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  Activities

Biking - 1/5/2013
Bicycles are allowed at the park on designated trails and on park's roads.
Birding - 1/5/2013
Birders travel from throughout the region to visit because of the abundance and diversity of bird species. Long-billed curlews and whooping cranes are occasionally observed. Ferruginous and rough-legged hawks are present in the winter, while Swainson’s hawks return for the summer months. Northern harriers fly low over wetlands and grasslands. Ground-nesting grassland birds such as horned larks, lark buntings, western meadowlarks and vesper sparrows may breed in the park in the spring.
Boating - 1/5/2013
Jackson Lake is a great place to boat! For more information, check out the "Boating" and "Conditions" links on the left side of Jackson Lake's Activities page. Shoreline Marina has rentals. Their phone number is 1.970.645.BOAT or visit their website at: shorelinemarina.biz
Camping - 1/5/2013
Jackson Lake has 260 campsites, most can accommodate campers, trailers or tents. Even group camping and picnicking are accommodated here. Facilities include showers, toilets, laundry, electric hookups and drinking water. Check out the park map (available from the "Maps" link on the left side of Jackson Lake's main page) for campground locations, or our camping page (available from the "Camping" link on the left side of Jackson Lake's main page) for details. Each campsite is allowed 1 hardside unit plus 1 tent -or- 2 tents. The tent sites will accommodate 2 tents. RESTRICTION: Upon arrival at your reserved site, there will be NO TRANSFERS to another site.
Education Programs - 1/5/2013
Educational programs are offered on Saturday evenings at the Cove Amphitheatre beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Fishing - 1/5/2013
Jackson Lake is stocked with warm-water fish such as: walleye, saugeye, catfish, perch, rainbow trout, crappie and wipers. Northern pike and large and small-mouth bass were also stocked. Fishing is restricted during waterfowl hunting season and is prohibited from the swim beaches year-round. For a fishing report, check out our conditions page. Be sure to check out our fishing brochure which can be found on the "Publications" link on the left-hand side of this page.
Geocaching - 1/5/2013
Jackson Lake State Park hosts 2 geocaching sites. They have been listed on geocacheing.com. The names are: "5 O'Clock Somewhere" and "Centennial." A Parks Pass is required to enter the park. The websites are: http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=f9286749-1a46-49c1-8012-c4c1a4418466 and http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=adfb8422-eeb9-45c5-baa0-b70e2650c370.
Group Camping - 1/5/2013
Dunes Group Campground has a total of 18 sites (12-site minimum) which may be reserved as either all electric or non-electric. Please visit our "Group Facilities" link for additional information.
Group Picnicking - 1/5/2013
Groups of up to 100 are accommodated at the Centennial Group Picnic Area. Adjacent to the picnic shelter is Dunes Group Campground. Please check out our group facilities brochure or call for information. Complete the reservation application at this site to reserve. Our phone number is 1.970.645.2551
Hiking - 1/5/2013
Prairie Wetland Nature Trail is a 1/4 mile, self-guided trail and is located north of Cove Campground. There is also a 1.5 mile trail located between the Visitor Center north to Northview Campground. A trail is also located on the south side of the park from the south swimbeach to Cottonwood day-use picnic area. Folks also enjoy walking along the shoreline or along park roadways.
Hunting - 1/5/2013
Waterfowl, pheasant, upland bird and archery deer hunting are allowed in designated areas of the park. For more information, consult the hunting page, available from a link on the left side of this page.
Ice Fishing - 1/5/2013
Please use caution when ice fishing. Have proper safety equipment and follow safety guidelines. Call park office for conditions or visit our conditions link on the left side of the main page. Fishing Areas include boat ramp, the inlet and dike in front of gate house. Be sure to check out our fishing brochure which can be found on the "Publications" link on the left-hand side of this page.
Ice Skating - 1/5/2013
Ice skating is a popular winter sport at Jackson, dependant on ice conditions.
Jet Skiing - 1/5/2013
Please review personal watercraft laws, including the requirement that drivers must be at least 16. Youth, ages 14 & 15, can operate crafts upon successful completion of a Boating Safely Course which is offered at Jackson Lake. Please refer to Calendar of Events for available dates.
OHV Riding - 1/5/2013
The OHV track is open daily from 8 AM to sunset year-round. The track is located at the South Entrance. Registered OHVs must be trailered in to the staging area, which is the Cottonwood parking lot. Vehicles must have a parks' pass. OHVs are not allowed on parks' roads, in campgrounds or on local roads.
Photography - 1/5/2013
An abundance of wildlife can be observed and photographed in the park. The list includes pelicans, eagles, hawks, heron, deer, coyote, turkeys, waterfowl and numerous shore birds. There are many photo opportunities - Sunrise is especially beautiful to capture!
Picnicking - 1/5/2013
Individual tables are located at the inlet, outlet, boat ramp, south and west swim beaches, and the Cottonwood picnic area and are available first-come, first-serve. For information, check out the park map, available from the "Maps" link on the left side of Jackson Lake's main page. Also check out the "Group Facilities" link on the left-hand side for information on our picnic pavillion which can be reserved at the Park for large groups.
Sailboarding - 1/5/2013
Jackson Lake has 2,700 surface acres when full. Warm breezes are a sure bet to give sailboarders a workout!
Swimming - 1/5/2013
Jackson Lake is shallow and warms up quickly in the summer. The sandy beach is perfect for water play. Pets are not allowed on the swim beaches or in the swim areas. Colorado State Park swim beaches do not have lifeguards on duty. Swim at your own risk. Children must be supervised by adults at all times.
Volleyball - 1/5/2013
A regulation court is located in the Centennial group picnic area. Pelican Campground is also set up for volleyball. Bring net and volleyball.
Water Skiing - 1/5/2013
Even on the busiest weekends, there is lots of room for everyone!
Wildlife Viewing - 1/5/2013
An abundance of wildlife can be observed and photographed in the park. The list includes pelicans, eagles, hawks, heron, deer, coyote, turkeys, waterfowl and numerous shore birds.
Winter Activities - 1/5/2013
Winter at Jackson Lake State Park is peaceful and quiet but there’s plenty to do. Check out the "Winter" link on the left side of Jackson Lake's Activities page for more information.
Winter Camping - 1/5/2013
Jackson Lake offers either electric or non-electric camping year-round. Pelican, Northview and Fox Hills Campgrounds are available for reservations. Vault toilets are open; however; shower buildings are closed during the winter. For more information, check out the "Camping" link on the left side of Jackson Lake's main page.