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Colorado State Parks
Parks > Eleven Mile State Park > Activities

Park Activities

Backcountry Camping

Fourteen beautiful and secluded backcountry sites are perfect for those who are willing to pack or boat in. This is the prettiest area of the park, so even if you don’t choose to camp here, plan on scheduling a hike through the area. The hiking distance is between 0.50 and 0.75 miles depending on which campsite is selected.

Important Backcountry Camping Rules

  • You must camp in a designated site where there is a picnic table and firepit.
  • Bring your own firewood or purchase it from the 11 Mile Marina! State regulations prohibit collecting any vegetation on all State Parks.
  • Use the Bear Proof Containers provided: an all year Bear Regulation is in effect at Eleven Mile State Park.
  • Please be aware that you are not allowed to attach items to trees and shrubs at Eleven Mile State Park.
    • These items include, but are not limited to: hammocks, clotheslines, dog leashes, cables, cable runs, shade canopies, rope swings, and tarps for shade, wind blocks, or privacy.
    • These items can damage the protective bark of trees and shrubs by cinching them. Damage to the bark can allow potential parasites and disease to get into the tree/shrub, affecting its longevity and the health of surrounding trees and shrubs.

For more information, see the Camping page.

(Updated: 10/2/2023 12:45 PM)

Biking

Visitors can enjoy nearly four and a half miles of scenic biking. Bikes are allowed on the trails in the Coyote Ridge/Backcountry area, except on the Black Bear Trail, but be aware that it is not a smooth trail and that sometimes bikes may have to be picked up over rocks and other obstacles. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all trails and are only allowed on designated roads.

You can also bike throughout the campgrounds, and Rocky Ridge and North Shore have paved roads.

For more information, visit the Trails page.

(Updated: 10/2/2023 12:48 PM)

Birding

Many migratory and resident birds inhabit the park, including a variety of songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, and shorebirds that are all attracted to the reservoir. Three rare bird species observed at the park include the bald eagle, American peregrine falcon, and white pelican.

(Updated: 10/2/2023 12:48 PM)

Boating

All types of boating are popular on this large reservoir including: kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and motorboating. Body water-contact activities including scuba diving, water skiing, jet skiing, wading (without waders), swimming, etc. are prohibited.

The boat ramps at Eleven Mile State Park close for the season October 31st each year a half an hour after sunset.

As of November 1st, only vessels that are BOTH hand-launched AND human-powered will be allowed. Marine propulsion systems of any type are prohibited.

For more information, see the Boating page.

(Updated: 5/2/2024 1:28 PM)

Camping

Eleven Mile State Park has 326 campsites in nine separate campgrounds scattered around the lake. From basic and walk-in sites to electric or lakeshore sites, there is something for every camping style.

Camping cannot be paid for at the self-service stations, this park is reservations only, please visit the park office during open hours, call (800) 244-5613 or reserve online at www.cpwshop.com.

For more information, see the Camping page.

(Updated: 10/2/2023 12:51 PM)

Cross-country Skiing

It is best to cross-country ski over the lake only after the lake surface is frozen solid and then covered with snow. Experienced cross-country skiers may wish to try out the fields and meadows of the Backcountry after heavy snowfalls.

(Updated: 10/2/2023 12:51 PM)

Dog-friendly

Dogs are welcome in the park as long as:

  • They remain on a six-foot or shorter leash at all times when outside of a vehicle, boat, or camping unit.
  • You must clean up after your dog immediately and all dog waste is properly disposed of.

Dogs are not allowed in the water for any reason.

(Updated: 10/2/2023 12:52 PM)

Education Programs

Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Interpreters present the park’s environmental education programs each summer.

Junior Rangers (6-12 year olds) who have completed the Eleven Mile Junior Ranger activity book are invited to participate in the Sunday morning ceremonies when Junior Ranger badges and certificates are awarded from Memorial Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.

For more information, visit the Outdoors Education page.

