee, guests can pan for gold.

If you are not ready to get back to city life when the day is done, you can always spend the night on one of seven campsites at the park. Only tents are allowed and campsite permits are awarded on a first-come-first-served basis, so you should plan ahead if you are considering this.

Lakeside camping by Fairplay Beach
Lakeside camping by Fairplay Beach.

A visit to Colorado is not complete without exploring the state’s many natural beauties, and Fairplay Beach is an especially unique park. You are sure to enjoy new activities and outdoor experiences in this charming, historic gold town!

Fishing on the Middle Fork of South Platte River.
Hiking trail signs.
Trail through the campground by Fairplay Beach.
Rocky Ridge at Fairplay Beach
Middle Fork of South Platte.
Lakeview.
Lakeview.
Old buildings in South Park City Museum.
Middle Fork of South Platte.
Trail through the campground.
Campsite by Fairplay Beach.
Lakeside camping by Fairplay Beach.
Lakeview from the campground.
Covered pavilion at Fairplay Beach.
Fairplay Beach Campground.
Fairplay Beach.
Picnic table at Fairplay Beach.
Bridge over the Middle Fork of South Platte River.
Fairplay Beach Colorado.

 

Details

Address: Fairplay Beach, Fairplay, CO 80440

Season: Year round

Website: parkco.us

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