Eleven Mile Dam - Colorado

Hello, fellow Coloradans! When you think of a truly iconic outdoor destination in our magnificent state, a place that embodies everything we love about the Rockies—from pristine waters and abundant wildlife to breathtaking starry nights—the area around Eleven Mile Dam immediately comes to mind. While "Eleven Mile Dam - Colorado" refers specifically to the dam structure itself, it is intrinsically linked to the sprawling beauty and recreational paradise of Eleven Mile State Park and the vast Eleven Mile Reservoir. This area is consistently praised as an "Absolutely GORGEOUS place to camp at," a spot that will "BLOW YOU AWAY every time" you visit.

This article is crafted specifically for you, the local Colorado adventurer, providing a comprehensive and factual guide to the camping and recreational opportunities found in the Eleven Mile Dam area. Whether you're an avid angler seeking "trophy fish," a boater looking for expansive waters, or simply yearning for a peaceful retreat under an "amazing night sky," prepare to discover why this location is a treasured gem in our state, offering something for every type of outdoor enthusiast, year-round.

The Eleven Mile Dam area is located near Lake George, CO 80827, USA, forming the eastern boundary of the expansive Eleven Mile Reservoir. This significant water body and the surrounding Eleven Mile State Park are situated in the high-alpine South Park basin, at an elevation of approximately 8,600 feet. The dam, completed in 1932, is a crucial part of Denver Water's system and contributes to the massive 3,400-surface-acre reservoir, one of the largest on Colorado's East Slope.

The "Eleven Mile Dam" acts as a gateway to several distinct camping experiences within Eleven Mile State Park. These include well-developed campgrounds like Rocky Ridge, North Shore, and Stoll Mountain, offering various amenities, as well as more rustic and primitive camping areas scattered around the reservoir's extensive shoreline. Additionally, the Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area, located below the dam, offers its own set of campgrounds (like Spillway, Riverside, and Cove) and unique recreational activities. The diverse landscape around the dam transitions from open rangeland and reservoir views to a more forested and rocky canyon, providing varied scenery and outdoor pursuits. This multi-faceted environment caters to nearly every camping style, from those who prefer the comforts of an RV with hookups to those who seek a "primitive area" for tent camping, where quiet nights and "fantastic nightsky viewing" are guaranteed.

Accessibility to the Eleven Mile Dam area and its various campgrounds is relatively straightforward for Coloradans. From Colorado Springs, you typically take US Highway 24 West to the town of Lake George. From there, County Road 90 or County Road 92 will lead you directly into Eleven Mile State Park. The dam itself is located at the eastern end of the reservoir, with access points along the park roads.

While the main roads within Eleven Mile State Park are generally well-maintained, some access roads to more primitive camping areas or specific recreation spots might be gravel or subject to changing conditions, especially during or after inclement weather. It's always advisable to check current park conditions and road reports. Eleven Mile State Park operates year-round, with park hours typically from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. As with all Colorado State Parks, a daily vehicle pass (or an annual State Parks Pass) is required for entry. The park office, located near Rocky Ridge Campground, is open certain hours, and staff are available to provide assistance and information. The proximity of the Eleven Mile Dam area to major Front Range cities makes it an ideal destination for both spontaneous day trips and planned longer vacations, allowing locals to quickly escape to a world of natural beauty and recreation.

Services Offered (across various campgrounds and areas within Eleven Mile State Park):

• Diverse Campsite Options: Over 325 campsites across nine distinct campgrounds, plus 14 backcountry sites. Options range from basic and walk-in sites to electric hookup sites for RVs and lakeshore sites.
• Electrical Hookups: Available at some developed campsites (30 and 50 amp) in campgrounds like Rocky Ridge.
• Water Hookups: Provided at electric sites.
• Sewer Hookups: Available at electric sites.
• Restrooms: Flush toilets are offered in developed campgrounds during the peak season (typically May 1 - September 30). Vault toilets are available year-round.
• Hot Showers: Available for a fee at the camper services building (typically May 1 - September 30).
• Laundry Facilities: Coin-operated laundry is available (typically May 1 - September 30).
• Drinking Water: Accessible from shared spigots or hand pumps in various campground areas.
• Dump Station: Available for RV waste disposal (typically open Memorial Weekend to Labor Day, off-season by request).
• Camp Stores/Marinas: The Eleven Mile Marina offers a store, boat rentals, and fishing equipment rentals. Some campgrounds may have smaller general stores.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Standard at most campsites.
• Boat Ramps: Multiple boat ramps (North Shore, Witcher's Cove, Little Cove) provide easy access to the reservoir.
• Fish Cleaning Stations: Available in some areas to process your catch.
• Amphitheater: Used for educational programs and gatherings during peak season.
• Playground: Available in some developed areas for children.
• Free WiFi: Available at the park office and potentially other designated areas.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are permitted on leashes in designated areas, with strict cleanup policies.

