Best lakes in Colorado? Dillon Reservoir (1.5 hrs from Denver) is the most accessible for boating. Blue Mesa near Gunnison is the largest entirely in Colorado. Lake Granby offers the best camping near Rocky Mountain National Park. For fewer crowds, try Green Mountain Reservoir. Most lakes have boat rentals and campgrounds—arrive before 10am on summer weekends.
Navajo Reservoir – Arboles
Colorado's largest lake by volume (1.7 million acre-feet), though most sits in New Mexico. 15,600 surface acres with canyon tours by kayak. Two Rivers Marina rents pontoons, kayaks, and fishing boats. 213+ campsites at Navajo State Park.
3 hours from Denver, 45 min from Durango. Great for bass, pike, and trout fishing. Gets hot in summer—arrive early morning or late afternoon.
Blue Mesa Reservoir – Gunnison
Colorado's largest lake entirely within state borders. 20 miles long, 96-mile shoreline, 9,180 acres. Elk Creek and Lake Fork marinas rent boats. Excellent fishing for trout and kokanee salmon. Dillon Pinnacles provide stunning canyon wall scenery.
4 hours from Denver, west of Gunnison. Part of Curecanti National Recreation Area with hiking access. Water stays cold—skip swimming. Best May through September.
John Martin Reservoir – Hasty
Biggest lake on Colorado's eastern plains. 11,650 acres, excellent for windsurfing and sailing (steady plains wind). Great fishing for catfish, crappie, walleye, and wiper. 213 campsites available. 400+ bird species for birdwatching.
2.5 hours from Denver, 45 min from Pueblo. Best option if you're in eastern Colorado. Wind picks up in afternoon—morning is calmer. Gets hot in summer, bring shade.
Lake Granby – Granby
Best camping lake near Rocky Mountain National Park. 7,256 acres with 40-mile shoreline. Three marinas (Beacon Landing, Highland, Indian Peaks) rent pontoons, kayaks, and fishing boats. 260+ campsites around the lake and nearby Shadow Mountain.
2 hours from Denver, 5 miles from Granby town. Great fishing for trout. Close to RMNP if you want to mix water and mountain activities. Parking fills summer weekends—arrive before 10am.
McPhee Reservoir – Dolores
Colorado's second-largest lake entirely within state borders (after Blue Mesa). 4,470 acres fed by Dolores River. Doc's Marina rents boats. Good fishing and much less crowded than Front Range lakes.
6 hours from Denver, 45 min from Cortez. Perfect add-on if you're exploring Mesa Verde or Durango. Dam tours available if you're into engineering stuff.
Lake Pueblo – Pueblo
4,600 acres with mild weather year-round. Two marinas (South Shore, North Shore) rent boats. Arkansas River flows through with excellent trout fishing. River tubing popular in summer. Lots of camping and hiking trails.
2 hours from Denver, 10 min from Pueblo. Best in spring/fall—summer gets hot. Greenhorn and Wet Mountains provide scenic backdrop. Skip midday heat in peak summer.
Dillon Reservoir – Dillon/Frisco
Most accessible large lake from Denver—visible from I-70. 3,233 acres in Summit County. Two marinas (Dillon, Frisco Bay) rent pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards. Waterside dining at both locations. Excellent fishing and multiple lakeside campgrounds.
1.5 hours from Denver. Gets crowded summer weekends—arrive before 10am or you won't get parking. Boat capacity often reached by noon Saturdays. Scenic loop drive around the lake (US-9, Dam Road, US-6) worth it for views.
Horsetooth Reservoir – Fort Collins
Best "city lake" for northern Front Range. 1,898 acres right in Fort Collins' backyard. Lory State Park on west side with excellent hiking. Inlet Bay Marina rents boats. Campsites and primitive cabins available.
1.5 hours from Denver, 10 min from Fort Collins. Gets very crowded—boat capacity often reached summer weekends. Arrive early morning or go weekdays. Great for hiking + boating combo.
Green Mountain Reservoir – Heeney
Summit County's lesser-known lake—genuinely less crowded than Dillon. 2,125 acres fed by Blue River. Heeney Marina rents boats. Campgrounds with great mountain views. White River National Forest access for hiking.
2 hours from Denver, between Silverthorne and Kremmling on US-9. Better choice if you value peace over Breckenridge proximity. Good stop if you're driving to Steamboat.
Twin Lakes Reservoir – Twin Lakes
High elevation alpine lake with Mt. Elbert (Colorado's highest peak) visible from shore. Two connected reservoirs totaling 2,700 acres. Excellent fishing and camping. Mt. Elbert trailhead right there. Tiny charming village with historic ghost town.
2.5 hours from Denver, between Leadville and Buena Vista. In summer, continue west over Independence Pass to Aspen—one of Colorado's best drives. CO-82 closes in winter. High elevation—bring layers.
Quick Comparison
Best Denver access: Dillon (1.5 hrs), Horsetooth (1.5 hrs). Best for crowds: Green Mountain, McPhee, Navajo. Best camping: Lake Granby (near RMNP), Twin Lakes (alpine). Best fishing: Blue Mesa (kokanee), Navajo (bass/pike).
Most marinas rent boats but weekend capacity fills fast—call ahead or arrive by 9am. Water stays cold at elevation—swimming better at lower lakes like Pueblo or John Martin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest lake in Colorado?
By volume, Navajo Reservoir is the largest (1.7 million acre-feet), though most of it is in New Mexico. Blue Mesa Reservoir is the largest lake entirely within Colorado, with 20 miles of shoreline and 9,180 surface acres.
Which Colorado lake is closest to Denver?
Dillon Reservoir is the closest large lake at 1.5 hours from Denver. Horsetooth Reservoir near Fort Collins is also 1.5 hours. Both get crowded on summer weekends—arrive before 10am.
Can you swim in Colorado lakes?
Yes, but most mountain lakes are cold. Lake Pueblo and John Martin Reservoir are the warmest options. Cherry Creek Reservoir near Denver has a swim beach. Blue Mesa and Dillon stay cold year-round.
Are boats allowed on Colorado lakes?
Yes, most large reservoirs allow motorized boats. Marinas at Dillon, Granby, Blue Mesa, Horsetooth, and others rent pontoons, fishing boats, and kayaks. Boat inspections required at most lakes to prevent invasive species.
Which Colorado lake is best for fishing?
Blue Mesa for kokanee salmon and trout. Navajo for bass and pike. Horsetooth for walleye. John Martin for catfish and crappie. Most lakes stock trout regularly.
Which Colorado lake has the best camping?
Lake Granby has 260+ campsites near Rocky Mountain National Park. Navajo and Blue Mesa also have excellent campgrounds. Reserve ahead for summer weekends—popular sites book months in advance.