Notable Campgrounds
- Best for shade and amenities: Lake Hasty Campground offers 109 sites with plenty of shade, electric hookups, and a full-service camper station.
- Best for spacious sites and reservoir views: The shade-less Point Campground has 104 big but basic campsites with potable water, vault toilets, and views of the reservoir.
- Best for groups: The Caddoa Group Campground offers groups their own secluded area.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Make your peak season reservation as soon as you know your dates. All campsites require a reservation, which can be made on the same day and up to six months in advance.
- If your plans are flexible, try to visit the year-round park during the week, during non-holiday periods, or in winter.
- Be sure to check seasonal opening and closing dates, which vary by campsite.
When to Go
Summer is the busiest time at John Martin. The Lake Hasty Swim Beach is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, while boat ramps are closed from November 1 to March 15 to allow for waterfowl resting. Winter is the time to see bald eagles, while piping plover and interior least tern can be seen from mid-April to late August. Seasonal facilities at Lake Hasty Campground (including the camper services building and fish cleaning station) are open from April 1 to September 30.
Know Before You Go
- Boats may only launch from the boat ramps in the reservoir. Swimming and fishing are not permitted on or near ramps. Only hand-launched, non-motorized vessels or those with electric motors are allowed on Lake Hasty.
- Lake Hasty offers a seasonal swim beach but no lifeguards.
Fishing licenses are required.
- Fishing is not permitted from the boat docks.
Hunting is not permitted inside the park but is allowed in the adjoining John Martin State Wildlife Area with appropriate licenses.
- Lake Hasty offers several ADA-accessible campsites, along with an accessible pier and picnic area.
- Fires are only permitted in provided fire pits. Do not collect firewood or bring firewood from another state.
John Martin Reservoir State Park
This high plains oasis offers two bodies of water, historic sites, and an abundance of birds.
In the Lower Arkansas River Valley in southeastern Colorado, the “sapphire of the plains” features a large reservoir and a small lake, the well-stocked Lake Hasty. The reservoir is best for uncrowded boating and water sports, while anglers can fish from either body of water. This spot is a birdwatcher’s paradise with nearly 400 species of birds, including bald eagles, piping plovers, and least terns. Several hiking and biking trails offer land-based exploration, winding past historic sites and petroglyphs. With three campgrounds made up of RV sites, tent sites, and group campsites, there’s a good amount of space for overnight stays.
In the Lower Arkansas River Valley in southeastern Colorado, the “sapphire of the plains” features a large reservoir and a small lake, the well-stocked Lake Hasty. The reservoir is best for uncrowded boating and water sports, while anglers can fish from either body of water. This spot is a birdwatcher’s paradise with nearly 400 species of birds, including bald eagles, piping plovers, and least terns. Several hiking and biking trails offer land-based exploration, winding past historic sites and petroglyphs. With three campgrounds made up of RV sites, tent sites, and group campsites, there’s a good amount of space for overnight stays.
Activities in the park
2 campgrounds in John Martin Reservoir State Park
You might not consider fishing or boating the most glamorous of activities, but at Lake Hasty Campground, you don’t have to trade luxury for fun. This large waterside RV campground provides electricity hook-ups, laundry, showers and more, leaving you free to bliss out on the outdoor activities you love. Keep your privacy and modern city comforts w Read more...
If the glamping wonderland of nearby Lake Hasty threatens to drive you batty, the Point Campground is a Spartan alternative with spectacular views of the surrounding reservoir. Generally used as an overflow campground, it offers little aside from vault toilets and that gorgeous unbroken panorama of water and sky. But for some, that’s bound to be j Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Summer is the busiest time at John Martin. The Lake Hasty Swim Beach is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, while boat ramps are closed from November 1 to March 15 to allow for waterfowl resting. Winter is the time to see bald eagles, while piping plover and interior least tern can be seen from mid-April to late August. Seasonal facilities at Lake Hasty Campground (including the camper services building and fish cleaning station) are open from April 1 to September 30.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —