Lake Pueblo State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Lake Pueblo State Park offers exceptional RV camping across four campgrounds with nearly 400 sites, featuring 4,600 acres of pristine reservoir waters, two full-service marinas, and year-round outdoor adventures along Colorado's southern Front Range. Arkansas Point Campground provides 50-amp electric hookups at all sites, while strategic gateway cities like Pueblo RV rentals and Colorado Springs camper van options offer prime access to this 10,000-acre wonderland that welcomes approximately 1.8 million visitors annually, making it one of Colorado's premier water recreation destinations.
What Makes Lake Pueblo State Park the Ultimate RV Destination?
Located just six miles west of Pueblo along Colorado's scenic Arkansas River corridor, Lake Pueblo State Park captures the essence of Colorado outdoor living where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. Positioned at an elevation of 4,900 feet, this state park features over 60 miles of pristine shoreline wrapping around Pueblo Reservoir, a sparkling 4,600-acre lake created by the impressive Pueblo Dam completed in 1975.
Lake Pueblo State Park is the ultimate RV adventure since it combines world-class water sports with exceptional land-based recreation across nearly 10,000 acres. The park's two full-service marinas on the north and south shores provide convenient boat launches, rentals, and supplies for sailors, water skiers, jet skiers, and fishing enthusiasts. Rated as a fishing "hot spot," these waters teem with smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, wipers, channel catfish, rainbow trout, and crappie—making it a paradise for anglers year-round.
You'll be in store for limitless adventure during your RV trip to Lake Pueblo, from boating and fishing to mountain biking and wildlife viewing. You can explore over 75 miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through juniper woodlands, prairie grasslands, and dramatic rock formations. The Rock Canyon Swim Beach below the dam offers supervised swimming during the summer months, while the Arkansas River provides seasonal whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities. You'll want to bring your binoculars because wildlife abounds—from mule deer and bobcats to diverse bird species, including pelicans, great blue herons, and even the region's unique pink "Red Racer" snakes (actually Coachwhips found only in southeast Colorado).
Summer is the peak season for RVers, with pleasant temperatures typically reaching 85 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and all campgrounds operating at full capacity. Late spring and early fall offer ideal conditions, too, with milder weather in the 70s and fewer crowds on the trails and water. Lake Pueblo's mild year-round climate and southern Colorado sunshine make it exceptional for winter RV camping as well. All campgrounds remain open year-round, offering opportunities for ice fishing, cold-weather hiking, and peaceful off-season camping with mountain views. No matter when you take your RV road trip to Lake Pueblo, you'll experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure combining the best of Colorado's outdoor recreation with convenient proximity to urban amenities.
The park attracts approximately 1.8 million visitors annually, making it one of Colorado's most popular recreation destinations. This makes advance planning essential for securing campground reservations, especially during peak summer months from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when prime lakeside sites fill quickly.
RV Rentals in Lake Pueblo State Park
Transportation
Driving
Lake Pueblo State Park is easily accessible via Interstate 25, making it convenient for RVers traveling through Colorado's Front Range corridor. From I-25 in Pueblo, take Exit 101 (US Highway 50 West) and travel approximately four miles west to Pueblo Boulevard. Turn south on Pueblo Boulevard and continue four miles to Thatcher Avenue (Highway 96). Turn west on Thatcher and drive six miles to the main park entrance.
An alternate route serves the Northern Plains and Juniper Breaks campgrounds on the north side of the reservoir. From Highway 50 west of Pueblo, turn south onto McCulloch Boulevard, then follow it west and south to Nichols Road. Continue south to reach the north park entrance. All park roads are paved and well-maintained to accommodate RVs of all sizes, with gentle grades and adequate turning radii. The maximum RV length varies by campground, with most sites accommodating rigs between 35 and 45 feet, though some can handle units over 90 feet in length.
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Southern Front Range Hub: Pueblo RV rentals position you perfectly for immediate access to Lake Pueblo State Park, located just six miles west of downtown. As Colorado's "Climate Capital," Pueblo offers year-round mild weather and serves as your ideal base for exploring southern Colorado attractions, including the Royal Gorge, San Isabel National Forest, and Bishop Castle.
Mountain Gateway Access: Colorado Springs RV rentals offer convenient access to Lake Pueblo from the north, approximately 45 minutes away via I-25. This location provides opportunities to combine your Lake Pueblo adventure with visits to Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park, creating an unforgettable multi-destination Colorado road trip.
Parking
You can park your RV at designated campgrounds and day-use parking areas throughout the park near marinas, boat ramps, picnic areas, and trailheads. RV parking is generally adequate, though arriving early during peak summer weekends (especially holiday weekends) ensures you'll find convenient spots at popular locations like the south marina and Rock Canyon Swim Beach. The park's well-designed road system provides multiple parking options for larger vehicles, with wide lots accommodating rigs of various sizes. In winter, all parking areas remain accessible, though some facilities may operate on reduced schedules.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is not available directly to or within Lake Pueblo State Park. Visitors must drive their own vehicles or rental RVs to access the park. Once inside, the park is best explored by car, bicycle, motorcycle, or on foot. The park's expansive 10,000 acres make having transportation essential—many RVers tow a smaller vehicle, bring bicycles, or use motorcycles to navigate between campgrounds, marinas, trailheads, and day-use areas without constantly moving their main RV.
