Elkhead Reservoir State Park
00 review135 Counrty Road 28 , Hayden, Colorado, 81639, United States
Elkhead Reservoir State Park
$20.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$35.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees vary by site type, ranging from $20 to $35. Cancellations and changes may incur fees based on timing, with penalties ranging between 10% and 100% depending on proximity to the reservation date.
About this campground
Discover the untamed beauty of Elkhead Reservoir State Park, where endless sagebrush prairies meet dramatic cliff faces and ancient juniper groves. This hidden gem in Colorado's backcountry beckons adventurers with two distinctive camping experiences: the tranquil Bear's Ears Campground, nestled just across the dam, and the wildlife-rich Pronghorn Campground, where you might wake to antelope grazing just beyond your tent.
Elkhead Reservoir State Park provides diverse camping accommodations with options for RV camping, tent camping, and ADA-accessible sites. The Bear's Ears Campground features basic sites with varying levels of amenities.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Colorado's dramatic seasonal transformations at Elkhead Reservoir, where winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow perfect for ice fishing and snowshoeing adventures. As temperatures climb toward summer's peak of 87°F, the park transforms into a sun-drenched paradise under crystalline blue skies, ideal for water sports and stargazing. Spring and fall offer their own magic, with wildflowers dotting the prairie and golden aspens painting the distant hillsides.
ElevationPerched high in the windswept plains of northwest Colorado, this elevated sanctuary offers the crisp, clean air and expansive views that only the high country can provide.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape where time moves differently, among gentle rolling hills that stretch toward the horizon like frozen waves. Here, golden wheat fields dance alongside verdant irrigated farmland, while vast rangelands tell the story of the American West. The park itself is a tapestry of textures and colors—silver-green sagebrush meadows flow into stands of gnarled juniper trees, all watched over by towering sandstone cliffs that glow amber in the setting sun.
Geological RegionWelcome to Colorado's high plains, a realm of sweeping vistas and subtle beauty where the earth rolls gently beneath endless skies. This unique landscape weaves together a patchwork of working lands—from irrigated farms to dryland wheat fields and open rangeland—before giving way to the park's wild heart. Here, ancient geological forces have sculpted a dramatic backdrop of cliffs and canyons, while resilient sagebrush and juniper communities create a living testament to the endurance of life in this rugged terrain.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers ADA campsites with concrete pads for disabled campers. However, one user noted that around 90% of the lake's areas are not wheelchair-accessible.
Sites SizeSites are noted to be spacious, well-spaced, and include large tent pads.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are described as well-separated, providing some level of privacy. However, the lack of trees means there is minimal natural screening between sites.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites at Pronghorn Campground are preferred for tent camping, offering picnic shelters, power, and scenic reservoir views.
Best CampsitesPronghorn Campground is highly rated for its facilities and cleanliness.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Per CPW regulation, no individual may camp or park a motor vehicle, trailer or camper on a state park for more than fourteen (14) days in any twenty-eight (28) day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutBear's Ears Campground is located across the dam with basic sites. Pronghorn Campground offers more advanced amenities such as electric hookups and covered picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; hunting permitted after Labor Day during established seasons.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via www.cpwshop.com or the Aspira Call Center at 1-800-244-5613.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations required; spontaneous camping without prior booking is no longer allowed, as noted by user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made within 28 days incur penalties ranging from 25% to 100% of the fee depending on timing. Changes also incur penalties of 10% to 20%. No refunds for weather, bugs, or campfire bans.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Elkhead Reservoir State Park offers a wide range of activities, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, kayaking, picnicking, and more. Winter recreation opportunities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Hiking
The park includes several hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the sagebrush prairie, juniper trees, and scenic cliff areas. Specific trail details, such as length or difficulty, are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is a significant draw, with anglers targeting warm-water species such as Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, and Crappie. User reviews also mention that fishing is picking up.Swimming
Swimming is allowed at the designated swim beach and in no-wake zones on the north end of the lake. Personal flotation devices are mandatory except at the swim beach. No lifeguards are on duty.Biking
The park includes biking trails, which are popular among visitors. Terrain details are not specified.Boating
Boating, jet skiing, and water-skiing are popular activities on the reservoir. All watercraft must undergo aquatic nuisance inspections.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a common activity, and winter is noted as a great time to see large herds of animals in the park.Beach activities
The park offers a swim beach and a ski beach, which visitors use for sunbathing, picnicking, and swimming.Winter Activities
Winter activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. These activities are especially popular during the colder months.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are popular on the reservoir. Specific details about designated areas or rental availability are not provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed at designated sites with fire rings; bans may occur during certain conditions.
Hazards
General hazardsWind vortexes in the basin can make the area extremely windy, as noted by user reviews.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Closest ranger station and emergency contact is available at 9702762061. No hospitals or police stations specified.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingDumpsters are available on-site for trash disposal.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the 900-acre Elkhead Reservoir, with swimming, kayaking, and fishing options.
Common complaintsNo water availability within the campground; inconsistent enforcement of rules regarding pets; exposed sites with high wind.
HostHosts at Pronghorn Campground are frequently praised as kind and helpful.
Campground Map
135 Counrty Road 28 , Hayden, Colorado, 81639, United States
Driving directionsFrom Craig: Travel East on Highway 40 approximately 7 miles until you reach MCR 29. Turn left on MCR 29 and continue North 4 miles. Turn right on MCR 28 to enter the park. Continue on MCR 28 across the dam to reach Bear's Ears Campground. From Hayden: Travel West on Highway 40 until you reach mile marker 97. Turn right on MCR 29 (North), continue North for approximately 4 miles until you reach MCR 28. Turn right to enter the park. Continue on MCR 28 across the dam to reach Bear's Ears Campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads; seasonal closures are not mentioned. Roads may include turns near the dam.Nearby places
Craig (10 miles northeast)
Nearby supplies
No water or dump station is available within the park. Supplies like water are accessible 15 minutes away at the Headquarters Campground near Hayden.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Elkhead Reservoir State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the park's scenic beauty, clean facilities, and variety of recreational activities. The campgrounds are noted to be well-maintained, and the camp hosts receive consistent praise for their friendliness.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained facilities, friendly camp hosts, scenic views of the reservoir, variety of recreational activities, spacious and well-designed campsites.
Common Concerns
Frequent high winds making camping challenging, lack of potable water and dump station within the park, inconsistent enforcement of pet rules, minimal shade at campsites.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring plenty of water as there is none available within the park. Prepare for windy conditions, especially for tent camping. Weekdays are less crowded, making them a preferred time for a tranquil...
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Seasonal Insights
Winters are great for ice fishing and wildlife viewing, while summers are ideal for water sports and hiking. Weekends tend to be busier, and weekdays often offer a quieter and more relaxing...
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Camper Quotes
"The views of the reservoir are stunning. Each site comes with a shelter over the picnic table, power, and there are plenty of clean toilets around the camp." (Jessica Newman, 2020-06-07) "Brand new...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Pronghorn Campground is praised for its covered picnic tables, electrical hookups, and cleanliness. Bear's Ears Campground is noted to have no hookups and fewer amenities.
Accessibility Features
ADA campsites are available and well-designed; however, most of the park's terrain is not wheelchair accessible, limiting options for visitors with mobility challenges.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are inconsistently enforced as noted by users, with some rangers permitting off-leash activities and others warning of tickets. This has caused confusion among pet owners.
Last updated August 10, 2025