Eleven Mile State Park – Lake George, CO

Eleven Mile State Park is centered around a beautiful alpine lake in Central Colorado. The large, 7,662 surface-acre reservoir is ideal for boating, fishing, and ice skating, while the trails offer 5 miles of terrain for hikers and bikers to explore.

Situated an hour west of Colorado Springs, Eleven Mile Reservoir is a draw for anglers year-round. It’s hidden just south of the small Park County town of Lake George on Highway 24, and also close to Hartsel.

Camping, fishing, and boating are the most popular activities in the park. It offers more than three hundred campsites, making it a perfect place to basecamp on your summer travels. Spinney Mountain State Park is situated just down the road, offering additional fishing and boating opportunities.

Activities at Eleven Mile Reservoir

Trees seem to grow out of boulders on the shore of Eleven Mile Reservoir in Colorado — The unique shoreline of Eleven Mile Reservoir. Photo by: Cody Wellons

Biking/Hiking: There are almost 5 miles of trails in the Coyote Ridge area. A self-guided Nature Trail and an Orienteering Trail are available as well.

If camping, a number of trails and roads connect the facilities and amenities. Find a bunch of big boulders and other stunning topography on your hike.

Birding: In the vast skies of South Park, there are an array of native birds and migratory birds during their flight season. Sea gulls are commonly seen at the reservoir as well.

California Gull Birds at Eleven Mile Colorado State Park, CO — California Gull Birds at Eleven Mile Colorado State Park. Photo: Ben Simo

Boating: Most types of boats are permitted including motorboats, kayaks, canoes, and sailboats. Water/body contact sports like scuba diving, water skiing, and swimming are prohibited. Visit the 11 Mile Marina for boat rentals and guides.

Camping: 9 campgrounds are boasting 325 sites with both non-electric sites and electrical hookups offered in Rocky Ridge campsite. There is a nice variety of sites to choose from including 25 backcountry campground sites that are hike or boat in only. You can pay 11 Mile Marina to shuttle your gear via boat to the backcountry campsites.

There are no group camping facilities and reservations can be made online in advance. Reservations

Read about the camping near Lake George and Eleven Mile Reservoir.

Equipment Rental: Boat rentals include canoes, kayaks, a 20′ pontoon, and a 16′ Lund aluminum V-hull.

Facilities: Amphitheater, Boat Ramps, Camper Services Building, Campgrounds, Dump Station, Entrance Station, Marina, Park Office, Picnic Sites, Playground, Showers, Trails, Visitor Center

A paved road winds beside the Eleven Mile Reservoir in Colorado — Peaceful road through Eleven Mile State Park. Photo by: Cody Wellons

Fishing: The lake has goldfish trout waters as well as northern pike. The lake is also stocked with kokanee salmon and carp can be found in shallow areas. Ice fishing is prime in the winner.

Hunting: Big and small game hunting, as well as waterfowl hunting, is allowed during appropriate seasons.

Ice Fishing: Season is usually underway by November, depending on ice conditions.

Ice Skating: Popular wintertime activity especially earlier in the season before there are many pressure cracks.