Park Activities

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: 6/3/2021 11:05 AM)

Boating

Spinney Mountain’s 2,500 surface acre reservoir provides visitors with an excellent opportunity for high-country boating. Whether it’s a lazy early morning pontoon-boat cruise or challenging the afternoon high winds with a windsurf board, this reservoir provides enough water to meet your needs. Water-body contact activities including scuba diving, water-skiing, wading (without waders), swimming, etc., are prohibited.

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

The boat ramps at Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile State Parks close October 31st each year one half hour after sunset for the season.

November 1st each year until we close for the season at Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile Reservoirs will allow only vessels exempted from Aquatic Nuisance Inspections per Parks Chapter 8 Regulation #800E, to operate on waters within Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile Reservoirs until they ice over.

Only the following vessels are permitted after the November 1st closure: Kayaks, Canoes, Rafts, Belly Boats, Windsurfer Boards (including Paddle Boards), Sailboards, and Float Tubes, and must be hand-launched and hand-propelled.

No Marine propulsion systems of any type are allowed after October 31st.
Boating is still only allowed from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.

(Updated: 12/1/2021 4:28 PM)

Dog-friendly

Dogs are welcome in the park but must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times when they are out of the vehicle or trailer. All pet waste must be removed to a garbage can immediately and all pets must be kept out of the water.
(Updated: 6/3/2021 11:06 AM)

Education Programs

Education programs are available at nearby Eleven Mile State Park. Please refer to Eleven Mile’s Outdoor Education​ page.
(Updated: 6/3/2021 11:06 AM)

Equipment Rental

The 11-Mile Marina has boat rentals available that include a 20’ pontoon, a couple of 16’ Lund aluminum V-Hulls, and several canoes and kayaks. Call the Marina for details (719) 748-0317.
(Updated: 6/3/2021 11:06 AM)

Fishing

Spinney Mountain is a Gold Medal fishery in a quiet and secluded portion of South Park. The waters of this reservoir regularly offer up trophy-sized cutthroats, browns, rainbows, and northern pike.

Fishing is strictly flies and lures only, nothing with a scent and nothing with a taste.
You can have 1 Trout 20” or above and that is bag and possession.

For more information, see the Spinney Mountain Fishing page.
(Updated: 6/3/2021 11:07 AM)

Hiking

Fishing trails exist along the river both above and below Spinney Reservoir and can be quite scenic. Hiking around the reservoir can also be fun, but be prepared, it is a long hike and only fishing access and game trails actually exist.
(Updated: 6/3/2021 11:07 AM)

Hunting

Big game, small game, and waterfowl hunting are all available during their respective seasons.
For more information, visit the Spinney Mountain Hunting​ page.
(Updated: 6/3/2021 11:07 AM)

Picnicking

Guests can enjoy an outdoor meal anywhere in Spinney Mountain State Park. The park offers over a dozen picnic sites with tables and grills on either side of the reservoir, as well as at the parking area on the river below the dam.
For safety, fires must be contained in the provided grills.
A universal access picnic table and grill with a nearby universal access vault toilet are conveniently located on the north side of the reservoir.
Note: There are no group picnicking facilities.
(Updated: 6/3/2021 11:07 AM)

Sailboarding

With frequent wind gusts of 30-40 mph, the sailboarding can be exciting, but if you have limited experience, it can often be too exciting! Make sure that you know what you are doing or bring someone along who does.

(Updated: 6/3/2021 11:07 AM)