Campgrounds and parking in Lake Pueblo State Park
Campsites in Lake Pueblo State Park
Reservations camping
Arkansas Point Campground
Arkansas Point Campground is Lake Pueblo's premium RV destination, featuring 95 spacious campsites located on the south side of the reservoir. Every single site includes 50-amp electrical hookups, a paved level parking spur, a covered picnic table, and a fire ring—providing everything you need for comfortable RV camping. The sites are well-spaced to ensure privacy, and many offer stunning direct views of Lake Pueblo with the Rocky Mountains as a dramatic backdrop.
This campground's strategic location near the south boat ramp makes it incredibly popular with boating and fishing enthusiasts. Launch your boat minutes from your campsite and spend the day exploring the reservoir's 60 miles of shoreline. Centrally located restroom facilities feature hot showers, and playgrounds keep kids entertained. While individual sites don't have water or sewer hookups, water hydrants are distributed throughout the camping area, and a convenient dump station sits near the campground entrance.
RV length capacity varies by site, with some accommodating rigs over 90 feet in length—perfect for big rigs with tow vehicles—though most sites handle RVs between 35 and 45 feet comfortably. Due to this campground's popularity and premium amenities, reservations are strongly recommended year-round and essential during the summer months.
Pueblo KOA
If you prefer staying outside the state park or if park campgrounds are fully booked, several excellent private options operate nearby. The Pueblo KOA Journey sits seven miles north of Pueblo at Exit 108 off I-25, offering full hookups with 50-amp service, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a heated pool, hot tub, jumping pillow, bike rentals, and even pizza delivery to your site. With pull-through sites accommodating RVs up to 97 feet, this family-friendly campground provides resort-style amenities while keeping you within 20 minutes of Lake Pueblo.
Pueblo South / Colorado City KOA offers another excellent option with modern facilities, including a fitness center, heated pool, and convenient location along the I-25 corridor. For those exploring the greater region, Royal Gorge / Canon City KOA sits 45 minutes west, combining lake access with proximity to Royal Gorge attractions.
Haggard's RV Campground provides full hookups, pull-through sites, and is centrally located between Pueblo, Cañon City, Colorado Springs, and the San Isabel National Forest. Pueblo West Campground offers flexible nightly, weekly, and monthly rates for extended stays near the park.
Group Camping
Lake Pueblo State Park accommodates groups at designated areas within Northern Plains Campground. Loops M, N, and O in the Eagle View area are specifically configured for group camping, allowing families, clubs, or organizations to camp together while maintaining individual site privacy. Group picnic areas, including Lone Owl, Big Lizard, and Quail Run, offer day-use facilities perfect for reunions, corporate retreats, or club gatherings.
Explore more RV parks and campgrounds throughout Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region for additional camping options.
Northern Plains Campground
Located on the northwest side of Lake Pueblo, Northern Plains Campground offers abundant space for RVs, trailers, and tents across three distinct loops: Prairie Ridge, Yucca Flats, and Kettle Creek. Together, these loops provide 214 campsites with varying amenities to suit different camping styles and budgets. Individual sites are spacious and offer beautiful views of either the surrounding mountains or the shimmering lake.
Prairie Ridge and Yucca Flats loops both feature 50-amp electrical hookups, water hydrants, excellent restroom facilities with hot showers, and dump stations. These loops appeal to RVers seeking modern conveniences while camping. Kettle Creek Loop offers a more rustic experience without electrical hookups or dump stations, but maintains water hydrants and basic restroom facilities for those preferring a back-to-basics approach.
Northern Plains Campground's location provides easy access to the north-side marina, making it another favorite among boaters. The campground welcomes RVs up to 35-45 feet, depending on the specific site. Its proximity to the North Shore Marina means you can rent sailboats and explore the reservoir under wind power. The diverse loop options make Northern Plains ideal for large groups or families wanting to camp together with different levels of hookups.
Juniper Breaks Campground
Juniper Breaks Campground offers a more primitive camping experience that attracts those seeking solitude and natural beauty. This 82-site campground operates without electrical hookups but provides water hydrants and vault toilets throughout. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, though this popular campground books up quickly between Memorial Day and Labor Day, so reservations are strongly recommended even without hookups.
The campground's rustic setting among ancient juniper trees creates a peaceful atmosphere. Each site includes a paved parking area, a covered picnic table, and a fire ring. The lack of electrical hookups means fewer generators running and quieter evenings under star-filled skies. Well-spaced sites provide excellent privacy, and the campground's location offers convenient access to numerous trailheads for hiking and mountain biking.
RV length limits at Juniper Breaks accommodate rigs up to 35 feet. The campground's popularity, despite lacking hookups, speaks to its beautiful setting and the quality of the camping experience. For self-sufficient RVers with solar panels or generators who prioritize natural surroundings over modern conveniences, Juniper Breaks delivers an exceptional Lake Pueblo experience.
