John Martin Reservoir

Sometimes called a sapphire on the plains, John Martin Reservoir State Park spans 12,286 acres with 213 campsites, 20 picnic sites, and 4.5 miles of trails. This peaceful paradise offers year-round recreation including boating, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing.

The park features two main water bodies: John Martin Reservoir (open to all types of boating) and Lake Hasty (hand-launched, non-motorized vessels only). The reservoir provides uncrowded boating, waterskiing, and spectacular conditions for wind water sports. Anglers can catch walleye, saugeye, bass, wiper, crappie, perch, and catfish.

Wildlife and Birding:
Many consider the park a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 400 resident and migratory bird species documented. Majestic bald eagles roost here in winter. Threatened and endangered species like the piping plover and the least tern make the park their home for several months each year.

Mandatory Boat Inspections:
All motorized watercraft require an ANS stamp, current boat registration, and pre-launch inspection at the visitor center (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.). Hand-launched, human-powered vessels are exempt from mandatory inspections.

Historical Significance:
The park preserves parts of the historic Santa Fe Trail on its north shore. The dam was built from 1939-1948 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for irrigation and flood control.

Employment

We are now accepting applications for the upcoming season.

Visit our jobs page for more information.

Boating

East and West Boat Ramps are open seasonally. There is an annual closure from Nov 1 - March 31.