Water Activities

Float the Rio Grande, paddle or kayak the quiet lakes and streams.

Boating - Motorized

The Forest Service allows motorized boating on many of its lakes and rivers, with boat ramps and launching piers available at some locations, though regulations and restrictions vary by area. 

Many of our small lakes offer motorized boating. Generally, no wake is allowed. 

Boating - Non-Motorized

Floating or paddling through the forests is the perfect way to view wildlife and take in the beauty of riparian vegetation. During spring flows, kayaking and canoeing opportunities are the best in many of our waterways. Canoe, kayak, paddleboard our waters but be aware, at between 7,000 and 13,000 feet in elevation, the water can be pretty cold! 

We have licensed outfitters and guides that offer non-motorized boating trips and rentals.

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Recreation Opportunities

Boating - Motorized (18)

Boating - Non-Motorized (26)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 29 results

Alberta Lake Fishing Site

Site Open

Small impoundment holds Rio Grande Cutthroat and Brook Trout. Site has a concrete boat ramp and parking lot, and one dispersed camp site. Great place for canoes, small boats, float tubes.Fishing is…

Beaver Creek Reservoir Boating Site

Site Open

Concrete boat ramp next to gravel boat trailer parking area with restroom. Serves as plowed parking in winter also for ice fisherman and snowmobilers. Motors are allowed on Beaver Creek Reservoir,…

Big Meadows Campground and Picnic Area

Site Open

Big Meadows is located in the San Juan Mountains in south-central Colorado, about 11 miles west of South Fork, CO. The campground is lightly wooded with spruce trees, creating a beautiful meadow…

Big Meadows Reservoir Boating Site

Site Open

 The Big Meadows Boating site is a 600 acre impoundment. It offers a small boat ramp, restroom, parking lot. Motorboats are allowed but must control excessive wakes.Ice fishing is possible in the…

Chama, NM

Located on Highway 17, 10 miles south of the Colorado border.

Continental Reservoir Fishing Site

Site Open

This large irrigation impoundment is regularly stocked with catchable trout, but the water level fluctuates. It has a parking lot, a restroom, and a concrete boat ramp. Boats with motors are allowed…

Creede, CO

 Located on Highway 149,  22 miles north west of South Fork &  48 miles south east of Lake City..

Cross Creek Campground

Site Open

There are 12 sites located on both side of Cross Creek just above the Beaver Reservoir inlet.  Fishing in nearby Beaver Reservoir and Beaver Creek. Hiking or ATV riding up Cross Creek Trail. Cross…

Mix Lake Campground

Site Closed

Located near Platoro Reservoir, the campground offers 22 sites with tables and fireplaces. There are 3 vault type toilets, trash receptacles, ample parking with convenient trailer spaces and drinking…

Palisade Campground

Site Open

Located right on the Rio Grande, this is the only campground in the canyon between Creede and South Fork. It is located adjacent to Colorado Highway 149 for easy access to travelers passing through.…