Alternate camping
Headquarters Campground
Headquarters Campground occupies a prime semi-wooded location offering spectacular panoramic views of the Bay of Pueblo and the surrounding landscape. This 102-site campground provides varied amenities: 30 sites with full hookups (electric, water, and sewer), 25 sites with electric and water hookups, and 47 unserviced sites perfect for tent camping or self-sufficient RVers.
The campground's location near park headquarters and the village of Alma makes it incredibly convenient for accessing park information, ranger programs, and supply runs. The Visitor Center sits just minutes away, where knowledgeable staff provide trail recommendations, fishing reports, and insights into the park's geology and ecology. Modern restroom buildings feature hot showers, and additional amenities include laundry facilities, kitchen shelters, a dump station, and Wi-Fi in select areas.
RV length limits generally max out at 35 feet, though some sites may accommodate larger rigs with advance coordination. Headquarters Campground operates year-round, offering winter campers a unique opportunity to experience Lake Pueblo's quieter season while still enjoying full amenities. The outdoor theater near Headquarters hosts ranger-led evening programs during peak season, providing entertaining and educational experiences for families.
Seasonal activities in Lake Pueblo State Park
Off-Season
Exploring the Visitor Center
The Visitor Center at Pueblo State Park is packed full of useful information and is open to visitors all year long. Staff at the Visitor Center are very enthusiastic and eager to help park guests. Their knowledge of the eco-zones and the plants and animals that live in the park is incredible. They will point you in the right direction if there is something specific you'd like to see or do. If you need to purchase wildlife licenses, park passes, registrations, and state park memorabilia, the Visitor Center is the place to stop. Although it is open year-round, many people find more time during the winter months to really explore and see all that it has to offer since it isn't as crowded during the colder season. You will find the Visitor Center on the south side of the park at the end of Juniper Road.
Hunting
Hunters are welcomed to the park between Labor Day and Memorial Day. Pack your bow and arrow or birdshot-loaded shotguns in your rig and see what kind of game you can snag. A large chunk of the park is designated for hunting, particularly in the south where you will find small game and waterfowl. Hunting is prohibited during the in-season months, but while it is permitted, hunters may be able to spot deer, ducks, and several other avian species. Make sure you follow all rules and regulations regarding hunting in the park to avoid getting in trouble or upsetting the balance of nature.
Boating
Visitors to the park can take advantage of the two full-service marinas, one on the north side and one on the south side of the reservoir. There are also boat ramps in the same areas of the park as the marinas. These are the perfect place to launch your boat and enjoy the beautiful scenery around the lake. Big rocks surround the shoreline with mountains framing the water in the distance. Be sure to get your boat inspected before setting off to ensure you aren't bringing any invasive species or nuisance marine creatures into the lake.
In-Season
Biking and Hiking
Although the lake and all the recreational water activities the park offers are the focal point of the park, don't skip out on exploring the 15 miles of hiking and biking trails. All the main roads have paved paths alongside them. Many trails are rated for bikers according to a level of difficulty but are not difficult to walk. They are well maintained and fun to walk. The trail system behind Arkansas Point campground has a variety of trails for bikers of all ages with varying degrees of difficulty.
The trails running through the park offer the best chance to see wildlife you otherwise wouldn't see on the beach area or the lake. Some animals you might see include mule deer, lizards, snakes, burrowing owls, and several birds of prey. A map of the trails can be downloaded online, or found at the Visitor Center, to help guide you along the way. So get ready to head out of the rig and hit the trails.
Swimming
Although it may be tempting to jump in Lake Pueblo, the lake is only for fishing and boating, and swimming is prohibited. However, if you're looking to cool off and take a dip, head over to the Rock Canyon Swim Beach in the northeast area of the park, it's the only place in the park where swimming is allowed. The swim beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and the nearby picnic area makes it a great spot to spend the day. Charcoal grills are provided next to some of the picnic tables, and gas grills are allowed in specially designated areas. The restroom facilities are very nice and include hot-water showers.
Fishing
You can fish in Lake Pueblo State Park year-round, but the fish are abundant in the summer months, practically begging to be caught. There are several easy access points for anyone wanting to fish from shore, and the lake's coves are also great fishing spots. You can fish anywhere in the park that is open to the public except the boat docks and boat ramps, which is why many fishermen love exploring the park trying to find their special secret spot. Amateurs and seasoned fishers love fishing in the lake and seldom walk away empty-handed. Common catches at Lake Pueblo State Park include bass, walleye, rainbow and brown trout, sunfish, and crappie.
Picnicking
Pack a picnic basket and enjoy the day outdoors. Day visitors and campers will find an abundance of picnic tables in the various sections of the park. Many of them are shaded, and in areas where charcoal grills or gas fires can be used. Group picnic facilities are also available for groups of various sizes, one on the north side of the lake and two on the south. Complete with eight-foot tables, barbecues, a fire pit, a volleyball court, and a horseshoe pit, they are close to electrical points and restroom facilities. These pavilions need to be reserved in advance. There is also a covered picnic pavilion at the Rock Canyon Swim Beach, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Did you enjoy reading this guide? For more Colorado outdoor adventures, check out our Royal Gorge area camping guide and Colorado Springs KOA guide.
