Lake Hasty sits at the eastern edge of John Martin Reservoir State Park in Bent County, offering a quiet escape on the Colorado plains that most visitors describe as a genuine oasis. Located near the town of Hasty along the Arkansas River corridor, this small lake provides a surprisingly pleasant retreat for anglers, campers, and anyone looking to slow down in a part of the state that rarely makes the guidebooks.
Fishing is the main draw at Lake Hasty, and visitors consistently report solid catches. The lake supports warm-water species in a calm, manageable setting that works well for bank fishing, making it approachable for families and casual anglers who want to drop a line without battling crowds. During hotter months, the surrounding campground gives you a base to fish early morning and late evening when the bite picks up and temperatures are bearable.
Camping at Lake Hasty is well-regarded, with numbered sites that can be reserved online and hookups available for RVs, including 30-amp electrical connections. Shade varies by site, so choosing carefully makes a real difference during summer when daytime temperatures regularly push past 100 degrees. Evenings cool off nicely into the 60s with a breeze, and overnight stays are comfortable once the sun drops. The campground is well-maintained with paved roads, though showers require quarters, and a change machine is available in the bathroom facility.
A Colorado State Parks pass is the most economical way to visit, since day passes run ten dollars per vehicle. Purchasing the annual pass with your vehicle registration saves money if you plan to return, and repeat visitors say they come back multiple times each season. Lake levels fluctuate with rainfall patterns, and in drier years water sports may be restricted, so checking conditions before you visit is a smart move.
Bird watching along the Arkansas River corridor adds another reason to explore the area, and the surrounding plains landscape provides wide-open views that make for peaceful mornings. Lake Hasty works best for visitors who appreciate a low-key setting with reliable fishing, decent camping infrastructure, and genuine solitude on the southeastern Colorado plains.