Map of Pueblo Reservoir, Colorado
bordeveloped sitecolorado

Pueblo Reservoir

Bureau of Reclamation · Colorado

data verified May 2026 (1 day ago)

Overview

Pueblo Reservoir sits on BOR water 6 miles west of Pueblo, Colorado. The dam spans the Arkansas River and holds 64 miles of shoreline across 4,646 acres of water. You arrive at a state-park-managed area with four developed campgrounds totaling about 400 sites spread around the lake's semi-arid shoreline.

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The campgrounds have modern showers and restrooms. You'll find two boat ramps and two marinas for day-use access. Elevation runs 5,000 feet. Largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, pike, and stocked rainbow trout live in the reservoir. A fishing pier exists on the main loop. Below the dam, a swim beach and bathhouse serve day visitors. Downstream also has a fish hatchery worth a quick stop.

This is a fee area managed by Colorado State Parks under BOR agreement. You pay to camp and day-use here. The main campgrounds close during winter, but you can access the reservoir year-round if you're willing to rough it. Hunting for small game and waterfowl is allowed in designated areas. Hiking and bike trails connect the shoreline.

Summer fills fast because Pueblo is the closest major lake to Denver. If you're planning a weekend stay, call ahead to confirm site availability. Winter access means dry camping or parking outside the main loops. The water level fluctuates with irrigation demand from the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project. High summer heat and afternoon wind are the norm here.

Call the Colorado State Parks area manager before you go. Ask about current water levels, open campsites, and any fire restrictions. Data verified May 2026.

Plan your visit

  • Shelter type
    Developed site
  • Stay limit
    Verify with agency
  • Fee
    Free
  • Best for
    RV and tent camping

Access

drive-in
regular vehicle access
walk-in
short walk from parking
hike-in
backcountry, multi-hour trek

Features

for campers
  • toiletsunknown
  • potable waterunknown
  • fire ringsunknown
  • picnic tablesunknown
  • trash serviceunknown
for vehicles
  • dump stationunknown
  • hookupsunknown
  • pull-through sitesunknown
  • rv length infounknown
  • paved accessunknown
Bureau of Reclamation camping rules
reservoir-area camping rules, usually fee-based.

Conditions and access

coordinates
38.24762, -104.72315
AgencyBureau of Reclamationreported May 2026TypeDeveloped sitereported May 2026StateColoradoreported May 2026

Nearby sites

drive time from nearby cities

drive times from CO cities populate once the mapbox directions ingest runs in phase d. expect 5 nearest cities within 250 miles.

Questions about Pueblo Reservoir

Is camping at Pueblo Reservoir free?
No. Pueblo Reservoir is a fee-based state park managed by Colorado State Parks. You pay to camp at any of the four developed campgrounds. Current fees and reservation details are available through Colorado State Parks.
How long can you camp at Pueblo Reservoir?
Colorado State Parks sets stay limits at Pueblo Reservoir, not standard BOR rules. The specific number of days allowed varies by campground and season. Contact Colorado State Parks directly to confirm the stay limit for your chosen campground.
Do you need a reservation to camp at Pueblo Reservoir?
Yes. Pueblo Reservoir has 400 campsites across four developed campgrounds, and reservations are typically required, especially during peak season. Book in advance through Colorado State Parks to secure your spot.
Is there water at Pueblo Reservoir campgrounds?
Yes. The campgrounds include modern facilities and restrooms. Water access is part of the developed campground infrastructure, though specific hookup details vary by site. Check with Colorado State Parks for your chosen campground's water amenities.
Is Pueblo Reservoir open year-round for camping?
No. The main campgrounds close during winter months. You can access the reservoir year-round, but you'll be dry camping or parking outside the main loops. Contact Colorado State Parks to learn which campgrounds are open during your planned visit.
Can you have a campfire at Pueblo Reservoir?
Fire policies vary by season and campground. Some developed campgrounds allow fires in designated rings. Contact Colorado State Parks before your trip to confirm current fire rules for your chosen site.

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