Jackson Lake State Park, located east of Denver in the town of Orchard, has 260 campsites that welcome campers, tents or travel trailers. The lake is stocked with walleye, saugeye, catfish, perch, trout, bass and Northern pike. Fishing is allowed year round, with the exception of waterfowl season. Jackson Lake State Park is ideal for swimming near one of the lake’s beaches, boating, picnics, hiking, photography, water skiing and much more.
Jackson Lake State Park
26363 County Road 3
Orchard, Colorado 80649
970-645-2551
parks.state.co.us
The Rio Grande National Forest lies along the Great Divide and contains the headwaters of the Rio Grande River that stretches nearly 1,900 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. This 1.8 million-acre national forest contains mountains and valleys and numerous scenic wonders of Colorado wildlife.
With more than 80 cold-water lakes and 150 streams to explore--not including the waters of the Rio Grande--there are more places to fish than you will be able to take advantage of in a single trip. There are also opportunities for backcountry camping, cleared campsites and, if you choose to stick around for a few days you can enjoy horseback riding, hiking and big game hunting during certain times of the year.
Rio Grande National Forest
1803 West Highway 160
Monte Vista, Colorado 81144
719-852-5941
fs.fed.us
If camping in the high country is the experience you seek, then a trip to the Rocky Mountain National Park may be the ideal getaway. This 416 square-mile piece of the National Park System contains 60-plus mountain peaks at elevations of 12,000 feet and higher.
The highest peak in the park is Longs Peak at an elevation of 14,259 feet. Campgrounds offer drive-in service from May to September at Moraine Park, Glacier Basin and Aspenglen campgrounds. Backcountry camping is also available.
Fishing at Rocky Mountain National Park is limited, but is permitted in the protected area with a Colorado fishing license. Fish that inhabit the mountain streams include the Colorado River cutthroat and rainbow trout, the greenback cutthroat trout and brook trout.
Rocky Mountain National Park
1000 Highway 36
Estes Park, Colorado 80517
970-586-1206
nps.gov/romo
