🏆 Official Guide: Elkhead Reservoir State Park — A 900-acre reservoir in the Yampa Valley of northwest Colorado (Moffat/Routt Counties) between Craig + Hayden — 45 min from Steamboat Springs — featuring boating (unlimited HP, wakeboarding, jet skiing), a swim beach, fishing (largemouth + smallmouth bass, northern pike, crappie), 10.5 miles of hiking/biking trails, two campgrounds (Bear’s Ears — 16 non-electric sites + Pronghorn — 30 electric sites), wildlife viewing (elk, pronghorn, eagles), and high desert scenery.
Elkhead Reservoir State Park is northwest Colorado’s premier warm-water playground — a 900-acre reservoir tucked into the high desert of the Yampa Valley between Craig and Hayden. Unlike the crowded reservoirs along the Front Range, Elkhead offers uncrowded water sports, excellent bass and pike fishing, and a striking landscape where sagebrush mesas meet the water’s edge. At just 45 minutes from Steamboat Springs, it’s an accessible escape for boaters, anglers, and campers who want Colorado without the crowds.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Moffat/Routt Counties — between Craig + Hayden, CO |
| Reservoir | 900 acres — unlimited horsepower |
| Swim Beach | Sandy cove — no lifeguards |
| Trails | 10.5 miles — hiking + biking |
| Visitor Center | None on-site — use Yampa River SP HQ on Hwy 40 |
| Pass Required | Daily vehicle pass or CO annual parks pass |
Camping
| Campground | Sites | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pronghorn | 30 | Electric hookups — near shoreline |
| Bear’s Ears | 16 | Non-electric — south end of reservoir |
| All sites: picnic tables, fire pits, shade shelters — no water/sewer hookups | ||
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Boating | Unlimited HP — 3-lane boat ramp — wakeboarding, jet skiing, water skiing |
| Fishing | Largemouth + smallmouth bass, northern pike, crappie — CO license required |
| Swimming | Sandy swim beach in protected cove — no lifeguards |
| Hiking/Biking | 10.5 mi of trails — reservoir + high desert views |
| Kayaking | Calm cove waters ideal for paddling |
| Wildlife Viewing | Elk, pronghorn, mule deer, eagles, hawks |
| Picnicking | Day-use areas near boat ramp + beaches |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a good alternative to crowded Front Range reservoirs?
Absolutely — Elkhead Reservoir rarely gets the crowds you’ll find at Chatfield, Cherry Creek, or Horsetooth. It’s a 900-acre lake with unlimited horsepower boating, excellent bass fishing, and a swim beach, all in a high desert setting between Craig and Hayden. It’s about 45 minutes from Steamboat Springs.
What fish can I catch here?
Elkhead is a warm-water fishery — unusual for Colorado — producing largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and crappie. A valid Colorado fishing license is required. The bass fishing is particularly good in the coves during early morning and evening.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Yampa River State Park (a short drive away) and Steamboat Lake State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Colorado state parks online at cpwshop.com.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Elkhead Reservoir State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
