Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area
00 review28167 County Road T, Brush, Colorado, 80723, United States
Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Reservations are currently free, but all individuals over 18 must possess a valid hunting or fishing license. This will change next year as the campground transitions to 15 spaces on a first-come, first-serve basis.
About this campground
Escape to Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area, where six rustic campgrounds embrace the shores of a sprawling 1,578-acre reservoir. This hidden gem beckons anglers with its abundant waters teeming with walleye, crappie, catfish, bass, and bluegill. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, launching your boat for a day on the water, or settling in for a night under the stars, this primitive camping paradise offers an authentic outdoor experience. Essential amenities including vault toilets, dumpsters, and water spigots ensure comfort while preserving the area's wild character.
The campground offers exclusively primitive camping options with no RV hookups, water, or electricity.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Colorado's dramatic seasonal symphony at Jumbo Reservoir, where each season paints the landscape with its own distinct palette. Winter transforms the area into a crystalline wonderland, with snow-dusted shores and crisp, freezing air that makes for stunning sunrises over the frozen water. As spring awakens the plains, warmer temperatures and gentle rains breathe life back into the landscape, extending those precious daylight hours perfect for evening fishing. Summer arrives in full glory, while early season weeks offer that sweet spot of moderate temperatures and dry conditions that seasoned campers treasure.
ElevationElevation data not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryPerched on Colorado's expansive plains, Jumbo Reservoir presents a stunning contrast of shimmering water against endless sky. The reservoir's vast expanse mirrors the changing moods of prairie weather, from dramatic storm clouds to brilliant sunsets that paint the water in shades of gold and crimson. Visitors often find themselves captivated by what local enthusiast Linda Winter perfectly captured as 'beautiful land' - a place where the simplicity of open plains meets the dynamic beauty of a thriving aquatic ecosystem.
Geological RegionNestled in Colorado's Northeast Region, Jumbo Reservoir emerges like an oasis from the Eastern Plains' characteristic flat terrain. This remarkable 1,578-acre body of water represents a geological marvel where ancient prairie lands cradle a modern recreational treasure, creating a unique ecosystem where the subtle beauty of grassland horizons meets the reflective expanse of one of the region's premier fishing destinations.
Campsite details
Sites SizeSites are designed for up to 6 people per site.
Sites PrivacyCampsites provide opportunities for group camping with some privacy.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are first-come, first-serve. Next year, 15 spaces will be available for reservation.
Best CampsitesNo specific sites identified as best.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days within a 28-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 6 people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSix primitive campgrounds around Jumbo Reservoir.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Walk-in AvailabilityNext year, the campground will offer 15 first-come, first-serve spaces.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are subject to Colorado Parks and Wildlife rules. Any reservations made outside the 6-month window are frozen for 14 days.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is centered around fishing and boating, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and camping.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant, with species such as walleye, crappie, catfish, bass, and bluegill. User reviews describe the fishing as consistently good.Boating
A boat ramp and inspection station are available, supporting boating activities.Wildlife viewing
The area offers picturesque landscapes and opportunities for observing local wildlife.Winter Activities
The campground is open year-round, but cold weather may limit activities.Water Sports
Boating is the primary water sport supported, though no specific details about other sports like kayaking or canoeing are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No specific fire policies mentioned; fire pits are available.
- Quiet hours are No quiet hours explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsRemote location may impact access to emergency services. Linda Winter reported issues with Verizon service at the campground, although Cricket (AT&T) worked moderately.
Active alertsNo active alerts noted.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 92%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ranger Station: 9708426300, nearest emergency services in Brush, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo peak season pricing information provided.
Trash and recyclingDumpsters are available for trash disposal, but no recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to Jumbo Reservoir, which spans 1,578 water acres.
Common complaintsGoogle Maps had difficulty locating Jumbo Reservoir. Verizon cell service was poor, and Cricket was only moderately effective.
HostNo host information provided.
Campground Map
28167 County Road T, Brush, Colorado, 80723, United States
Driving directionsFrom Interstate 76 at the Red Lion exit (Exit 155), go 3 miles north (left) to Highway 138, then 1 mile northeast (right) to County Road 95, then 2 miles north (left) to the reservoir.
Road access to Jumbo Reservoir is relatively straightforward but may pose challenges due to its remote nature and the need to navigate several county roads. Roads are not explicitly described as paved or unpaved; seasonal conditions may affect accessibility.Nearby places
Brush (approximately 30 miles away), Red Lion State Wildlife Area.
Nearby supplies
Within 10 miles: Kuskies and Sinclair-Crook (gas and fishing licenses), Missy's Worms-Ovid (gas, fishing supplies, fishing licenses).
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the area's natural beauty, good fishing, and spacious camping options, though connectivity and navigation issues were noted.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users praise the scenic lake, good fishing, and availability of fire pits and picnic tables. "I really like this place! The lake looked beautiful, the land was picturesque," said one user.
Common Concerns
Connectivity issues for Verizon users, difficulty finding the campground using Google Maps, and weather-related limitations were noted.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Check local resources for detailed directions due to poor Google Maps results. Bring sufficient supplies, as nearby facilities are limited.
Seasonal Insights
Cold weather can restrict activities, as one user mentioned leaving early due to bad weather.
Camper Quotes
"I really like this place! The lake looked beautiful," and "Fishing is always good and love camping there."
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific loops like Boyscout, East, and West Loops A, B, and C are mentioned, though no reviews highlight notable differences between them.
Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and no complaints or issues were noted regarding pet policies.
Last updated August 10, 2025