Rampart Reservoir

Rampart Reservoir sits at 9,100 feet elevation in the Pike National Forest within El Paso County, accessible from both Colorado Springs and Woodland Park. This large reservoir offers clear blue-green water with views of Pikes Peak, surrounded by recovering pine forest that is slowly regenerating after a major wildfire stripped many of the hillsides bare. The drive in covers several miles of unpaved, washboard gravel road with potholes, so a vehicle with decent clearance handles the approach more comfortably than a compact car.

Fishing at Rampart Reservoir draws anglers from across the Pikes Peak region. The reservoir is stocked regularly by Colorado Parks and Wildlife with rainbow trout, and the limit is two fish per person. Morning sessions produce the most consistent bites, and anglers recommend garlic-flavored salmon egg bait for bank fishing. No live bait is permitted. The banks are soft rock and sand, which keeps snag rates low compared to rockier reservoirs. Fly fishing works well from float tubes and kayaks. A game warden patrols the area, so a valid Colorado fishing license is mandatory. The reservoir can fish as a high-pressure lake on busy weekends, but weekday mornings deliver more reliable results.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are the most popular water activities at Rampart Reservoir. The boat ramp provides easy access, and the reservoir is large enough that paddlers can spread out without crowding. No swimming or wading is allowed, and no motorized boats are permitted on the upper reservoir. Float tubes are welcome for fishing. Wind tends to pick up in the afternoon, so early morning launches offer the calmest paddling conditions. Life vests are required for anyone on the water.

Hiking and mountain biking trails encircle the reservoir, with the full loop covering roughly 15 miles. Rainbow Gulch Trail provides a shorter route from Woodland Park down to the water. The terrain varies enough to engage both beginners and experienced hikers, and the trail is rated as intermediate for mountain bikers. The reservoir is dog-friendly, and dogs are welcome on trails and in the water from boats. Picnic areas with tables line the shoreline, though the walk down from some parking areas involves a steep incline that may challenge visitors with mobility limitations. Wheelchair-accessible areas are available in certain sections.

Camping options include both established campground sites and dispersed camping in the surrounding forest. Campfires are allowed at dispersed sites. The campground sites are described as close together and set in grassy areas. Thunder Ridge Campground connects to the reservoir trail system for easy lake access. The reservoir operates on limited hours, typically closing around 5 PM, and the road over the dam gets locked after closing time, so anyone at the boat ramp must leave before then or risk being locked in overnight.

A day pass costs $8 to $11, and cash has historically been the only accepted payment, though some recent reports mention credit card acceptance. Boat inspections are required, and boats not inspected during designated Thursday through Sunday inspection days may be turned away. Restrooms vary from vault toilets to portable toilets, with cleanliness receiving mixed reviews. The reservoir sits about an hour from Colorado Springs and roughly two hours from Denver, making it a practical day trip from either city. Bug spray and sunscreen are essential during summer visits.