Passes and Permits
All vehicles entering the park are required to
display a current Colorado State Parks Pass on
the windshield. A daily pass is valid from the
day purchased until
noon the following day.
An annual pass is valid
at any Colorado State
Park 12 months from
the date of purchase.
For annual pass holders
who own another car, a
multiple pass is available
for an additional fee. Daily passes are available
at self-service dispensers. Annual Passes may be
purchased at the Yampa River State Park office
near Hayden. Colorado residents 64 or older
qualify for a special Aspen Leaf annual pass,
available at a discounted rate.
Elkhead Reservoir
State Park
ENJOY YOUR STATE PARKS
In 1974, Elkhead Reservoir was constructed on
the Elkhead Creek as part of a recreation and
wildlife area and to serve as a backup water
supply for the City of Craig and the Craig Power
generating station.
In 1996, the State Board of the Great Outdoors
Colorado Trust Fund approved a Legacy Grant
for preserving natural values within the Yampa
River System and enhancing recreational use.
Colorado State Parks was identified as the
agency to provide recreation management in
the river corridor, including Elkhead Reservoir.
In January 1998, Colorado State Parks began
management of recreational use and facilities
at Elkhead Reservoir which is owned by the city
of Craig.
In addition to a parks pass, campers are
required to purchase and display a camping
permit at their campsite.
Elkhead Reservoir
State Park
135 County Road 28
Craig, Colorado 81625 • (970) 276-2061
E-mail: yampa.river @state.co.us
cpw.state.co.us
CPW_RMEH_5K_3/18
E
lkhead Reservoir is located 10 miles
northeast of Craig, on the high plains of
northwest Colorado. The surrounding
area consists of gently rolling hills of irrigated
farmland, dry land wheat, and rangeland. Within
the park, rolling sagebrush prairie combines with
scenic cliff areas.
Colorado disabled
veterans displaying
Colorado Disabled
Veteran (DV) license
plates are admitted free
without a pass, however,
camping fees still apply.
Funded in part by Great Outdoors Colorado
through Colorado Lottery proceeds.
Camping
C O L O R A D O PA R K S & W I L D L I F E
cpw.state.co.us
In 2009, the Colorado River Water
Conservation District finished the expansion
on the reservoir and phase one of the park
re-development was complete. Elkhead
Reservoir now offers 900 surface acres of water
and 1,300 acres of land. Newly developed boat
ramps, swim beaches, picnic sites and camping
facilities are open for you to experience.
Elkhead Reservoir’s Bears Ears campground is
located on the south end of the reservoir near
the east side of the dam. Bears Ears offers 16
campsites. Each site is developed with a hardened
gravel pad, picnic table, shade shelter and fire pit.
This campground does not have water, sewer or
power available. Two restrooms are conveniently
located at each end of the campground. A
maximum stay at the campground is 14 days.
Camping reservations can be made by calling
1-800-244-5613 online at www.cpw.state.co.us.
Picnicking/Hiking
Numerous picnic sites are located around the
park; many have shade shelters, fire grills and
picnic tables. There are approximately 10.5 miles
of trails at Elkhead Reservoir for hiking and
biking. More detailed trail maps are available. Take
a picnic with you and hike along the reservoir, or
go to the north end of the reservoir for a more
remote experience.
Wildlife
Depending on the season, large herds of elk,
deer and pronghorn can be seen in and around
the park. Hawks, eagles and owls are regularly
seen throughout the year. Also found in the area
are bears, coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions
which are not seen daily, but pass through on a
regular basis.
Motorized Recreation
Only snowmobiles and OHVs used for ice fishing
are allowed.
Registered OHVs are permitted on roads within
Moffat County, but not permitted on Routt County
roads or roads within the park.
Winter Recreation
Ice fishing, cross country skiing and snow shoeing
are popular during the winter months. This is a
great time to view wildlife in the big herds known
to northwest Colorado.
Fishing and Hunting
Elkhead Reservoir State Park
Craig
CR
Elkhead
Reservoir
State Park
29
40
Park
Office
1. Plan ahead and prepare.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
3. Dispose of waste properly.
4. Leave what you find.
5. Minimize campfire impacts.
6. Respect wildlife.
7. Be considerate of other visitors.
Hayden
LEGEND
Boat Ramp
Boating/Water Sports
Campground
Greenwood
Cove
Boating, water-skiing, sailing and jet skiing are
popular activities during the summer. Swimming
is allowed at the swim-beach and from a boat in
designated no-wake areas on the north end of the
lake. A Personal Flotation Device must be worn
while in the water except at the designated swim
beach. Elkhead is under mandated “aquatic
nuisance species” inspections on all craft.
Dam
Entrance Station
Fishing
Northeast Access
(Handlaunch Only)
County
Road 29
Parking
Picnic Area
East Beach
(Swim Beach)
Friendly Reminders:
Swim Beach
Elkhead Reservoir is maintained for your use
and enjoyment. In the interest of safety and the
preservation of the park, we ask that you:
Restroom
Wakeless
Boating Zone
1. Keep your vehicle on designated roads
and parking lots.
Roads
2. Be respectful of quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to
6:00 a.m.
3. Keep your pets on a leash and under control at
all times.
4. Place litter in the receptacles provided.
Trails
County Road 78
Fishing for warm water species like, Northern Pike,
Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass and Crappie is
a big draw.
Hunting in the park is allowed after Labor Day
during established seasons. Big Game hunting is
allowed on the northern portion of the park, north
of the Northeast access. Contact the Yampa River
State Park office for a description and map of the
designated hunting area. All Colorado hunting
statues and regulations apply.
Steamboat
Springs
Latitude: N: 40° 33' 17.41"
Longitude: W: 107° 23' 05.64"
Leave No Trace
Elkhead
Creek
Elkhead Reservoir is about 4 miles long,
surrounded by almost 1,300 acres of land making
it one of largest parks in northwest Colorado.
5. Use the provided grills or rings and be sure
your fire is extinguished before you leave.
To Hwy 40
County Road 28
Bear's Ears
Campground
0
0.25
0.5
0.75
1
6. Please drink responsibly. Only 3.2% alcohol is
permitted.
Mile
