South Platte River Corridor

The South Platte River Corridor near Deckers, Colorado, has been a popular fishing location for decades. In the 1890s, Stephen Decker built a general store and later a saloon in this area. The South Platte Hotel, located at the confluence of the North Fork of the South Platte, was a popular resort in the early 1900s and was accessible only by train. The confluence provides access for fishing, kayaking and trail use.

The South Platte River is part of a 1.6 million-acre watershed that reaches from the Continental Divide to Strontia Springs Reservoir, southwest of Denver. The watershed is a recreational mecca with over 1 million acres of public lands; it provides municipal water for about three quarters of Colorado’s residents; it is renowned for its “gold-medal” fishing streams; and it is home to numerous threatened and endangered species.

The Upper South Platte Watershed varies in elevation from about 6,000' to over 14,000' above sea level and contains five major municipal and several smaller reservoirs.

General Information

Year-round

One hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset.

Day use only between Pine Creek Road and Buffalo Creek and along Sugar Creek Road.
Camping is permitted in developed campgrounds only between Cheesman Canyon Trailhead and Pine Creek Road.
Dispersed camping is prohibited throughout the river corridor.

Parking is permitted in designated sites only.
Designated sites are posted with "Parking" symbols.
Dispersed camping is prohibited.
Camping is permitted in developed campgrounds only.
- Campfires are permitted at developed campgrounds only and in metal fire rings.
All commercial activity requires a permit.
No shooting, except for legal hunting.

Please respect private property along the river corridor.
- Note: Watercraft may pass through private property but are not allowed to stop on private property.

At developed campground and picnic areas as posted.