Colorado’s Biggest Lakes: Where to Boat, Fish & Camp (Complete Guide)

If you’re looking for massive bodies of water in Colorado where you can actually boat, fish, or camp, you’re in the right place. I think people don’t realize just how many huge reservoirs we have here—some stretching for miles with better fishing than you’d expect from a landlocked state. Whether you want to rent a pontoon boat for the day, cast a line for trophy trout, or just find a beach to chill at (yes, Colorado has beaches), these are the lakes worth your time.

1. Navajo Reservoir – Arboles

📍 View on Google Maps
Southern Colorado/Northern New Mexico border, near Arboles, CO
Best Access: Two Rivers Marina, Arboles
Distance: ~3 hours from Denver, ~45 min from Durango

Navajo Reservoir is technically Colorado’s largest lake by volume—though honestly, most of it sits in New Mexico. I like that it’s less crowded than some of the Front Range options, and the canyon tour by kayak or sailboat is legitimately cool if you’re into that sort of thing.

You can rent everything from pontoon boats to kayaks at Two Rivers Marina. The fishing here is solid (bass, pike, trout), and Navajo State Park has over 200 campsites if you want to make a weekend of it. It’s also one of the few places where cliff diving is a thing, though obviously be smart about it.

Volume: 1,708,600 acre-feet | Surface: 15,600 acres
Best for: Boating, fishing, camping, cliff diving (experienced only)
Boat rentals: Two Rivers Marina (navajomarina.com)
Camping: 213+ sites at Navajo State Park
Local tip: The reservoir gets HOT in summer—come early morning or late afternoon

2. Blue Mesa Reservoir – Gunnison

📍 View on Google Maps
West of Gunnison, CO (Curecanti National Recreation Area)
Marinas: Elk Creek Marina, Lake Fork Marina
Distance: ~4 hours from Denver

Blue Mesa is Colorado’s largest lake that’s actually entirely in Colorado (Navajo doesn’t count since it bleeds into New Mexico). This thing stretches 20 miles with a 96-mile shoreline, so yeah, it’s massive. The Dillon Pinnacles on the shore are wild to see from the water.

Both Elk Creek and Lake Fork marinas rent boats—pontoons, kayaks, fishing boats, whatever. The fishing is excellent (trout, kokanee salmon), and you’ve got easy access to hiking in the surrounding national recreation area. I think this is one of the most scenic large lakes in the state, especially with the canyon walls in the background.

Volume: 829,500 acre-feet | Surface: 9,180 acres
Best for: Fishing, scenic boating, photography, camping
Boat rentals: Elk Creek Marina & Lake Fork Marina (thebluemesa.com)
What to skip: Don’t come here for swimming—water stays cold
Best time: Summer (May–September); winter gets icy

3. John Martin Reservoir – Hasty

📍 View on Google Maps
East of Pueblo near Hasty, CO
Type: State Park
Distance: ~2.5 hours from Denver, ~45 min from Pueblo

John Martin is the biggest lake on Colorado’s eastern plains, and honestly, it gets overlooked a lot. People call it “Sapphire on the Plains,” which feels a bit extra, but the fishing here is legitimately good—catfish, crappie, walleye, wiper. If you’re into windsurfing or sailing, the plains wind makes this spot perfect.

The birdwatching is absurdly good too (400+ species if you’re into that). There are 213 campsites, so finding a spot usually isn’t an issue. I believe this is one of the best lakes if you’re coming from the eastern part of the state and don’t want to drive all the way to the mountains.

Volume: 603,500 acre-feet | Surface: 11,650 acres
Best for: Windsurfing, fishing, birdwatching, camping
Local tip: Wind picks up in afternoon—morning is calmer for fishing
What to know: Gets HOT in summer; bring shade

4. Lake Granby – Granby

📍 View on Google Maps
North of Granby, CO (Arapaho National Recreation Area)
Marinas: Beacon Landing, Highland Marina, Indian Peaks Marina
Distance: ~2 hours from Denver

Lake Granby is the flagship lake of the Arapaho National Recreation Area, and it’s a solid choice if you want mountain scenery without the Summit County crowds. Created in 1950, the lake has a 40-mile shoreline and sits just 5 miles from the town of Granby.

Three marinas rent boats during the season (pontoons, fishing boats, kayaks, etc.). There are about 260 campsites around Granby and the nearby Shadow Mountain and Grand Lakes, making it easy to base yourself here for a long weekend. The fishing is great, and you’re close to Rocky Mountain National Park if you want to mix water and mountain activities.

Volume: 539,758 acre-feet | Surface: 7,256 acres
Best for: Family boating, fishing, camping, proximity to RMNP
Boat rentals: 3 marinas (beaconlanding.com, highlandmarinallc.com, indianpeaksmarina.com)
Best time: Late spring through fall
Parking: Can fill up on summer weekends—arrive early

5. McPhee Reservoir – Dolores

📍 View on Google Maps
Near Dolores, CO (Southwest Colorado)
Marina: Doc’s Marina
Distance: ~6 hours from Denver, ~45 min from Cortez

McPhee is Colorado’s second-largest reservoir entirely within state borders (after Blue Mesa). The dam is impressive if you’re into that stuff—1,300 feet long and 270 feet high. The lake itself covers 4,470 acres and feeds off the Dolores River.

Doc’s Marina rents boats, and the fishing is solid. I think this is a good option if you’re exploring Southwest Colorado (Mesa Verde, Durango, etc.) and want to add some water recreation to the trip. It’s definitely less crowded than the Front Range lakes.

