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.
By the numbers
20,122
8,942
2,300
11
% full
Recreation notes
Boating: All watercraft that is trailered, and gas, diesel and electric-powered will need to be inspected for aquatic nuisance species at the boat ramps.
Fishing: The bag and possession limit for trout is two. Check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Colorado Fishing guide for more information.
Camping: 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.
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
Antero: General 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.
Antero: Boating regulations
- All trailered boats entering the water must be inspected for aquatic nuisance species before entering the water.
- 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.
Antero: Camping regulations
- Reservations are required to camp and can be made through Denver Water’s vendor Campspot.
- 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.
Antero: Fishing regulations
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- The bag/possession limit for trout is two.
- Ice fishing allowed only when conditions permit. Denver Water does not monitor ice conditions; therefore it is important to be aware of changing ice conditions and proceed at your own risk.
- Only portable ice fishing shelters are permitted and must be removed from surface of lake when not in use.
- Fish caught and placed on a stringer, in a container or live well, or not returned to the water immediately count toward daily bag and possession limit.