Elkhead Reservoir State Park
Overview
Elkhead Reservoir State Park, located 10 miles northeast of Craig, spans 900 surface acres of water and 2,105 acres of rolling sagebrush prairie and scenic cliffs in northwest Colorado. The park offers popular outdoor activities including boating, water-skiing, jet skiing, sailing, swimming, fishing for warm-water species, hunting, and 10.5 miles of hiking/biking trails. During winter, visitors enjoy ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing for large herds of elk, deer, and pronghorn. Camping is available at Bear's Ears Campground (16 non-electric sites) and Pronghorn Campground (31 electric sites). All motorcraft undergo mandatory Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) inspections, and a valid Colorado State Parks pass is required for entry.
- Trails
- 2
- Viewpoints
- 7
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 18
Opening Hours
05:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Emergency SOS
Amenities Available
- Paved Parking Lots
Designated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Modern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Covered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
- Campgrounds
Tent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
- Swimming Areas / Beaches
Designated swim zones with seasonal lifeguard coverage. Daily water quality reports are posted at the entrance and online.
- Trailer Access
Required Permits
Park Entry PermitRequired
Required for entry into the park
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) while on or in the water except in designated swimming areas.
- Boats are subject to mandatory Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) inspections before launch.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Mountain View Trail
Sand Rocks Trail
Nearby Viewpoints
Picnic Area
0.2 mi
Electric Campsite
Dump Station
0.2 mi
Swim Beach
Swimming
0.5 mi
Picnic Area
0.6 mi
Non Electric Campsites
0.7 mi
Dam
0.7 mi
Picnic Area
1.1 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Elkhead Reservoir State Park?
Elkhead Reservoir State Park is open every day from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Elkhead Reservoir State Park?
Elkhead Reservoir State Park, located 10 miles northeast of Craig, spans 900 surface acres of water and 2,105 acres of rolling sagebrush prairie and scenic cliffs in northwest Colorado.
Where is Elkhead Reservoir State Park located?
Elkhead Reservoir State Park is located in Craig, Colorado, United States.
How many trails are there at Elkhead Reservoir State Park?
Elkhead Reservoir State Park has 2 mapped trails covering 10.6 miles in total. The longest is Mountain View Trail at 7 miles.
What is there to see at Elkhead Reservoir State Park?
Places to see at Elkhead Reservoir State Park include Electric Campsite and Swim Beach.
What facilities are available at Elkhead Reservoir State Park?
Facilities at Elkhead Reservoir State Park include Campgrounds, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters, Restrooms / Flush Toilets, Swimming Areas / Beaches and Trailer Access.
Is there parking at Elkhead Reservoir State Park?
Yes, Elkhead Reservoir State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Elkhead Reservoir State Park?
Yes, Elkhead Reservoir State Park has 1 campsite marked on its map.
How can I contact Elkhead Reservoir State Park?
You can contact Elkhead Reservoir State Park by email at yampa.river@state.co.us or by phone at +19702762061.
What safety tips should visitors to Elkhead Reservoir State Park know?
Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) while on or in the water except in designated swimming areas. Boats are subject to mandatory Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) inspections before launch. Keep pets on a leash at all times.
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