Volume: 381,100 acre-feet | Surface: 4,470 acres
Best for: Fishing, boating, combining with Mesa Verde/Durango trips
Boat rentals: Doc’s Marina
Local tip: Dam tours available if you’re into engineering stuff

6. Lake Pueblo – Pueblo

📍 View on Google Maps
South of Pueblo, CO
Marinas: South Shore Marina, North Shore Marina
Distance: ~2 hours from Denver, 10 min from Pueblo

Lake Pueblo sits at 4,899 feet on the southern Front Range plains, and it’s known for mild weather and sunny days year-round. The Arkansas River flows through here, offering excellent trout fishing in addition to the lake fishing.

Both marinas rent boats, and there’s tons of camping around the reservoir. The Greenhorn and Wet Mountains provide a scenic backdrop. River tubing is popular in summer, and the hiking trails along the Arkansas River are solid. I like that it’s accessible from Pueblo but still feels like you’re getting away.

Volume: 349,940 acre-feet | Surface: 4,600 acres
Best for: Year-round fishing, river tubing, camping, hiking
Boat rentals: South Shore & North Shore marinas
Best time: Spring/fall for comfortable temps; summer gets hot
What to skip: Avoid peak summer midday heat

7. Dillon Reservoir – Dillon/Frisco

📍 View on Google Maps
Summit County (visible from I-70)
Marinas: Dillon Marina, Frisco Bay Marina
Distance: ~1.5 hours from Denver

Dillon Reservoir is Summit County’s crown jewel—you literally drive right past it on I-70. It’s one of the most accessible large lakes from Denver, which means it gets crowded on summer weekends. But honestly, with 3,233 acres, there’s enough room if you get there early.

Both marinas rent everything from pontoon boats to stand-up paddleboards. There’s waterside dining at both locations (solid margaritas at Frisco). The fishing is excellent, and there are multiple lakeside campgrounds. I think the loop around the lake (US-9, Dam Road, US-6) is worth the drive just for the views.

Volume: 257,304 acre-feet | Surface: 3,233 acres
Best for: Easy Denver access, boating, fishing, scenic loop drive
Boat rentals: Dillon Marina & Frisco Bay Marina
Parking: Gets FULL on summer weekends—arrive before 10am
Local tip: Boat capacity often reached by noon on Saturdays

8. Horsetooth Reservoir – Fort Collins

📍 View on Google Maps
West Fort Collins, CO
Marina: Inlet Bay Marina
Distance: ~1.5 hours from Denver, 10 min from Fort Collins

Horsetooth sits right in Fort Collins’ backyard, surrounded by parks and hiking trails. Lory State Park is on the west side, and there are multiple access points around the reservoir. It’s popular—sometimes TOO popular—so boat capacity is often reached on summer weekends.

Inlet Bay Marina rents boats, and there are both basic and electric campsites plus primitive cabins. The hiking around Horsetooth is excellent if you want to stretch your legs between water activities. I believe this is one of the best “city lake” options in Colorado if you’re based in the northern Front Range.

Volume: 156,735 acre-feet | Surface: 1,898 acres
Best for: Hiking + boating combo, Fort Collins proximity, camping
Boat rentals: Inlet Bay Marina (inletbaymarina.com)
Parking: Arrive EARLY on weekends or you won’t get in
Best time: Weekdays or early morning weekends

9. Green Mountain Reservoir – Heeney

📍 View on Google Maps
North of Silverthorne near Heeney, CO
Marina: Heeney Marina
Distance: ~2 hours from Denver

Green Mountain is Summit County’s lesser-known lake, sitting between Silverthorne and Kremmling on US-9. It’s fed by the Blue River and is genuinely less crowded than Dillon. If you want mountain scenery without the Summit County tourist chaos, this is your spot.

Heeney Marina rents boats, and there are plenty of campgrounds with great mountain views. The fishing is solid, and you’re still within the White River National Forest with access to tons of hiking. I think this is the better choice if you value peace over proximity to Breckenridge dining.

Volume: 153,639 acre-feet | Surface: 2,125 acres
Best for: Escaping crowds, fishing, camping, scenic drives
Boat rentals: Heeney Marina (heeneymarina.com)
Local tip: On your way to Steamboat? Stop here instead of Dillon

10. Twin Lakes Reservoir – Twin Lakes

📍 View on Google Maps
Between Leadville and Buena Vista, CO
Distance: ~2.5 hours from Denver

Twin Lakes sits at high elevation with Mt. Elbert (Colorado’s highest peak) visible from the shore. It’s actually two connected reservoirs with a combined 2,700 acres. The village of Twin Lakes is tiny but charming, with a historic ghost town to explore.

The fishing and camping are excellent, and if you’re ambitious, the Mt. Elbert trailhead is right there (6+ hour round trip). In summer, you can continue west on CO-82 over Independence Pass to Aspen—one of Colorado’s most scenic drives. I like that this lake feels genuinely alpine without being overrun.

Volume: 141,000 acre-feet | Surface: 2,700 acres
Best for: Alpine scenery, fishing, camping, Mt. Elbert access
Best time: Summer/fall; CO-82 closes in winter
What to know: High elevation—bring layers

Final Tips for Visiting Colorado’s Biggest Lakes

Colorado has way more massive lakes than most people realize, and most of them actually allow motorized boats, which is a big plus if you’re into water sports. I think the key is matching the lake to what you’re doing—if you want easy Denver access, hit Dillon or Horsetooth (but go early). If you want to escape crowds, Green Mountain or McPhee are solid choices. And if you’re in Southwest Colorado, Navajo and Vallecito are underrated gems.

Best for Denver access: Dillon Reservoir, Horsetooth Reservoir (arrive early on weekends)
Best for escaping crowds: Green Mountain, McPhee, Navajo
Best for combining with other activities: Lake Granby (near RMNP), Twin Lakes (Mt. Elbert), Lake Pueblo (river tubing)
Pro tip: Most marinas rent boats, but weekend capacity fills up fast—call ahead or arrive by 9am