John Martin Reservoir State Park

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A bird watchers paradise with remarkable lake views and uncrowded waters.

The Setting

John Martin Reservoir State Park is located near Highway 50, about 20 miles east of La Junta. The park features a beautiful view of John Martin Reservoir, the largest body of water on Colorado’s Eastern Plains. Because of the mild climate, the park attracts several different species of birds, including bald and golden eagles during their nesting season.

In addition to the bird watching opportunities at John Martin Reservoir State Park, visitors can also catch glimpses of wildlife including deer, coyotes, bobcats, rabbits and racoons. The quiet environment offers the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the area’s land features which include, high rocky bluffs and short grass prairie land. The land may seem dry because of the area’s mild climate, but there are plenty of different plant species that thrive in the park, including yucca, sagebrush, prickly pear cactus and buffalo grass.

The Facility

John Martin Reservoir State Park has 213 campsites spread out in two different campgrounds. Lake Hasty campground, located on the east end of the park, offers year round camping with electrical hook-ups at all 109 campsites. These sites can accommodate any size RV, motor home, trailer or truck. A camper services building provides a number of amenities including flush restrooms, laundry facilities and coin-operated showers. A dump station is also located at Lake Hasty campground.

Point campground is located on the north shore of the reservoir, near the wildlife area. This campground is best suited for the basic camper who is content with a tent, a picnic table and a fire pit. The campsites at Point campground do not have access to water or electricity, offering a quiet, remote escape along the shores of the reservoir. Vault toilets are available throughout the campground, however the area is not shaded so come prepared for varying conditions.

In addition to Lake Hasty and Point campgrounds, John Martin Reservoir State Park also accommodates group camping at the Caddoa Shelter. This area has electricity and is located near restrooms and a water tap.

Other Information

• Be sure to stop by the visitor center, which provides traveler information as well as maps of the park and other useful resources.
• There are several historic sites and attractions located just a few miles from the park including Native American museums and the Comanche National Grasslands.
• Check out the Santa Fe Trail Scenic Byway which travels east along Highway 350 from Trinidad to La Junta, and then on Highway 50 from La Junta to Lamar. John Martin Reservoir State Park is located just off Highway 50 in between La Junta and Lamar.

Address

John Martin Reservoir State Park
30703 County Road 24
Hasty, CO 81044

Learn more about this park and book your reservation online    

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