Anglers and writers consistently tout Eleven Mile’s large reservoir for its outstanding fishing. When not reeling in a trophy rainbow, brown, cutthroat, kokanee or pike, there are nearly five miles of scenic hiking and biking trails that await exploration.
Backcountry camping
Fourteen beautiful and secluded backcountry sites are perfect for those who are willing to pack or boat in. This is the prettiest area of the park, so even if you don't choose to camp here plan on scheduling a hike through the area. The hiking distance is between 0.50 and .75 miles depending upon which campsite is selected.
Biking
Visitors can enjoy nearly five miles of scenic hiking. Bikes are allowed on the trails in the Coyote Ridge/Backcountry area but be aware that it is not a smooth trail and sometimes the bikes may have to be picked up over rocks and other obstacles. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all trails and are only allowed on designated roads.
You can also bike throughout the campgrounds and Rocky Ridge and North Shore have paved roads.
Birding
Many migratory and resident birds inhabit the park, including a variety of songbirds, raptors, waterfowl and shorebirds that are all attracted to the reservoir. Three rare bird species observed at the park include the bald eagle, American peregrine falcon and white pelican.
Boating
All types of boating are popular on this large reservoir including: Kayaking, canoeing, sailing and motor boating. Water-body contact activities including scuba diving, water-skiing, wading (without waders), swimming, etc., are prohibited.
The boat ramps at Eleven Mile and Spinney Mountain State Parks close October 31st each year one half hour after sunset for the season.
As of November 1st, once the boat ramps have closed for the season, Eleven Mile and Spinney Mountain Reservoirs will allow only vessesls exempted from Aquatic Nuisance Inspections per Parks Chapter 8 Regulation #800E, to operate on waters within Eleven Mile and Spinney Mountain Reservoirs until they ice over.
Camping
Eleven Mile State Park has 325 campsites in nine separate campgrounds scattered around the lake. From basic and walk in sites to electric or lakeshore sites, there is something for every camping style.
Eleven Mile State Park has 52 electric sites which have 30 amp service which are located in Rocky Ridge Loops A, B and D. There are no electrical sites by the water.
Sites with some shade will only be found in either the Backcountry Campground or Rocky Ridge Campground C or E Loops as those are the only areas with any trees, but not all sites in those areas have trees.
November 1st each year we close Rocky Ridge B-E Loops. They remain closed through March 31st the following year.
Cross-country Skiing
Best only after the lake surface is frozen solid and then covered with snow. Experienced cross country skiers may wish to try out the fields and meadows of the Backcountry after heavy snowfalls.
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome in the park as long as:
All dogs must remain on a six foot or shorter leash at all times when outside of a vehicle, boat or camping unit.
All dog waste is properly disposed of.
Dogs are not allowed in the water for any reason.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities exist for brown, cutthroat, cutbows and rainbow trout, as well as northern pike. The lake is one of a very few in Colorado stocked with kokanee salmon. (Note: Snagging for Kokanee salmon is PROHIBITED.) Carp abound in the shallow bays and inlets, providing great bow fishing.
Gold Metal Water fishing opportunities exist on the South Platte River within Eleven Mile State Park by the inlet
Hiking
Visitors can enjoy nearly five miles of scenic hiking and biking trails in the Coyote Ridge/Backcountry area. (Bikes are allowed on the trails in the Coyote Ridge/Backcountry area but be aware that it is not a smooth trail and sometimes the bikes may have to be picked up over rocks and other obstacles.)
Both a self-guided Nature Trail and an Orienteering Trail are offered for hiking enthusiasts. Brochures for both are available either on-line or at the park office.
Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all trails and are only allowed on designated roads.
Hunting
Big game, small game and water fowl hunting are all available during appropriate hunting seasons. Hunting licenses are available at the park office.
Ice Fishing
Excellent ice fishing opportunities for kokanee, trout and pike are available all winter long once the ice cap forms and is sufficiently thick enough.
Ice Skating
Very good ice skating conditions exist in the early portion of the winter; after the ice forms solidly, but before too many pressure ridges have been created. There is no specific area designated for ice skating on the reservoir.
OHV Riding
OHV's are prohibited from operating anywhere in the park, either on or off designated roads. The park is located conveniently close to a number of USFS OHV accessible trails. OHV's must be trailered out of the park to these locations and unloaded at the trailhead.
Picnicking
Eleven Mile State Park offers 15 picnic sites, some are located close to shoreline fishing access areas, while others are found near the playground. A universal access picnic site is also located adjacent to the playground.
Rock Climbing
There are no rock climbing opportunities located in the park. However, the park is located conveniently close to a number of USFS locations, including Eleven Mile Canyon, where such opportunities do exist. Please be aware you will access Eleven Mile Canyon off Hwy 24 down CR 96, not from Eleven Mile State Park.
Sailboarding
The park offers tremendous windsurf boarding/sailboarding opportunities all summer long. Visitors participating in this sport need to understand that the winds here can make sailboarding a challenge even for the most experienced of sailboarders.
Winter Activities
Ice Fishing is very popular at Eleven Mile State Park!
Ice boating is an unusual sport that is perfect for the lake's large frozen surface. Ice boating typically is best after the lake has frozen solid in the early winter before too many pressure ridges have been created. This is usually late December to early February.
The lake's large ice surface is also ideal for ice skating (without snow on the ice, or feel free to shovel an area for ice skating).
Cross country skiing (with snow on the ice).
We do see some ice bikes with fat tires from time to time.
Winter Camping
Camping is available year round at Eleven Mile State Park.
Each Year from November 1st through March 31st of the following year, the following Campgrounds are closed:
Rocky Ridge B through E Loops. Everything else remains open year round.
We only have Rocky Ridge A Loop open for Electric Sites after October 31st each year, so electric sites are very limited.
