Jackson Lake State Park
Overview
Jackson Lake State Park is a premier outdoor recreation destination in northeastern Colorado, centered around a 4,600-acre reservoir with sandy beaches and warm-water recreation opportunities. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, waterskiing, camping, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and stargazing. The park offers over 240 campsites with electric hookups, showers, restrooms, picnic areas, a marina, boat access, and scenic lakeside camping. Jackson Lake is recognized as Colorado's first International Dark Sky Park, making it a popular destination for nighttime astronomy and nature experiences.
- Trails
- 4
- Viewpoints
- 10
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 30
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.
- Visitor / Ranger Station
Information hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
- 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.
- Amphitheatre
- Boat Ramp
Required Permits
Daily Park PassRequired
Required for day-use access to Jackson Lake State Park. Valid for vehicle entry and access to park facilities, beaches, picnic areas, and recreation areas during operating hours.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Wear a properly fitted life jacket when boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or participating in water activities.
- Swim only in designated swimming areas and supervise children at all times.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Lakeside to Swimbeach Trail
Centennial to Cottonwood Trail
OHV Track on S Shore Trail
Foot Trail N
Nearby Viewpoints
Lakeside Campground
Campground
0.2 mi
Beach Area
0.2 mi
Cove Campground
Campground
0.4 mi
Pelican Campground
Campground
0.6 mi
Beach Area
0.7 mi
Dunes Group Campground
Campground
0.9 mi
Sandpiper Campground
Campground
0.9 mi
Cottonwood Picnic Area / OHV Track
Picnic Area
0.9 mi
Fox Hills Campground
Campground
1.2 mi
Northview Campground
Campground
1.3 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
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