Bonny Lake State Park
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
Park Location
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