Jackson Lake State Park – Orchard, CO | Boating Camping, Fishing and Hiking

Jackson Lake offers exceptional recreation opportunities in the Great Plains. The 2,700 acre Jackson Reservoir is the center of the park, which is located in the northeast corner of the state.

It’s another oasis in Northeast Colorado’s high desert. It’s popular state park to escape to in the summer. The 2,700-acre lake is open to boating and fishing. A variety of lakeside campsites are available, as well as picnic areas and multi-use trails. There is also a visitor center open daily with exhibits and a small gift shop.

Jackson Lake State Park Welcome Sign — Welcome to Jackson Lake State Park.

Activities at Jackson Lake

Biking: Designated trails and park roads.

Boating: Motor boats permitted. Jet skiing, water skiing and sailboarding are popular. The Shoreline Marina has boat rentals. 2,700 surface acre reservoir when full.

Kayaking at Jackston Lake State Park, CO. Photo: Adam Zolyak

Camping: Yes, open year round, 260 sites. Campgrounds are located around the lake. $16/night/non-electric, $20/night/electric. Showers and laundry available in camper services building. Each campsite is allow 1 hard-side unit and 1 tent, or 2 tents. Reservations

Fishing: Bait, lure, fly fish all permitted. Ice fishing in winter. Fish species include catfish, crappie, perch, rainbow trout, saugeye, walleye, wipers. Northern pike and large and small-mouth bass are also present. More fishing and wakeless boating can be found at Prewitt Reservoir, about an hour east.

Geocaching: There are 2 geocache sites to find, “5 O’Clock Somewhere” and “Centennial”. The visitor center has GPS coordinates.

Hiking: The Prairie Wetland Nature Trail is a scenic 1/4 mile trail.

Hunting: Waterfowl, upland bird, pheasant, archery deer during season. Designated areas using shotgun with birdshot or archery.

OHV Riding: An OHV track is open 8am to sunset, year round. OHV’s not permitted on parks’ roads, campgrounds or on local roads.

Picnicking: A variety of picnic sites are located around the lake, first come first serve. The Centennial Group Picnic Area can accommodate up to 100 people and is reservable through the park.

Winter Recreation: Camping, ice fishing, ice skating, hunting.

Another northeast attraction, the Pawnee National Grassland, is located about an hour north.

The Visitor Center is open daily.