Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at Bonny Lake State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26–73 °F | 56–91 °F | 26–80 °F | 17–46 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Bonny Dam 2NE, 4 mi away, elevation 3,717 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Bonny Lake State Park
Park policy: Bonny Lake State Park closed in 2011, and the land is now the South Republican State Wildlife Area, managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife under its wildlife-area rules rather than the state park rules. Those rules (2 CCR 406-9, #900.C.15) prohibit dogs, cats and other pets on state wildlife areas, except dogs lawfully used while actively hunting or in hunting training and dogs at licensed field trials. Service animals are permitted. The South Republican entry adds no exception for pets (as of October 2026).
- Pets allowed?
- No pets, except hunting dogs while hunting or training, dogs at licensed field trials, and service animals
- Park-specific rules
- Field trials can be authorized here in February, March, August and September only.
Are dogs allowed at Bonny Lake State Park?
No pets, except hunting dogs while hunting or training, dogs at licensed field trials, and service animals.
More: Colorado state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
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