Eleven Mile State Park spreads around a big South Park reservoir near Lake George: 3,405 acres of open water, granite shorelines and prairie wind, famous among anglers for trout, pike and kokanee and quiet enough that the night sky still feels huge.

Eleven Mile Canyon Dam backs up the South Platte River into one of Colorado’s best-known fishing lakes. The park rings the reservoir with nine campgrounds and 326 campsites, including lakeshore and backcountry walk-in sites, plus nearly five miles of hiking and biking trails. Body-contact water sports are prohibited, so the focus stays on fishing, paddling, sailing and shoreline exploring rather than swimming or jet skis.

In winter the park shifts to ice fishing and cold, clear days over the frozen bay. Motorized boat ramps close for the season, but hand-launched human-powered craft can still go out when conditions allow. Pair a fishing trip with a visit to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument or a hike at Mueller State Park, both within an easy drive in Park and Teller counties.

Insider tip: Arrive early on summer weekends for a shoreline spot, and watch the weather; South Park storms build fast over the open water. Bring layers even in July.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers free entry to all state parks on Fresh Air Friday, November 27, 2026. Park water systems, showers and laundry are shut down for the winter season; North Shore and Witcher’s Cove boat ramps are closed. Check alerts at cpw.state.co.us.