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Pueblo Reservoir

Pueblo, Colorado · Pueblo County

Recreation at Pueblo Reservoir is managed by the Colorado State Parks under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Eastern Colorado Area Office, Loveland, Colorado.Pueblo Reservoir was created by Pueblo Dam which crosses the Arkansas River. The reservoir is part of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project. The 1.7 million ann…

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About Pueblo Reservoir

Recreation at Pueblo Reservoir is managed by the Colorado State Parks under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Eastern Colorado Area Office, Loveland, Colorado.Pueblo Reservoir was created by Pueblo Dam which crosses the Arkansas River. The reservoir is part of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project. The 1.7 million annual visitor's recreation activities are accommodated by 6.8 square miles (4,646 acres) of surface water area, 64 miles of shoreline, and approximately 25 square miles of semi-arid dessert state park wildlife lands. Average elevation is 5,000 feet above sea level. Current reservoir levels. A state park fee area, facilities include 4 campgrounds with 400 campsites, modern showers and rest rooms, a recreation information center, 2 boat ramps, and 2 marina complexes. Primary warm water sport fish available are largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, perch, crappie, channel catfish, northern pike and stocked rainbow trout. In 1994, the Colorado state record spotted bass species was caught at Pueblo reservoir. Small game, upland bird, and waterfowl hunting is permitted in designated park areas. Nature, hiking, and bicycle trails exist as well as a fishing pier. Downstream from the dam, a water recreation area includes a swim beach and bathhouse area and a fish hatchery. The state park is located 6 miles west of Pueblo. The state park facilities are closed during the winter months, however access to the reservoir exists year round.

Plan Your Visit to Pueblo Reservoir

Heading to Pueblo Reservoir? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Pueblo Reservoir?

No central reservation system listed for Pueblo Reservoir. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/90) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Pueblo Reservoir?

From I-25 go west on US 50 four miles, go south on Pueblo Blvd. four miles, go west six miles on Thatcher Ave. to the park.

How do I contact Pueblo Reservoir?

You can reach the park at phone: 719-561-9320 or email: lake.pueblo.park@state.co.us.