Jackson Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Set in the Great Plains of northeastern Colorado about 75 miles from Denver, Jackson Lake State Park is an oasis in the center of a wide-open grassland. The massive Jackson Lake reservoir is the highlight of the park—at more than 2,700 acres in size, it’s packed with opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. The park itself is popular with families thanks to the calm water and nearly flat terrain. The hot, sunny summer months see the highest crowd levels; when the lake freezes over in the winter, the summer campers give way to ice skaters and ice fishermen. No matter when you visit, Fort Morgan is conveniently located just 25 miles away for grocery shopping and cozy dinners.
Spring 25-65 F
Summer 60-90 F
Fall 25-65 F
Winter 11-45 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Jackson Lake State Park
Whether you’re visiting on a steamy summer weekend or a freezing winter day, an RV keeps you comfortable during a trip to Jackson Lake State Park. If you don’t own a motorhome, consider an RV rental; it’s a great way to experience the fun of RV camping and try out the model you’ve had your eye on.
Jackson Lake State Park Campgrounds
Book a site at one of the Jackson Lake State Park Campgrounds to stay right in the heart of the action. With 251 sites, there’s plenty of room for everyone. Some of the campgrounds are primitive, but Northview, Sandpiper, Cove, Pelican, and Lakeside all offer electric hookups for your RV. Be sure to check the campground guide to identify the sites with the best water views and lake access. If you want to swim, Cove Campground offers easy access to West Beach. Every campsite has a picnic table and fire ring and comes with access to a dump station, showers, bathrooms, and laundry facilities. If you're staying in the winter, book a site at Lakeside, Pelican, or Cove. Campsites are $28 per night for a basic site and $36 per night for a site with electricity.
Brush Municipal Campground
Located about 32 miles from Jackson Lake State Park, Brush Municipal Campground is a convenient alternative on fully booked weekends. This small campground offers just 18 sites, each with small shade trees. Twelve of the sites offer electrical hookups, and all of them have access to the heated restrooms and hot showers. You’ll find an RV dump station on-site for convenience. Sites are $25 per night.
Crow Valley Family Campground
Enjoy the cool breezes and lovely shade trees at Crow Valley Family Campground, which sits about 32 miles northwest of Jackson Lake. Run by the Forest Service, this spot is simple but well maintained. Each site provides a picnic table and a fire ring, and water is available during the summer months. There’s a vault toilet in the campground, but there are no showers or hookups. RVs up to 35 feet long are welcome, and all sites are wheelchair-accessible. This campground, which has just 10 sites, is open from April to November. Rates start at $14 per night.
What to Do at
Jackson Lake State Park
Inside Jackson Lake State Park
The lake is the star of the show at Jackson Lake State Park. No matter when you visit, plan to be on or near the water. Fish for trout, walleye, catfish, and pike, or bring your boat to enjoy the breezes in the middle of the lake. Jet-skiing and sailboarding offer high-speed fun, and swimming is allowed everywhere but the boat ramp and inlet canal. When the water freezes, bundle up and try ice skating and ice fishing. On land, you’ll find volleyball courts, a short nature trail, and plenty of park roads for biking.
Outside Jackson Lake State Park
Although Jackson Lake State Park sits less than two hours from Denver, it feels like a different world. With its wide-open spaces and expansive plains, the landscape is particularly welcoming for families. There are plenty of things to do in the area as long as you’re willing to make the drive.
Restaurants
Mariana's Family Restaurant
Stop by this friendly spot for an authentic Mexican meal on your way north to Jackson Lake State Park. The breakfast menu, which is available all day, is particularly good.
Type: Mexican
Location: 612 Central Ave, Wiggins, CO 80654
Elaine's Place
Enjoy salads and Greek-inspired dishes at this low-key restaurant, which features a relaxed, family-friendly dining area. Be sure to try one of the Greek beers.
