In northeast Colorado, the Riverside Reservoir sits approximately 30 miles east of Greeley in Weld County. Riverside Reservoir is a massive 3,632 acres but does not have any recreational facilities built around its shores.
The lake itself is private, so there is no swimming or boating permitted. Another local lake, Empire Reservoir, is private and open to members only.
Riverside Reservoir History
The Riverside Reservoir was created after the Riverside Dam was built in 1903. To form the reservoir, water was diverted from the South Platte River. At the time, it was the largest reservoir west of the Mississippi River. Today, it is maintained as the largest body of water in the Riverside Irrigation District.
Activities at Riverside Reservoir
Activities are limited at the Riverside Reservoir, with most trips ordinarily conducted strictly for bird watching. Beyond several species like sparrows, warblers, and waterfowl, the Riverside Reservoir is famous among Colorado birders for one specific reason. It’s one of the only locations to spot an American White Pelican in the state, with the birds using the infrequently visited waters as a safe and protected nesting ground.
Camping: Read about the camping near Fort Morgan and Jackson Lake.
Details
Address: County Rd 87, southwest of Kersey and northwest of Wiggins, CO on US-34 W
Nearby Towns:
Phone: 970-400-4000
Season: Year round
Hours: 24/7
Fees: None
Maps: mapcarta.com/W49096941
Website: rivid.org
