Colorado State Parks
Bonny Lake State Park

You'll find Bonny Lake State Park just a few miles west of the Kansas state line. While Bonny Lake is usually known for the excellent fishing for walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and channel catfish, the present on-going drought has reduced the lake from its normal 1,900 surface acres to about 800 surface acres. 2009 doesn't look to improve on that. So then, the swim beach is out, motorized boats are out and the distance from the "shoreline" to the water's edge can be pretty muddy. However, the seasonal dove, waterfowl, quail, pheasant, squirrel and rabbit hunting is good. So is the deer and turkey hunting, if you are lucky enough to get a draw...

Located in a heavily treed area of cottonwoods and large willows in the valley of the South Fork of the Republican River, Bonny Lake offers a nice respite from the sunny high plains grasslands. The campgrounds are open year-round. The four campgrounds offer 190 sites, some for tents, some for motorhomes, some for trailers and pickup campers. All sites in the Wagon Wheel Campground offer electrical hookups. Some facilities and campsites offer universal access. For weekends and holidays you might want to make reservations in advance.

In addition to the individual picnic sites around Bonny Lake there is a reservable, universally-accessible group picnic area that can accommodate up to 100 people. The group picnic area has reserved parking, a covered pavilion with water, electricity, group cooking facilities, a restroom and horseshoe pits.

A day-use pass will cost you $6, or you can buy an annual Colorado State Parks Pass for $60 (2008 price). Basic campsites are $14 per night while electric will run you an additional $4 per night. The Group Picnic Area is available for $30 (up to 50 people, $0.50 additional per extra person up to 100) and the State Park Conference Room will cost you $35 for 4-10 hours, or $25 for up to 4 hours. Call 970-354-7306 for reservations.

Bonny Lake State Park Rules & Regs:

1. Pets must be controlled and on leashes of 6 feet or less. No pets allowed on the swim beaches.
2. Vehicles are allowed only on designated roads and parking lots. Observe posted speed limits.
3. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am.
4. Fires allowed only in the grills and fire rings provided.
5. No glass containers allowed on the swim and ski beaches.
6. State Law: Only 3.2% beer is allowed in public places.