John Martin Reservoir

30703 County Rd., Hasty, CO. 81044 (MAP) – Southeastern State Park – fees & reservations

About John Martin Reservoir

John Martin Reservoir is the water treasure on the dry Eastern Plains of Colorado, east of Las Animas. Built along the Arkansas River, this large reservoir is a mecca for birdwatchers and a major spectacle along the Colorado Birding Trail. Close to 400 species have been documented on the water, along the shore, in surrounding woodlands, and grassy uplands—two federally protected species, least terns and piping plovers, nest here in spring and summer.

This large lake offers boating, swimming, water skiing, and wind-water sports. The campground is a popular weekend destination. Anglers can catch walleye, saugeye, bass, wiper, crappie, perch, and catfish. Visitors can check out six geocache locations away from the water and hike, bike, or ride horses through prairie grasses or cottonwood groves. The park is closed to hunting, but the campground is a good base camp for hunting in the adjacent John Martin State Wildlife Area. — Back to All State Parks.