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Colorado State Parks
Parks > John Martin Reservoir State Park > Park Activities

Park Activities

Biking

Biking is permitted throughout John Martin Reservoir State Park.
(Updated: 1/1/2018 10:14 AM)

Birding

With 373 documented species of birds in Bent County, John Martin Reservoir State Park is a premier birding area! We have already begun to see some Interior Least Tern and Piping Plovers; however, as these species are endangered, we ask you to view them from afar and observe any area closures.
(Updated: 6/8/2017 11:19 AM)

Boating

  • East and West Boat Ramps are open annually from March 15 - Oct 31.
  • East and West Boat Ramps are closed annually on Nov 1 until March 15 the following year for waterfowl resting. All types of boating are permitted on John Martin Reservoir.
  • Only non-motorized and electric motorized, hand-launched vessels are permitted on Lake Hasty.

Any motorized or trailered vessels launched on any body of water in Colorado are required to be inspected for invasive species. (Updated: 12/29/2023 10:19 AM)

Camping

Lake Hasty Campground

The Lake Hasty Campground is open year round with electrical hookups (20, 30 and 50 amp), campfire rings, and picnic tables at each site. This campground provides flush restrooms, coin-operated showers, laundry facility, potable water spigots, and a dump station. This campground can be reserved for both RV and tent camping.

Point Campground

The Point Campground is open year round with basic sites, which include a campfire ring and picnic table. The campground only provides vaulted toilets for amenities. This campground can be reserved for both RV and tent camping.

Winter Camping

The Lake Hasty Campground and the Point Campground have sites available year round. For more information, see the Camping page.
(Updated: 4/18/2022 1:57 PM)

Dog-friendly

Dogs are welcome everywhere in the park as long as:

  • They are on a six-foot or shorter leash at all times.
  • Their waste is properly disposed of.
    (Updated: 6/8/2017 11:20 AM)

Education Programs

Go to events page ​for upcoming events, or call (719) 829-1801 for more information.
(Updated: 1/1/2018 10:23 AM)

Fishing

John Martin Reservoir offers many types of warm-water fish. Late spring to early summer is popular for crappie and saugeye fishing. Anglers from all over the country come to John Martin Reservoir mid-summer to fish for bass and wiper. Late-night anglers will find channel catfish and walleye all summer long. Bluegill and drum are found throughout the seasons as well. Fall usually brings another run of crappie and wiper. Ice fishing is discouraged as the lake rarely freezes over completely.
(Updated: 1/1/2018 10:25 AM)

Geocaching

One of our local boy scouts has completed his Eagle Scout project by providing John Martin Reservoir State Park with a brand new geocaching program. Please check with staff to check out GPS units, and give finding the caches a shot!
(Updated: 6/8/2017 10:58 AM)

Golfing

Disc Golf

A 9-hole disc golf course can be found on the eastern side of Lake Hasty. Parking is available at the East shelter where the course loop begins and ends. A map of the course can be found under publications as well as the Visitor Center.
(Updated: 4/18/2022 2:11 PM)

Group Camping

The Caddoa group (Scout House) site is available via reservation for groups who wish to have their own secluded group campground. A reservation is required in advance, so please contact the Visitor Center at (719) 829-1801 for more information.
(Updated: 4/18/2022 1:57 PM)

Group Picnicking

With two large group picnicking sites (East Shelter and West Shelter) at John Martin Reservoir State Park in the Hasty campground, it is a perfect spot to host large gatherings. A reservation is required in advance, so please contact the Visitor Center at (719) 829-1801 for more information.
(Updated: 4/18/2022 1:58 PM)

Hiking

The Red Shin Trail begins at the stilling basin below the dam and winds through the park to the Santa Fe Historic Site on the North shore of the reservoir. The trail is approximately 4.5 miles and provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing! You can also access the trail from the Visitor Center for a shorter hike traveling both east and west.

This trail is exposed to the elements with no shade or shelter. Be sure to start your days early if you are planning a hike in the summer!
(Updated: 4/18/2022 1:59 PM)

Horseback Riding

Horses are welcomed on the trails. Keep in mind that we do not have a designated corral in the campground to keep horse for overnight camping.
(Updated: 4/18/2022 1:59 PM)

Hunting

John Martin Reservoir State Park does not allow hunting on the property, but is a great place for your hunting camp. The property surrounding John Martin Reservoir on the south and northwest shoreline is John Martin Reservoir State Wildlife Area and does provide a great opportunity for hunting multiple species. Be sure to check seasons and regulations online or at the Visitor Center.
(Updated: 4/18/2022 1:59 PM)

Jet Skiing

Allowed on the reservoir during the regular boating season March 15 - Oct 31 annually.
(Updated: 4/18/2022 2:00 PM)

OHV Riding

OHV use is NOT permitted on John Martin Reservoir State Park or on the adjoining John Martin Reservoir State Wildlife Area. Any vehicles used at John Martin must be street legal.
(Updated: 4/18/2022 2:00 PM)

Picnicking

During spring, summer, and fall, there are miles of breezy shoreline available for picnicking at John Martin State Park. Individual tables are scattered throughout the park by the shorelines or in shaded areas. Please do not picnic in campgrounds at campsites if you are not camping. Group Picnic facilities are available and must be reserved in advance at the Visitor Center by calling (719) 829-1801.
(Updated: 4/18/2022 2:01 PM)

Swimming

Swimming is allowed in Lake Hasty and John Martin Reservoir under the regulations stated below:

  • From sunset to sunrise.
  • Within or 150 feet from:
    • any boat ramp,
    • marina,
    • breakwater,
    • dock,
    • buoy-designated hazard or keep-out,
    • any dam inlet or outlet structure,
    • and where prohibited as posted.
  • For any child under the age of 13 unless accompanied by an adult.
    (Updated: 12/29/2023 10:26 AM)

Wildlife Viewing

John Martin Reservoir is an excellent area for viewing wildlife. Recent sightings include hundreds of bird species, deer, coyotes, bobcat, porcupines, beavers, snakes, turtles, and raccoons.
(Updated: 1/1/2018 10:52 AM)

Winter Camping

The Lake Hasty Campground and the Point Campground have sites available year round. For more information, see the Camping page.
(Updated: 1/11/2018 1:03 PM)