What amenities does Bison Reservoir have?

Bison Reservoir has Camping Sites, Parking, Unpaved Trail.

Where is Bison Reservoir located?

Bison Reservoir is located in Teller County, Colorado.

Bison Reservoir

Teller County, Colorado

4.3(24 reviews)

About Bison Reservoir

Bison Reservoir sits at the base of Pikes Peak near the historic mining town of Victor in Teller County, and it might be one of the most beautiful bodies of water you will never get to visit. Access is restricted to members of the Gold Camp Fishing Club, which requires property ownership within Victor city limits. If you do know a local or happen to own property in town, this private reservoir delivers an experience that visitors consistently describe as breathtaking.

Constructed around 1901, Bison Reservoir originally served as Victor's municipal water supply and still does today. The roughly 97-acre lake is surrounded by dramatic red rock formations that reviewers compare to Garden of the Gods with water. Towering granite spires, scattered ponderosa pines, and open meadows frame the shoreline, creating a landscape that longtime members call one of Colorado's best-kept secrets. Elevations near 9,800 feet keep summer temperatures comfortable and the air crisp.

Fishing at Bison Reservoir centers on stocked rainbow trout. The Gold Camp Fishing Club maintains healthy populations, and because angler pressure stays low, trout grow to respectable sizes. Fly fishing and spin casting both produce results along the shoreline and from small watercraft. The reservoir also supports a quiet diversity of wildlife, including mule deer, elk, hawks, and the occasional black bear sighting along the wooded perimeter.

Beyond fishing, members enjoy primitive camping at designated spots around the reservoir, overnight stays in two rustic cabins, and easy hiking along the water's edge. Picnicking families spread out across open grassy areas during summer weekends. The controlled access means crowds are nonexistent, and the silence is something members mention again and again in their reviews.

Bison Reservoir's membership-only policy has drawn criticism from Colorado residents who believe publicly funded resources should remain open to all. The debate continues in Victor city council meetings. For those who do gain access, the reservoir offers a private, stunningly scenic retreat that combines world-class trout fishing with the kind of solitude that public lakes in Colorado rarely provide.

Reviews (10)

Kathy Crowell

We had a great experience with our visiting family. Definitely have to have a membership. But a beautiful location by the lake. The grounds keeper was friendly and helpful.

Kyle Okular

This place is an absolute stain on the town of Victor. Only Victor residents are allowed through the gate. Imagine if Colorado Springs allowed only residents to visit the Garden of the Gods; that would be situation at Bison Reservoir. Victor is the only town in Colorado that I know of that has an area for only residents to visit. I say: stop all state and federal grants to the town of Victor until access is allowed to the general public — those funds are paid for by the public at large. Let’s not have the public funding Victor’s private playground. Come on Victor. Egregious.

Jordan Hilliard

That fact that most of Colorado's waters are private is a joke, and a disgrace to the tax payers of this state.

Kenny Jones

Unfortunately for most of you, unless you live in Victor or know someone that does, you will never see the beauty of this place. This is a member only res. with camping spots, two cabins for overnight stays, fishing, chilling, and a quiet that one needs to clear a mind.

Paul Roy

Magical place. If garden of the gods had a lake it would be bison. I was baptized here as a child and been a member since 1984

Jack Kesterman

A beautiful private lake just outside of Goldfield (Victor)

Happy Daddy

I love it here

Nathan Eversole

I contacted the club that runs the resivior and was told that camping was ok but the gates are locked. No trespassing / private property posted.

Mandi Cesar

This is home to me

Cole Preece

City of Victor let’s a private club control the reservoir, so citizens cannot enjoy, only members to a paid private club. Sad, and disappointing. The city counsel should be voted out.