Beaver Reservoir

Beaver Reservoir is a privately owned lake in Boulder County, nestled in the mountains west of Boulder near the Peaceful Valley area. The reservoir itself is managed by the American Legion, and access to most of the water is restricted to members. However, the surrounding Roosevelt National Forest land is open for camping and recreation, and a designated area on the east side known as Poachers Cove allows public fishing with a valid Colorado fishing license. Understanding the access rules before visiting will save frustration.

The reservoir sits at elevation in a stunning mountain setting with views of snow-capped peaks. Dispersed camping is available in the surrounding national forest and requires a permit during summer months. Campsites are informal but offer beautiful vistas, and the area draws a steady crowd on weekends, with spots filling by Friday afternoon. There is no running water or toilet facilities at the dispersed camping areas, so visitors should come prepared with their own water supply and pack-out supplies.

A paved parking lot sits at the end of the access road and serves as a launching point for both reservoir visitors and UTV riders heading into the backcountry. The road up can be rough in spots, and four-wheel drive is recommended. Cell service is limited to nonexistent in the area. The North Sourdough Trail from Peaceful Valley Campground provides a 4-5 mile round-trip hike or mountain bike ride to the reservoir, offering a scenic alternative to driving.

Swimming is allowed in the public access areas during summer months, though the water level can drop considerably. The area supports ATV and dirt bike riding on designated routes. Visitors should be prepared for variable mountain weather, as snowstorms can drop significant accumulation even in shoulder seasons. Bugs can be intense during peak summer, so insect repellent is essential. The private property signs throughout most of the reservoir shoreline are legitimate, and fishing outside of Poachers Cove on the east side will draw confrontation from property members patrolling by boat.