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

Uncover Colorado Logo

  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transport
  • Made in CO
  • Search
  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transport
  • Made in CO
  • Search
Dillon Marina Dillon Reservoir Colorado
Dillon Marina, Dillon Reservoir. Photo: Photo Phiend

Dillon Reservoir Recreation Area – Dillon-Frisco

FacebookTwitter

The Dillon Reservoir, also known as Lake Dillon, is one of Summit County’s biggest draws, encompassing around 3,233 surface acres of water and a shoreline of nearly 27 miles. It’s surrounded by Dillon and Frisco on either side, with Silverthorne sitting just below the dam.

The Denver Water Board voted to build a dam in the Rockies to secure water for the Front Range in the late 1950s. The Old Town of Dillon actually sits at the bottom of Lake Dillon, so there really is an underwater ghost town in Summit County.

The Dillon reservoir supplies water for the City of Denver. It’s owned and operated by Denver Water, which is Colorado’s largest public water company. The U.S. Forest Services manages the surrounding campgrounds, which reside within the White River National Forest. Water sports are the main draw of Lake Dillon.

Dillon Reservoir, Dillon CO
Dillon Reservoir, Dillon, CO. Photo: Jim & Robin Kunze

The Dillon Reservoir Recreation Area is managed a number of organizations in the interagency Dillon Reservoir Recreation Committee (DRReC):

  • Denver Water
  • Town of Dillon
  • Town of Frisco
  • Summit County Government
  • U.S. Forest Service

Here are some of the activities at Dillon Reservoir Recreation Area, in ABC order:

Biking/Hiking

Lake Dillon Hiking Trail Summer Colorado
Hiking trail beside Lake Dillon. Photo: Rennett Stowe

A paved trail runs on the south side of the Dillon Reservoir across the Dillon Dam. It offers extraordinary view of the Ten Mile Range and 360 degree views from the dam of Summit County.

Boating

Dillon Marina Lake Dillon
Dillon Marina, Lake Dillon. Photo: Photo Phiend

Seasonal boating of all types are permitted on Lake Dillon. The season usually runs from early June to mid September, weather pending. There are two marinas that rent boats, one on each side of the lake.

Dillon Marina – The Dillon Marina claims the status as the world’s highest deep water marina. They refer to the marina as:

A destination for lovers of land and water, land-locked pirates and fun-loving people of all ages!

You can rent a variety of watercraft here, including 20′, 22′, 25′ pontoon boats and Catalina sailboats. Dogs are even permitted on the boats! They offer sailing school and lessons, as well as marina storage, boat tours and lakeside dining. You can even rent kayaks and stand up paddle boards through Stand Up Paddle Colorado.

Frisco Bay Marina – A certified clean marina, the Frisco Bay Marina rents numerous watercraft, including pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, powerboats and fishing boats. You can even rent fishing poles to take out on the boat.

In addition to rentals the Frisco Bay Marina provides scenic boat tours, guided fishing tours, sailboat, kayak and SUP lessons. The Island Grill Restaurant offers casual shoreline dining from Memorial Day thru Labor Day. Other amenities and services include a Marina Park playground for kids, boat repair, slip storage, retail store, and a rowing club at the Frisco Rowing Center.

Dillion Reservoir Overlook Summit County Colorado
Overlooking the Dillon Reservoir. Photo: Jim & Robin Kunze

Camping

  • Pine Grove Campground – 56 campsites overlooking Lake Dillon; vault toilets, potable water, open May-October, non-reservable.
  • Heaton Bay Campground – 81 campsites on the shores of the lake; vault toilets, potable water, open May-October, reservable.
  • Peak One Campground – Campground by the lake surrounded by Swam Mountain and the Ten Mile Range; flush toilets, potable water, May-October, reservable.
  • Read about the camping near Dillon Reservoir, all around Summit County.

Fishing

Lake and pond fishing are available year round, both from shore and boat. In the winter ice fishing is an option when the lake freezes over. The Blue River flows into and out of the Dillon Reservoir, so that provides additional area fishing.

