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Colorado State Parks
Parks > Jackson Lake State Park > Activities

Park Activities

Biking

Bicycles are allowed at the park on designated trails and on park roads.
(Updated: 2/14/2023 12:52 PM)

Birding

Birders travel to the region because of the abundance and diversity of bird species. Long-billed Curlews and Whooping Cranes are occasionally observed. Ferruginous and Rough-legged Hawks are present in the winter, while Swainson’s Hawks return for the summer months. Northern Harriers fly low over wetlands and grasslands. Ground-nesting grassland birds such as Horned Larks, Lark Buntings, Western Meadowlarks, and Vesper Sparrows may breed in the park in the spring.
(Updated: 2/14/2023 12:57 PM)

Boating

Jackson Lake is a great place to boat!

(Updated: 2/14/2023 12:57 PM)

Camping

  • Jackson Lake has 251 campsites, most can accommodate RVs, trailers, or tents.
  • Group camping and picnicking are available.
  • Facilities include showers, toilets, electric hookups, and drinking water.

For more information, see the Jackson Lake camping page.
(Updated: 2/14/2023 12:58 PM)

Dog-friendly

Pets are welcome anywhere in the park as long as:

  • They are on a six-foot or shorter leash at all times.
  • Properly dispose of pet waste.
    (Updated: 2/14/2023 12:59 PM)

Education Programs

Educational programs are usually offered on Friday and Saturday beginning Memorial Day through Labor Day.
(Updated: 2/14/2023 1:01 PM)

Fishing

Jackson Lake is stocked with warm-water fish such as walleye, saugeye, catfish, perch, rainbow trout, crappie, and wipers. Be sure to check out our fishing brochure!
(Updated: 2/14/2023 1:01 PM)

Geocaching

Jackson Lake State Park hosts geocaching sites.
(Updated: 2/14/2023 1:02 PM)

Group Camping

Dunes Group Campground has a total of 18 sites with electricity. Please visit our Group Facilities page for additional information.
(Updated: 2/14/2023 1:03 PM)

Group Picnicking

Groups of up to 50 are accommodated at the Centennial Group Picnic Area. Adjacent to the picnic shelter is Dunes Group Campground.
(Updated: 2/14/2023 1:03 PM)

Hiking

Prairie Wetland Nature Trail is a 1/4 mile, self-guided trail and is located north of Cove Campground. There is also a 1.5-mile trail located between the Visitor Center north to Northview Campground. Park visitors can also enjoy walking along the shoreline or along park roadways.
(Updated: 2/23/2023 10:28 AM)

Hunting

Waterfowl and small game hunting are allowed in designated areas of the park. For more information, consult the Hunting page.
(Updated: 2/23/2023 10:29 AM)

Ice Fishing

Please use caution when ice fishing. Have proper safety equipment and follow safety guidelines. (Updated: 2/14/2023 1:06 PM)

Ice Skating

Ice skating is a popular winter sport at Jackson, dependent on ice conditions.
(Updated: 2/23/2023 10:29 AM)

Jet Skiing

Please review personal watercraft laws, including the requirement that drivers must be at least 16 years of age. Youth, ages 14 & 15, can operate vessels upon successful completion of a Boating Safely Course.
(Updated: 2/14/2023 3:01 PM)

OHV Riding

The OHV track is open daily from 8 AM to sunset year-round. The track is located at the South Shore. Registered OHVs must be trailered in to the staging area, which is near the Cottonwood parking lot. Vehicles must have a parks’ pass. OHVs are not allowed on park roads, in campgrounds, or on county roads.
(Updated: 2/14/2023 1:08 PM)

Photography

Sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful to capture! Commercial photography requires a Special Activity Permit. (Updated: 2/14/2023 1:10 PM)

Picnicking

Individual tables are located at the inlet, outlet, boat ramp, south and west beaches, and the Cottonwood picnic area and are available first-come, first-serve. For information, check out the park map.

Also check out the Group Facilities page for information on our picnic pavilion which is available for large groups and can be reserved.
(Updated: 2/23/2023 10:29 AM)

Swimming

Jackson Lake’s sandy beaches and gradually sloping lake bottom make it ideal for swimming.

  • Swimming is permitted from sunrise to sunset.
  • Swimming is not permitted within 150 feet of any dock, boat ramp, inlet, or outlet structures.
    (Updated: 2/14/2023 2:45 PM)

Wildlife Viewing

An abundance of wildlife can be observed and photographed in the park. The list includes pelicans, eagles, hawks, heron, deer, coyote, turkeys, waterfowl, and numerous shore birds.
(Updated: 2/23/2023 10:29 AM)

Winter Camping

Jackson Lake offers either electric or non-electric camping year-round. The Pelican, Cove, and Lakeside Campgrounds are available for reservations. Vault toilets are open; however, shower buildings are closed during the fall, winter, and early spring. For more information, visit the Camping page.
(Updated: 1/6/2024 3:15 PM)