(Updated: 10/2/2023 12:53 PM)

Equipment Rental

The 11 Mile Marina has boat rentals available that include a 20’ pontoon and a couple of 16’ Lund aluminum V-Hulls.

Winter ice fishing equipment can also be rented and includes augers, shelters, fish finders, and heaters.

For more details, call Larry at the Marina at (719) 748-0317.

(Updated: 10/2/2023 12:54 PM)

Fishing

Fishing opportunities exist for brown, cutthroat, cutbow, and rainbow trout, as well as northern pike. The lake is one of a very few in Colorado stocked with Kokanee salmon. (Note: Snagging for Kokanee salmon is PROHIBITED.) Carp abound in the shallow bays and inlets, providing great bow fishing.

Gold Metal Water fishing opportunities exist on the South Platte River within Eleven Mile State Park by the inlet.

Fishing licenses are available at the park office.

For more information, visit Eleven Mile’s Fishing page.

(Updated: 10/2/2023 12:55 PM)

Hiking

Visitors can enjoy nearly five miles of scenic hiking trails in the Coyote Ridge/Backcountry area.

Both a self-guided Nature Trail and an Orienteering Trail are offered for hiking enthusiasts. Brochures for both are available either online or at the park office.

Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all trails and are only allowed on designated roads.

For more information, see the Trails page.

(Updated: 10/2/2023 12:56 PM)

Hunting

Big game, small game, and waterfowl hunting are all available during appropriate hunting seasons. Hunting licenses are available at the park office.

For more information, visit Eleven Mile’s Hunting page.

(Updated: 10/2/2023 12:56 PM)

Ice Fishing

Excellent ice fishing opportunities for Kokanee, trout, and pike are available all winter long once the ice cap forms and is sufficiently thick enough.

There is no camping allowed on the ice-covered reservoir, you must be in a designated campsite for camping.

For more information, visit Eleven Mile’s Fishing page.

(Updated: 10/2/2023 12:57 PM)

Ice Skating

Very good ice skating conditions exist in the early portion of the winter; after the ice forms solidly, but before too many pressure ridges have been created.

As of December 2020, an ice skating ring has been set up by the Marina. You can skate anywhere but now there is a place for just ice skating and the Marina is maintaining it wonderfully.

(Updated: 10/2/2023 12:58 PM)

Picnicking

Eleven Mile State Park offers 15 picnic sites. Some are located close to shoreline fishing access areas, while others are found near the playground. A universal access picnic site is also located adjacent to the playground.

Note: There are no group picnicking facilities.

(Updated: 10/2/2023 12:58 PM)

Sailboarding

The park offers tremendous windsurf boarding/sailboarding opportunities all summer long. Visitors participating in this sport need to understand that the winds here can make sailboarding a challenge even for the most experienced of sailboarders.

(Updated: 10/2/2023 12:59 PM)

Winter Activities

Ice fishing is very popular at Eleven Mile State Park!

Ice boating is an unusual sport that is perfect for the lake’s large frozen surface. Ice boating typically is best after the lake has frozen solid in the early winter before too many pressure ridges have been created. This is usually late December to early February.

The lake’s large ice surface is also ideal for ice skating when there is no snow on the ice. When there is snow, feel free to shovel an area for ice skating and the Marina now maintains an ice skating rink area in the winter.

Cross-country skiing is another possible activity (when there is snow on the ice).

We do see some ice bikes with fat tires from time to time.

(Updated: 10/2/2023 1:15 PM)

Winter Camping

Camping is available year-round at Eleven Mile State Park.

From October 15th each year to March 31st of the following year, the following campgrounds are closed:

  • Rocky Ridge B through E Loops
  • North Shore C through E Loops
  • Stoll Mountain
  • Rocking Chair Sites #610 - #613
  • Lazy Boy
  • Howbert Point
  • Witcher’s Cove West Sites #807 - #822

NOTE: Additional closure may be needed in the winter due to snow and drifting snow.

In the winter, the only electric campsites available are in Rocky Ridge loop A.

For more information, see the Camping page.

(Updated: 10/2/2023 1:17 PM)