Beaver Lake Day Use Area/ Fishing Site

Hello, Colorado outdoor enthusiasts! Are you dreaming of a peaceful mountain getaway where clear waters meet stunning scenery, and the only sounds are those of nature? Look no further than Beaver Lake Day Use Area/Fishing Site in Cimarron, CO. This charming and intimate spot offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our beloved state. While it's known as a "Day Use Area/Fishing Site," it also provides a small, welcoming campground for those who wish to extend their stay and truly savor the tranquility of the surroundings.

This article is tailored for you, our local Colorado residents, to give you a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Beaver Lake Day Use Area/Fishing Site. We'll explore its picturesque location, detail the services and features that make it special, and ultimately, highlight why it's a perfect choice for your next refreshing outdoor adventure right here in Colorado.

Beaver Lake Day Use Area/Fishing Site, located on Co Rd 858 in Cimarron, CO 81220, USA, is a small, serene campground and recreational area nestled in the heart of Colorado's stunning natural landscape. It's part of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, offering a truly authentic mountain experience. As indicated by customer reviews, this is a modest campground with approximately 15 lots, providing an intimate setting for campers.

The defining characteristic of this site is its immediate proximity to Beaver Lake, offering "open views of the water" directly from the campsites. This makes it a prime location for fishing enthusiasts and those who enjoy water-based activities like paddleboarding and swimming, as confirmed by visitor experiences. It’s a place where you can relax by the lake, enjoy the peaceful environment, and perhaps even encounter some local wildlife, including the occasional roaming cows that add to the rustic charm, reminding you to "watch out for their large poops!" This charming and somewhat unexpected aspect contributes to the unique, close-to-nature feel of the place.

Beaver Lake Day Use Area/Fishing Site is situated on Co Rd 858, in the vicinity of Cimarron, CO 81220, USA. Cimarron is a small community in Montrose County, nestled in a particularly scenic part of Colorado, within the vast expanses of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. This location places it firmly in the western part of Colorado, making it an excellent destination for residents from across the state.

While a mountain escape, it's generally accessible via well-maintained county roads, offering a relatively smooth journey. For those coming from larger Colorado cities like Grand Junction, Montrose, or even further afield like Denver or Colorado Springs, the drive is a beautiful one, winding through some of Colorado's most breathtaking landscapes. This convenience allows locals to reach a genuine mountain camping experience without embarking on an overly arduous journey. Its "first-come, first-served" availability means that visitors need to physically arrive at the campground to secure a spot, adding to the adventurous spirit but also requiring planning, especially during peak seasons. Being in a more remote area, cellular service might be limited, encouraging a true digital detox.

Beaver Lake Day Use Area/Fishing Site provides a more rustic, yet highly appealing, camping experience. While it doesn't boast extensive modern amenities like full RV hookups or flush toilets at every site, it offers the essentials for a comfortable connection with nature. Based on public data and customer reviews:

• Campsites: Approximately 15 camping lots are available. These are suitable for both tent camping and smaller RVs, though campers should verify specific vehicle length restrictions.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite typically comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, ideal for outdoor cooking and enjoying traditional campfires under the stars.
• Restroom Facilities: While not luxurious, vault toilets or pit toilets are generally available at such National Forest campgrounds. Customer reviews from similar sites in the area sometimes note the presence of basic restrooms. However, one specific report states "Restroom: No" for the Day Use Area, implying campers should be prepared. It's best to confirm the latest status upon arrival or by contacting the forest service.
• Water Access: According to one source, there is "No" potable water available at the day-use area, indicating campers should bring their own drinking water.
• Fishing Access: The primary draw, as its name suggests, is excellent access for fishing in Beaver Lake and potentially Fox Creek nearby.
• Day Use Parking: A fee ($5 per carload) is typically charged for day-use parking if entering the campground area.
• First-Come, First-Served: Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are taken. You must physically arrive to claim a site.

It is important for potential campers to be prepared for a more primitive experience in terms of utilities, bringing ample water and managing waste responsibly.

Beaver Lake Day Use Area/Fishing Site stands out for its serene natural beauty and the array of outdoor activities it facilitates:

• Direct Lake Access & Views: The campground is "right next to Beaver Lake with open views of the water," allowing campers to enjoy picturesque scenery and immediate access for fishing or simply admiring the lake.
• Water Activities: The lake is suitable for swimming and paddleboarding, as highlighted by a visitor who "swam and paddle boarded in the lake here," providing refreshing ways to enjoy the Colorado summer.
• Excellent Fishing: As a designated "Fishing Site," it offers prime opportunities for anglers to cast a line and try their luck in Beaver Lake or nearby Fox Creek.
• Intimate Camping Experience: With only about 15 lots, it provides a smaller, more private, and less crowded camping environment, perfect for those seeking tranquility.
• Rustic Charm & Wildlife: The presence of "cows that roamed free in the area" adds a unique, authentic rural charm and offers a chance for wildlife viewing (with a humorous reminder to watch your step!). This truly connects visitors with the agricultural and wild aspects of Colorado.
• Scenic Mountain Setting: Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Uncompahgre National Forest, the site offers beautiful backdrops for relaxation and photography.
• "A Great Spot for a Few Nights": As noted by a happy camper, it's ideal for a short, peaceful camping trip, making it perfect for weekend escapes.
• True Escape: Its more primitive nature and potential for limited cellular service encourage a genuine disconnect from daily distractions, allowing for deeper relaxation.

For more information about Beaver Lake Day Use Area/Fishing Site within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, here is the primary contact information:

Address: Co Rd 858, Cimarron, CO 81220, USA

Phone: (970) 874-6600 (This is the general phone number for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests Headquarters or Ranger District associated with the area, not directly for the small campground itself.)

Mobile Phone: +1 970-874-6600 (Same as above)

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding fees, current conditions, or specific campsite details (especially since it's first-come, first-served), it's highly recommended to contact the relevant Ranger District office within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. You can also typically find information on the U.S. Forest Service website (fs.usda.gov) by searching for "Beaver Lake Day Use Area/Fishing Site, Cimarron, CO."

For Colorado locals, Beaver Lake Day Use Area/Fishing Site offers a truly suitable and accessible mountain escape, embodying the very essence of Colorado's outdoor spirit. Its convenient location near Cimarron, within the breathtaking Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, means that a serene retreat is always within a reasonable driving distance, allowing for spontaneous weekend adventures or a refreshing mid-week break. This eliminates the need for extensive travel, enabling Coloradans to maximize their time enjoying the natural beauty of their home state.

What makes Beaver Lake particularly appealing to locals is its intimate size and direct connection to the water. The small number of campsites fosters a peaceful atmosphere, far removed from crowded tourist spots. The immediate access to Beaver Lake for fishing, swimming, and paddleboarding provides endless opportunities for classic Colorado outdoor recreation. It’s a place where families can create cherished memories, anglers can pursue their passion, and anyone can simply unwind by the water's edge, soaking in the panoramic mountain views.

While offering a more rustic experience with basic amenities, this simplicity is often precisely what many Coloradans seek – a genuine connection with nature without unnecessary frills. The chance to observe local wildlife, including the charming free-roaming cows, adds an authentic, unique touch that deepens the outdoor experience. Beaver Lake Day Use Area/Fishing Site is a true local gem, providing a tranquil, activity-rich, and conveniently located destination for all Colorado residents eager to embrace the spectacular outdoors. It’s an ideal spot to refresh your spirit and create lasting Colorado memories.