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Orchard, CO
Change City

Jackson Lake State Park

26363 County Road 3
Orchard, CO 80649

970-645-2551

This park is an "Oasis in the Plains," for swimming, boating, fishing and waterskiing. But that's not all...Jackson Lake is ranked one of the "Top 15 Park Beaches" by Reserve America. Anglers, boaters, or naturalists realizing there’s too much fun for just one day enjoy the variety of water or land-based recreation ​land-based facilities found here.Birders and hunters flock here because of the parks location in the Central Flyway for migratory birds. Quiet winter months provide hearty wildlife viewers some excellent opportunities to spot the many animals that live here.BikingBicycles are allowed at the park on designated trails and on park's roads.BirdingBirders travel from throughout the region to visit because of the abundance and diversity of bird species. Long-billed curlews and whooping cranes are occasionally observed. Ferruginous and rough-legged hawks are present in the winter, while Swainson’s hawks return for the summer months. Northern harriers fly low over wetlands and grasslands. Ground-nesting grassland birds such as horned larks, lark buntings, western meadowlarks and vesper sparrows may breed in the park in the spring.BoatingJackson Lake is a great place to boat!CampingJackson Lake has 260 campsites, most can accommodate campers, trailers or tents. Even group camping and picnicking are accommodated here. Facilities include showers, toilets, laundry, electric hookups and drinking waterDog-friendly​Dogs are welcome anywhere ​in the park as long as:they are on a six foot or shorter leash at all timestheir waste is properly disposed ofFishingJackson Lake is stocked with warm-water fish such as: walleye, saugeye, catfish, perch, rainbow trout, crappie and wipers. Northern pike and large and small-mouth bass were also stocked. Fishing is restricted during waterfowl hunting season and is prohibited from the swim beaches year-round.GeocachingJackson Lake State Park hosts two geocaching sites:  "5 O'Clock Somewhere" and "Centennial." A Parks Pass is required to enter the park.Group CampingDunes Group Campground has a total of 18 sites which may be reserved as one flat fee and comes with electricity.Group PicnickingGroups of up to 100 are accommodated at the Centennial Group Picnic Area. Adjacent to the picnic shelter is Dunes Group Campground. Please call 1.970.645.2551 for information.HikingPrairie Wetland Nature Trail is a 1/4 mile, self-guided trail and is located north of Cove Campground. There is also a 1.5 mile trail located between the Visitor Center north to Northview Campground​. A trail is also located on the south side of the park from the south swimbeach to Cottonwood day-use picnic area. Folks also enjoy walking along the shoreline or along park roadwaysHuntingWaterfowl, upland bird, rabbits and archery deer hunting are allowed in designated areas of the park.Ice FishingPlease use caution when ice fishing. Have proper safety equipment and follow safety guidelines. Fishing areas include a boat ramp, the inlet and dike in front of gate houseIce SkatingIce skating is a popular winter sport at Jackson, depende​​nt on ice conditions.Jet SkiingPlease review personal watercraft laws, including the requirement that drivers must be at least 16. Youth, ages 14 & 15, can operate crafts upon successful completion of a Boating Safely Course which is offered at Jackson Lake.OHV RidingThe OHV track​ is open daily from 8 AM to sunset year-round. The track is located at the South Entrance. Registered OHVs must be trailered in to the staging area, which is the Cottonwood parking lot. Vehicles must have a parks' pass. OHVs are not allowed on parks' roads, in campgrounds or on local roads.PhotographyAn abundance of wildlife can be observed and photographed in the park. The list includes pelicans, eagles, hawks, heron, deer, coyote, turkeys, waterfowl and numerous shore birds.PicnickingIndividual tables are located at the inlet, outlet, boat ramp, south and west swim beaches, and the Cottonwood picnic area and are available first-come, first-serve.SailboardingJackson Lake has 2,700 surface acres when full. Warm breezes are a sure bet to give sailboarders a workout!SwimmingJackson Lake is shallow and warms up quickly in the summer. The Jackson Lake swim areas do not have lifeguards.  Swimming is at your own risk.  Swimming is allowed on the west shore out to the no wake buoys.  Swimming is not allowed around the boat ramp and in the inlet canal.  Swimming on the south shore is allowed out to the no wake buoys.VolleyballA regulation court is located in the Centennial Group Picnic Area​. Pelican Campground is also set up for volleyball. Bring net and volleyball.Water SkiingEven on the busiest weekends, there is lots of room for everyone!Wildlife ViewingAn abundance of wildlife can be observed and photographed in the park. The list includes pelicans, eagles, hawks, heron, deer, coyote, turkeys, waterfowl and numerous shore birds.Winter ActivitiesWinter at Jackson Lake State Park is peaceful and quiet but there’s plenty to do.Winter CampingJackson Lake offers either electric or non-electric camping year-round. The Pelican, Northview and Fox Hills Campgrounds are available for reservations. Vault toilets are open; however; shower buildings are closed during the winter

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