John Martin Reservoir State Park sits on the high plains of southeastern Colorado near Hasty in Bent County, offering over 13,000 acres of wide-open water and prairie landscape that feels worlds away from the crowded Front Range. The reservoir itself stretches across the Arkansas River valley, creating one of the largest bodies of water on Colorado’s eastern plains — a genuine oasis in arid grassland country.

Fishing draws most visitors here, with walleye, bass, crappie, catfish, and wipers all thriving in the reservoir’s warm waters. Boating is excellent, with no-wake restrictions only near the dam, leaving miles of open water for skiing, tubing, and sailing. Birders will find this park exceptional — the reservoir and surrounding wetlands sit along the Central Flyway, attracting bald eagles in winter and hundreds of migratory species throughout spring and fall.

The campground at Lake Hasty, a smaller lake below the dam, provides shaded sites with electrical hookups right at the water’s edge — a rarity in this part of Colorado. Dispersed camping options exist along the reservoir’s north shore for those wanting more solitude.

Spring and fall deliver the best conditions: mild temperatures, strong fishing, and peak bird migration. Summer brings hot days but warm-water swimming and reliable afternoon breezes. Winter is quiet but rewarding for eagle watching.

With a 4.4-star rating from over 900 reviews, John Martin Reservoir rewards travelers willing to venture off the interstate into Colorado’s uncrowded southeastern corner.

Explore Nearby

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• Black Canyon WSA — Public Land in Colorado