Elkhead Reservoir

135 County Rd., Craig, CO. 81625  (MAP) – Northwest Colorado – fees & reservations

Elkhead State Park

Surrounded by the rolling hills, farmland, and sagebrush prairie of the beautiful Yampa Valley (Steamboat Springs), Elkhead Reservoir is like an oasis in the high desert. It’s the only water recreation site in Moffat County (Craig), and the reservoir offers 900 acres for boating, water, jet skiing, and swimming at the seasonal swim beach or from boats in the no-wake areas. Anglers can try their luck for warm-water species, including bass, northern pike, crappie, and catfish.

Enjoy Elkhead Lake

Birdwatchers have a good chance of seeing bald and golden eagles, osprey, red-tailed, Swainson, and rough-legged hawks. Water and shorebirds include buffleheads, goldeneyes, ruddy ducks, sandhill cranes, and pelicans. Clif swallows nest in colonies near the dam, and greater sage grouse are sometimes seen there. Winter recreation includes ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Winter is also when large elk herds gather around the lake in the sagebrush and stubble fields. Hunting is allowed in designated areas around the reservoir during the season. — Back to All State Parks.

Bear’s Ears campground has 15 basic sites on a first-come basis. The campground does not have water, power, or sewer. Numerous picnic sites with shelters, grills, and tables are available. Visitors can hike, bike, or ride horses along short trails that follow the lakeshore to more remote spots.