Features / Highlights:

• World-Class Fishing: Eleven Mile Reservoir is renowned as a "trophy fishing" destination, regularly stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat, kokanee salmon, and northern pike. Reviewers highlight "lots of action" and catching "2 to 3 pounders."
• Expansive Water Recreation: The vast reservoir is perfect for power boating, sailing, windsurfing (with wetsuits recommended due to cold water), canoeing, and kayaking. Its size often allows for uncrowded conditions.
• Diverse Camping Experiences: Offers everything from comfortable RV sites with full hookups to secluded "primitive areas" for true wilderness tent camping, catering to all preferences.
• Stunning Scenic Beauty: "Absolutely GORGEOUS" views of the reservoir set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. The area transitions from open plains to forested canyons, offering varied landscapes.
• Exceptional Stargazing: With minimal light pollution at high elevation, the night sky over Eleven Mile Reservoir is frequently crystal clear, providing "fantastic nightsky viewing."
• Year-Round Activities: Popular for summer camping, fishing, and boating, it transforms into a winter wonderland for ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: Nearly five miles of scenic trails, including interpretive and orienteering trails, are available for exploration.
• Wildlife Abundance: Opportunities for bird watching (over 258 species identified) and observing other local wildlife.
• Known for Wind: The area typically gets "windy around noon every day and stays that way until about sunset," which is excellent for wind sports but requires campers to secure their gear.
• Well-Managed State Park: As part of the Colorado State Parks system, Eleven Mile benefits from high standards of maintenance, regulation, and visitor services.

Contact Information:

Address: Lake George, CO 80827, USA (referring to the general area of Eleven Mile State Park and Reservoir). The main park office for Eleven Mile State Park is located at 4229 County Road 92, Lake George, CO 80827.

Phone (Eleven Mile State Park Office): (719) 748-3401

For reservations, current park conditions, or any specific inquiries regarding the Eleven Mile Dam area and its various campgrounds, Colorado locals should contact the Eleven Mile State Park office directly using the provided phone number. Reservations for campsites are required and can be made online through cpwshop.com or by phone at 1-800-244-5613. It is highly recommended to book your campsite well in advance, especially for peak season (typically May through September) and on weekends, as this immensely popular park fills up quickly. Always consult the official Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) website for Eleven Mile State Park (cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/eleven-mile-state-park) for the most up-to-date information on operating hours, fees, fire restrictions, water levels, and specific regulations for boating and fishing in the area around the dam.

For us Coloradans, the Eleven Mile Dam area is an unparalleled destination that perfectly encapsulates the outdoor lifestyle we cherish. Its distinction as a "trophy fishing" locale makes it an immediate draw for local anglers, providing thrilling opportunities to reel in impressive catches on a regular basis. Beyond fishing, the sheer size of Eleven Mile Reservoir offers a vast playground for boating enthusiasts, from leisurely paddles to exhilarating windsurfing, ensuring there's always plenty of room to enjoy the water.

The diversity of camping options, ranging from comfortable RV sites with full hookups to secluded primitive spots where you can truly "unplug," caters to every local preference. This flexibility ensures that whether you're bringing the whole family in an RV or seeking a quiet tent retreat, you'll find the perfect setting. The array of amenities, including flush toilets, hot showers, and laundry facilities in developed areas, enhances the camping experience, blending rustic charm with modern convenience.

Moreover, the breathtaking natural beauty, with its expansive mountain views and famously clear, star-filled night skies, provides a profound sense of escape and rejuvenation—a true hallmark of the Colorado experience. Its relatively close proximity to Colorado Springs means that a spectacular mountain getaway is always within easy reach, whether for a spontaneous "day trip" or a longer vacation. As one reviewer aptly states, a "bad day at the lake is still better than a good day at work," perfectly capturing the restorative power of this special place. Eleven Mile Dam and its surrounding recreational areas truly offer a comprehensive and unforgettable outdoor adventure, making it a beloved and highly suitable choice for any Coloradan eager to embrace the best of our state's wild heart.

Eleven Mile Dam - Colorado

Colorado 80827, USA