John Martin Reservoir State Park in Colorado is lovely and it’s the perfect place to escape. This off-the-beaten-path state park is the only one of Colorado’s 42 state parks that’s in the southeastern part of the state, and as a result, many people miss it. Halfway between La Junta and Lamar, this park is near some towns, but most visitors will find it to be rather remote. Still, there’s plenty to do at this park, and you’ll surely love visiting it. I stumbled upon it when visiting Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site; I enjoyed the reservoir, the birds, and the plentiful campsites.

U.S. Representative John Martin advocated for a dam and reservoir in this part of the state in the 1930s. The dam was built between 1939 and 1948 and both the dam and the reservoir were renamed for him after his death in 1940.
Mark Ranne/Google Reviews
The state park that surrounds this 11,658-acre reservoir was established in 2001. The park itself covers 13,176 acres, so most of its area is the reservoir itself.
Management/Facebook
The John Martin Reservoir has an average depth of just 5-10 feet, but it's 60 feet deep at its deepest point.
Visitors love exploring the shore of this reservoir. In some places it's grassy; in others, it's rocky.
Jonathan Keith/Google Reviews
The reservoir is easily accessible to all. Even people with limited mobility can use the boardwalks to reach the water and to fish.
Jalyn Duran (JJ)/Google Reviews
There are lots of picnic areas along the shore, too.
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Fishing is one of the most popular activities at John Martin Reservoir State Park.
James Vonderwahl/Google Reviews
The reservoir is stocked with species like crappie, catfish, white bass, and others.
Boating on the reservoir is also a great way to enjoy it.
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Common wildlife in this area includes deer, prairie dogs, rabbits, raccoons, and squirrels.
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Birds love this reservoir, too - almost 400 different species of birds have been recorded on the property.
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You might even get to see a bald eagle.
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There are two campgrounds in the park, and you can camp at this state park all year.
Jeff Nelson/Google Reviews
The sky here is open and beautiful. You'll see some great sunrises and sunsets if you stay overnight.
Julia "Jade" Clementi/Google Reviews
Wildflowers are abundant here during the warm months.
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Don't forget to stop by the visitor center to learn more about the flora, fauna, and history of the area.
Management/Facebook
You're going to love John Martin Reservoir State Park. It's a hidden gem on the eastern plains.
Jonathan Keith/Google Reviews

John Martin Reservoir State Park is a wonderful place to get away from it all, while still having plenty to do and enjoy. Plan a visit to it soon – you’ll see why this park is so popular with locals! So, whether you are curious about John Martin Reservoir State Park camping or simply want to visit this beautiful destination for the day, we hope you found this article helpful.

Do you need gear for your John Martin Reservoir State Park camping trip? You can get everything you need at Backcountry.com!

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