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The state of Colorado is one of the most popular destinations for summer RVers. The Centennial State usually surpasses expectations. For example, it has thousands of campsites from its eastern plains to its Rocky Mountain interior and along many of its compelling rivers and lakes. One of these enticing locations is Pueblo Reservoir camping. It lies just outside of the Front Range community of Pueblo, near a reservoir named after the town.
About Pueblo Reservoir
As one of 42 Colorado state parks, Pueblo Reservoir, more commonly known as Lake Pueblo, was built to corral the mighty Arkansas River, providing dependable water for agriculture and as a component of flood control.
The lake was created in 1975 with Pueblo Dam’s building and became an immediate sensation with outdoor enthusiasts, who use its water to boat, fish, and swim. And with 60 miles of shoreline, Pueblo Reservoir camping is one of the more popular land activities.
Best Time of Year for Pueblo Reservoir Camping
The lake is open year-round, but summer is, by far, the most popular season for Pueblo Reservoir camping. Lake parties are a daily occurrence and fishing for bass, crappie, and bluegill run a close second to revelry.
But many enjoy escaping the snows in the nearby mountains to come here. Spring hits Lake Pueblo much earlier in this milder climate, making it a popular destination. However, winter camping at Pueblo Reservoir can offer solitude without the crowds of summer. Keep in mind that the lake does not freeze over solid for ice fishing, if that’s your thing.
Things to Do While Camping at Pueblo Reservoir
With lakefront property come all of the water adventures imaginable. In other words, you have options from fishing to sailing, jet skiing to paddle boarding, kayaking to water skiing, there are numerous opportunities to skim the surface of this reservoir 24 hours a day. Two full-service marinas provide rentals of every make and model, and swimmers have their own beach on which to lounge.
Landlubbers can tackle more than 34 miles of hiking and biking trails over the state park’s 10,000 acres. And of course, Pueblo Reservoir camping goes hand-in-hand with lakeside activities. Lake Pueblo has partial hookup campsites, as well as opportunities for those campers who want a little peace and quiet off the grid.
Pueblo Reservoir Camping Areas
There are more than 400 campsites within Lake Pueblo State Park, all of which allow stays of up to 14 days within a 28-day timeframe. Some campgrounds are conducive to dry camping, while others cater to RVers needing electricity and water. Here are the specifics of each:
Arkansas Point Campground
Arkansas Point Road, Pueblo, CO 81005
With 86 sites congregated around Lake Pueblo, the Arkansas Point Campground offers good views and access to great fishing and boating opportunities. Campsites have electrical hookups only and are diverse in size, but the campground provides flush toilets and showers, with a dump station on site.
With nightly campsite fees from $22 to $36, plus a $10 daily state park pass, it may be a little on the expensive side for the amenities offered, however. Reservations can be made through the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website, as these campsites can fill up quickly during the summer months.
Juniper Breaks Campground
Juniper Road, Pueblo, CO 81007
Lake Pueblo State Park has yet another campground offering in Juniper Breaks. Located on the north side of the lake, its 83 campsites do not have hookups. However, they offer great views as the sites are sprinkled among ground-hugging juniper trees.
With a bit more privacy, the trees also muffle noise and give dry campers a more tranquil experience. Vault toilets are available, and bike trails abound all around the lake. A dump station is on-site, and nightly costs are $23 plus the $10 state park day pass. Given the price and location, this is a great option for Pueblo Reservoir camping.
Prairie Ridge Campground
Northern Plains Road, Pueblo, CO 81007
Located close to the marina at Lake Pueblo State Park, Prairie Ridge is a looped section of the Northern Plains Campground on the lake’s north side. There are 72 sites with partial hookups and water spigots scattered around.
Each area is well separated from the others, and they can handle just about any size RV. Showers and flush toilets are available at this Pueblo Reservoir camping option, but shade is hard to find here.
Most visitors come to play on the lake, and with its location, all the loops of the Northern Plains Campground are within easy access to the water. In addition, a dump station lies at the top of the loop, and reservations are necessary. The cost is $36 plus a $10 daily fee for the state park.
Eagle View Campground
Northern Plains Road, Pueblo, CO 81007
Also, a designated loop at Northern Plains Campground, Eagle View, is just that, an eagle’s view of Lake Pueblo. Situated just above the other loops (Prairie Ridge and Yucca Flats), this loop has 15 sites with electrical hookups. If you’re looking for the best view out of your Pueblo Reservoir camping options, this is your best bet.
The sites vary, with back-in and pull-thru mixed throughout, all with plenty of space for privacy, although not much vegetation. The loop offers a shower house and flush toilets, a playground, and a dump station. Reservations are required, and nightly prices are $36, plus a $10 daily state park pass fee.
Yucca Flats Campground
Northern Plains Road, Pueblo, CO 81007
Another portion of the Northern Plains Campground, Yucca Pass, is the third loop offering partial hookups. With 77 back-in and pull-thru campsites, campers will find three shower houses supplied with flush toilets.
Although adults will want to play in the lake, children have a playground, which lies right at their door. In addition, water spigots are scattered throughout for fill-ups, as the sites do not come with water, only electricity. Reservations are needed from Colorado Parks & Wildlife, and nightly stays will cost $36, plus the requisite $10 state park pass fee.
Pro Tip: If you’re ready for even more awesome reservoir camping, you have to check out our Blue Ridge Reservoir Camping and Kayaking Guide.
Kettle Creek Campground
Northern Plains Road, Pueblo, CO 81007
Finally, the fourth and final loop in Northern Plains Campground is Kettle Creek. Offering 33 campsites, 5 of which are walk-in sites for tenters, this loop is only for dry camping.
Each camp has a sheltered picnic table and fire ring, and water spigots are randomly placed throughout the loop. Vault toilets are available, but showering must be done in one of the other three Northern Plains areas.
Above all, Kettle Creek is situated around its own little cove of Lake Pueblo, and individual campsites have lots of space for spreading out. The nightly cost is $20, plus a $10 daily pass.
Add Pueblo Reservoir Camping to Your Bucket List
In conclusion, it’s no surprise that Lake Pueblo is one of the most popular state parks in Colorado. With its variety of activities and numerous campsites, tourists and residents alike enjoy spending time on the water, primarily as summer heat drives them out of the city to cool off.
Garnering a campsite at Pueblo Reservoir during that time would provide a home base for exploring the lake and its surrounding countryside. And staying here with friends might give you the opportunity for some well-deserved “lake party” time!
Once you’ve had your fill of Colorado, head west to explore a few of Utah’s camping options like Strawberry Reservoir and Pineview Reservoir.
