Reserve your camping spot!
Camping in 2026 will be allowed from April 1 until May 13 in designated areas. Be sure to read information about camping, including rules and regulations, below.
Clean! Drain! And Dry!
What you can do to help protect Colorado’s headwaters from invasive aquatic species.
Large trout call this place home
Antero is Denver Water’s first collection reservoir on the South Platte River. Geologists believe Antero Reservoir occupies the site of a former lake-bed. While Green Lake lies submerged within the reservoir, an extinct volcano, Buffalo Peaks, looms above.
South System Operations Updates
We are committed to ensuring our partners in local and county government, as well as those who live, work and play in our South System, are kept in the know about Denver Water operations.
By the numbers
20,122
8,942
2,300
11
% full
Recreation notes
The last day for recreation access in 2026 will be May 13.
Boating: Until its last day for recreation access May 13, Antero will be open to hand-launched non-motorized watercraft only.
Fishing: All bag and possession limits for all fish species have been lifted through sunset on May 13.
Antero Reservoir has tested positive for New Zealand mudsnails, an invasive aquatic nuisance species. They are small and easily hidden in mud on angling equipment. New Zealand mudsnails can survive out of water for up to 50 days. Anglers are urged to clean, drain and dry all of their gear before using it in another body of water.
Camping: Camping in 2026 will be allowed from April 1 until May 13 in designated campsites. The fee for all sites is $25 per night with a $4 processing fee per reservation. There are 38 campsites available at the south side campground and boat ramp. Reservations are required to camp and can be made through Campspot.
Picnicking: The north side area is day use area only (no camping allowed).
Special events: Require a permit.
Limited services: No drinking water on-site. Firewood is available for sale from the camp host April through October.
Directions
- Take Highway 285 to Fairplay.
- About a mile south of Fairplay veer southeast on Highway 9 toward Hartsel.
- After about 15 miles, a stop sign marks the intersection with Highway 24. Turn right (west).
- The entrances to Antero Reservoir will be on the right. The entrance to the north access will be first, and the south second.
Rules and regulations
- Reservations are required to camp and can be made through Campspot.
- Day use areas: Designated parking along north side of reservoir and at south side. Boat ramp overnight parking prohibited.
- Swimming, wading, scuba diving, wind surfing and water skiing are prohibited.
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems: UAS or drones are not allowed to launch or land on Denver Water property.
- Discharging firearms, except when hunting, is prohibited.
- All pets must be kept on a leash and under control at all times. Pet owners must clean up after pets.
- Motor vehicles are restricted to designated roads and parking areas.
- State traffic and game laws apply at the Antero area unless otherwise specified.
- Off-road vehicle use of the area is prohibited.
- No motorized vehicle allowed on ice.
- It is unlawful to use, light, or ignite fireworks or explosives of any type.
- All special events require a permit.
Until its last day for recreation access May 13, 2026, Antero will be open to hand-launched non-motorized watercraft only.
- Boats with unverifiable water (such as ballast tanks in wakeboard boats/jet boats) cannot be inspected at this location’s ANS inspection station due to equipment limitations. Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 303-291-7295 to locate an appropriately equipped ANS inspection station prior to arrival.
- Boats are allowed on the reservoir 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, or at designated time posted at boat ramp.
- Tying off boats to buoys is prohibited.
- Permanent boat storage is prohibited.
- It is unlawful to operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- All state boating laws are enforced.
- Motorized personal watercraft (e.g., Jet Ski) is prohibited.
- Reservations are required to camp and can be made through Denver Water’s vendor Campspot. The fee for camping is $25 per night with a $4 processing fee per reservation.
- Camping in 2026 will be allowed in designated sites from April 1 until May 13.
- The north shore is a day use area only. Overnight camping is prohibited.
- Leaving a camper, trailer, pitched tent, motor vehicle or trailer unattended for more than 24 hours is prohibited.
- All types of camping are restricted to a total period of no more than 14 days. Following the 14-day period, person(s) may not relocate within the Antero area for a period of seven days. Camp in designated areas only.
- Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- All campfires of any nature on any lands, including all shoreline areas of the reservoir, are prohibited except where fireplace grills and fire rings have been provided.
From Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- Effective immediately, all bag and possession limits for all fish species will be lifted through sunset on May 13, 2026.
- All other regulations, including a valid Colorado fishing license and legal methods of take, will be enforced.
Sights
Activities
Bicycling
Camping
Fishing
Fowl Hunting
Ice Fishing
