Former Colorado State Park — Lake Drained in 2011, Now State Wildlife Area — Previously a 1,900-Acre Recreation Area on Bonny Reservoir in Eastern Colorado’s High Plains, Formerly Featured Campgrounds Boat Ramps Swimming Beach and Fishing, Currently Managed as South Republican State Wildlife Area With Primitive Camping Only, Hunting and Wildlife Viewing, No Entrance Fee But SWA Pass or Hunting/Fishing License Required, Near Burlington Yuma County Eastern Colorado
Bonny Lake State Park was a 1,900-acre state park on Bonny Reservoir near Burlington, Yuma County, eastern Colorado. The park was permanently closed in October 2011 after the reservoir was drained due to interstate water compact obligations and prolonged drought. The area is now managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) as the South Republican State Wildlife Area (SWA).
Current status: The former park area offers primitive camping only at East Beach and North Cove locations — no electricity, no water, no developed facilities. The previously established Wagon Wheel and Foster Grove campgrounds are permanently closed. The lake bed is essentially dry — no boating or water recreation is available.
The area is now primarily managed for wildlife habitat, hunting, and wildlife viewing. There is no entrance fee, but visitors 16 and older must hold a valid hunting or fishing license or SWA pass.
Current Access
- Primitive camping — East Beach + North Cove only
- Hunting — pheasant, waterfowl, deer
- Wildlife viewing — grassland birds, raptors
- No water recreation — lake drained
Site Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Burlington, Yuma County, E CO |
| Former Size | 1,900 acres (park) + reservoir |
| Status | ⚠️ Closed 2011 — now South Republican SWA |
| Camping | Primitive only — no utilities |
| Lake | ❌ Drained — no water recreation |
| Fee | Free — SWA pass or license required (16+) |
| Managed By | Colorado Parks and Wildlife |
| Coordinates | 39.6333° N, 102.1833° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bonny Lake State Park still open?
No — Bonny Lake State Park near Burlington in eastern Colorado was permanently closed in October 2011 after the reservoir was drained due to interstate water compact obligations and drought. The area is now the South Republican State Wildlife Area managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Only primitive camping remains at East Beach and North Cove — no utilities, no developed facilities, no water recreation. No entrance fee, but a valid hunting/fishing license or SWA pass is required for visitors 16 and older.
Last updated: May 2026
More parks nearby: North Sterling State Park is elsewhere in the state, while Jackson Lake State Park lies elsewhere in the state.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Colorado state parks online at cpwshop.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Bonny Lake State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are welcome at Colorado state parks and most trails and campgrounds when kept on a leash, though some trails restrict dogs.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 6 feet required at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- It is unlawful to allow a dog or other pet within any area used as a swimming or water-ski beach.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Some parks offer pet-friendly cabins and yurts (e.g. Golden Gate Canyon, State Forest, Mancos and Ridgway yurts) for a $10 per night pet fee.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $10 per night pet fee in participating pet-friendly cabins/yurts.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated off-leash dog areas at Chatfield and Cherry Creek State Parks (registration/fee applies).
Are dogs allowed at Bonny Lake State Park?
Dogs are welcome at Colorado state parks and most trails and campgrounds when kept on a leash, though some trails restrict dogs. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via cpw.state.co.us. More: Colorado state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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