Lake Pueblo State Park – Pueblo, CO | Activities at Pueblo Reservoir

Lake Pueblo State Park offers 10,000 acres of land to enjoy at the edge of Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. The park’s mild climate and elevation, at 4,900 feet, open the park to boating, fishing and hiking year round. At it’s fullest, the lake is 11 miles long with 60 miles of shoreline.

This manmade lake was created in response to the devastating 1921 Pueblo flood. It controls the flow of the Arkansas River, supplying water and a place to play for the southern front range.

Activities

Lake Pueblo State Park Picnic Sites — Picnic sites at Lake Pueblo State Park. Photo: Person-with-No Name

Biking: There’s more than 34 miles of biking and hiking trails. And given Pueblo’s mild climate, they can be enjoyed year round. A paved trail for biking follows all the park’s main roads.

Boating: 4,600 surface acres of water, open to motor boats year round. Sailboarding, jet skiing and water skiing are common.

In winter boat ramps are open 5am-6pm;
In mid March boat ramps open 5am-11pm.
Boating is permitted 24 hours a day, just no loading/unloading after ramp hours.
There are 2 marinas. North Shore Marina rents sailboats and the South Shore Marina rents pontoons and jet skis.

Camping: Yes, 400 sites, open year round. Lake Pueblo’s location puts in near a number of attractions including Pueblo Zoo and Canon City, making it a great base. All sites have paved parking, fire pit and covered table. Coin showers, laundry, dump stations, playground available. Reservations recommended during peak summer season.

Northern Plains – close to North boat ramp, electrical/non-electrical
Juniper Breaks – centrally situated, non-electrical
Arkansas Point – close to South boat ramp, electrical
non-electric and electric campsites available

Fishing: Rated a fishing “hot spot”, Lake Pueblo is home to a variety of fishing, including channel catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, trout, walleye, wiper. There are 4 areas to fish within the park: the Reservoir, Anticlind Pond, Valco Ponds, and the Arkansas River.

Hiking: Sharing the trail with bikes and at times horses, hikers have access to a range of scenic treks.

The Pueblo River Trail is popular and part of the city’s trail system for hiking/biking.
One of the park’s main trails, the Pueblo Reservoir Trail, connects most of the park’s amenities, including campgrounds, visitor center and marinas.

Horseback Riding: Permitted on the Arkansas Point Trail System. Only allowed for day use, no overnight stay.

Hunting: Waterfowl and small game hunting during legal seasons after Labor Day.

Picnicking: A whopping 348 picnic sites are scattered around the park. There are 3 group picnic areas: Lone Owl, Big Lizard and Quail Run.

Swimming: Only allowed at the Rock Canyon Swim Beach, located below the dam. It’s open Memorial Day through Labor Day, 11am-6pm, Thursday through Monday. Swimming not allowed in the reservoir, but wading is permitted (feet must be touching the ground).

Whitewater Rafting: The Arkansas River below the dam provides seasonal recreation for kayaking and rafting.