Type: Greek, American
Location: 17590 County Rd T5, Fort Morgan, CO 80701
The Mav Kitchen & Tap House
Cool off with a beer and enjoy a hearty pizza at this casual restaurant, which is located in the Rodeway Inn. Save some room for the excellent dessert options, which include crème brûlée and pink lemonade pie.
Type: American, pizza
Location: 1409 Barlow Rd, Fort Morgan, CO 80701
Little Bamboo
Get everything from sushi to Thai curry at this versatile restaurant, which is located in Fort Morgan.
Type: Pan-Asian
Location: 613 W Platte Ave, Fort Morgan, CO 80701
Cables Pub & Grill
Serving classic pub food such as pizza and burgers, this spot is a great option for families. If you can, grab a table on the outdoor terrace.
Type: American
Location: 431 Main St, Fort Morgan, CO 80701
Shopping
Inspirations Quilt Shop
Carrying a huge range of quilting and sewing supplies, this is a must-visit shop for crafting enthusiasts.
Location: 19562 County Road R 7/10, Fort Morgan, CO 80701
Business Mart
Browse this friendly store for office supplies, gifts, and some of the best fudge in the area.
Location: 309 Main St, Fort Morgan, CO 80701
All About U
From home decor to children’s clothes, this adorable and well-stocked store has a gift for everyone in your life.
Location: 313 Main St, Fort Morgan, CO 80701
Sightseeing
Fort Morgan Museum
Get to know the history of the area around Jackson Lake State Park at this small museum, which is located in Fort Morgan. The museum is small, making it a great afternoon stop with your family.
Location: Fort Morgan, CO
Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic Byway
Running from Fort Morgan to Ault, this beautiful drive covers 128 miles and takes about three hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll see stunning views of the grasslands and the South Platte River.
Location: Fort Morgan, CO
Pawnee Buttes
Rising high above the plains, these unexpected rock buttes are unlike anything else in the region. Hike the 1.5-mile trail out to the buttes, keeping an eye out for the hawks and falcons that nest in the area. The buttes are located in the Pawnee National Grassland near Keota, about 38 miles north of Jackson Lake State Park.
Location: Pawnee National Grassland
Andrick Ponds State Wildlife Area
This region, which is located just west of Jackson Lake State Park, is home to many migratory bird species. It’s busy with bird-watchers in the summer; the rest of the year, it’s a popular local hunting spot.
Main Draw OHV Area
Bring your OHV to this part of the Pawnee National Grassland between November and April for a fun, high-speed ride. The 2-mile dirt gully is open to non-licensed vehicles that have a spark arrester.
Location: Pawnee National Grassland
How to Get to
Jackson Lake State Park
Jackson Lake State Park sits about 13 miles north of Interstate 76, so it’s easy to reach from anywhere in Colorado. The landscape is gentle, making for stress-free RV driving. To get to the park from Wiggins, take County Road 39 north until it ends at County Road Y 5/10; take a left and follow the road right to the park.
Entering Jackson Lake State Park
Jackson Lake State Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to both visitors and campers.
Jackson Lake State Park Per vehicle : $9.0
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jackson Lake State Park
Jackson Lake State Park sees average temperatures in the 20s (Fahrenheit) during the winter and 70s and 80s in the summer. While the park receives notable precipitation during the winter and spring months, July through October are quite dry.
Yes, pets are allowed at Jackson Lake State Park. Dogs must be kept on a leash that is six feet or shorter at all times. The trails and swimming spots in the park are tons of fun with a companion.
The summer is a great time to visit the park and cool off in the lake. Although not as many go during the winter, the park's snowy months offer unique scenery, especially along the hiking trails.
Yes, Jackson Lake State Park is accessible for disabled visitors. The campgrounds and waterfront areas are mostly flat and easy to reach. There are restrooms and other accessible amenities throughout the park.
Visitors often see coyotes, white-tailed deer, red foxes, cottontail rabbits, and western red squirrels. If you're lucky, you might be able to spot bald or golden eagles flying overhead in the winter.