Williams Fork Fly Fishermen Kremmling CO
Wintertime Williams Fork fishermen, near Kremmling, CO. Photo: AJ Schroetlin

Details

Address: Highway 6, Dillon and Highway 9, Frisco, CO

Season: Year round

Website: co.summit.co.us/234/Dillon-Reservoir-Recreation

Latest in Dillon Reservoir

Dillon Reservoir Fishing Summit County Colorado

10 Fishing Spots around Breckenridge

If you’re lucky enough to live in or frequently visit this exciting mountain town, you already…

10 Fishing Spots around BreckenridgeRead More

Ferril Lake City Park Denver Skyline Sunset

Relax at these Lakes around Denver

Compared to the Pacific Northwest or even the East Coast, Colorado is quite a dry place.…

Relax at these Lakes around DenverRead More

Dillon Dam and Reservoir Silverthorne Colorado Autumn Snow and Colors

Large and Powerful Dams of Colorado

You might not realize it, but most large bodies of water in Colorado are dammed up…

Large and Powerful Dams of ColoradoRead More

Chatfield Reservoir Marina Littleton CO

Best Places to Rent a Boat in Colorado

Sometimes you may start to feel a bit landlocked in Colorado, especially if you come from…

Best Places to Rent a Boat in ColoradoRead More

Navajo Lake Sunset Rosa Campground Arboles Colorado

Colorado’s 15 Biggest Bodies of Water

Colorado boasts some pretty big lakes and reservoirs within its state lines. From the eastern plains…

Colorado’s 15 Biggest Bodies of WaterRead More

Stand Up Paddleboard SUP Colorado River

7 Fun Places to Stand Up Paddle Board in Colorado

Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is becoming an increasingly popular water based activity, especially in coastal…

7 Fun Places to Stand Up Paddle Board in ColoradoRead More

Autumn Afternoon Lake Dillon Frisco CO Camping Summit County

Camping near Breck, Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne, all around Summit County

Summit County is probably the most popular weekend destination for the millions living on the plains…

Camping near Breck, Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne, all around Summit CountyRead More

Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Colorado Nature

10 Zen Nature Trips in Colorado

With a state-wide stay-at-home in place throughout Colorado, people are looking for a moment of zen.…

10 Zen Nature Trips in ColoradoRead More

Twin Lakes, Colorado Aerial View

20+ Best Colorado Lakes & Reservoirs

When most people think about nature in Colorado, their minds usually conjure vast mountain landscapes. Sure,…

20+ Best Colorado Lakes & ReservoirsRead More

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. —and never miss out again.

Colorado Public Parks

  • All Public Parks
  • Acacia Park
  • America the Beautiful Park
  • Aurora Reservoir
  • Barker Meadow Reservoir
  • Bear Creek Lake
  • Bear Creek Regional Park
  • Benson Sculpture Garden
  • Berkeley Lake Park
  • Boulder Reservoir Regional Park
  • Central Park – Denver
  • Chautauqua Park
  • Cheesman Park
  • City Park
  • Civic Center
  • Confluence Park Delta
  • Confluence Park Denver
  • Coyote Ridge Natural Area
  • Cuchara Mountain Park
  • Daniels Park
  • Devil’s Backbone Open Space
  • Dillon Reservoir
  • Echo Lake
  • Evergreen Lake
  • Fountain Creek Regional Park
  • Four Corners
  • Garden Of The Gods
  • Georgetown Lake
  • Grand Lake
  • Green Mountain
  • Horsetooth Mountain Open Space – Fort Collins
  • Horsetooth Reservoir
  • Island Grove Regional Park
  • Jeff Co Open Space
  • Keystone Lake
  • Lake Estes
  • Lake Nighthorse
  • Lake San Cristobal
  • Maxwell Natural Area
  • McIntosh Lake
  • Memorial Park
  • Monument Lake
  • Mount Falcon Park
  • North Cheyenne Cañon Park
  • North Slope Recreation Area
  • North Table Mountain Park
  • Paint Mines Interpretive Park
  • Palmer Lake Recreation Area
  • Palmer Park
  • Philip S. Miller Park
  • Pine Valley Ranch Park
  • Pineridge Natural Area
  • Pinewood Reservoir
  • Red Fox Meadows Natural Area
  • Red Mountain Open Space
  • Red Rock Canyon Open Space
  • Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Park
  • Reservoir Ridge Natural Area
  • Rifle Mountain Park – Rifle
  • Rimrock Open Space
  • Sloan’s Lake
  • Standley Lake
  • Summit Lake Park
  • Telluride Town Park
  • Ute Valley Park
  • Vallecito Lake
  • Wash Park
  • Westminster City Park
  • Williams Fork Reservoir
  • Waterton Canyon
  • Wolford Mountain Reservoir

Footer

Get In Touch

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Resources
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

Visit Mile High Happy Hour for Denver neighborhoods' restaurant happy hours.

Winter Activities

  • Camping
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Federal Lands
  • Hot Springs
  • Ice Skating
  • Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Snow Tubing
  • State Parks

Vacation like a VIP! Leisurely Lifestyle shares life and travel hacks, as well as cheap luxury travel.

Copyright © 2021 · Uncover Colorado - Vacations, Travel & Tourism | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer