Yamcolo Reservoir Camping, Fishing and Boat Launch

Located in the heart of the Flat Tops just outside Yampa on Forest Service Road 900. This area has 10 designated camping sites and a boat launch. There is a parking area where one can park and walk down to fish off the shore, or a boat ramp located on the far end of the reservoir that provides access to the Yamcolo Reservoir for free day use fishing. There are three trailheads located off Forest Service Road 900. Mandall Lakes Trailhead, Smith Lake Trailhead, and Stillwater Trailhead, all within a short driving distance from Yamcolo Reservoir.

The Yamcolo Reservoir was conceived by ranchers of the Upper Yampa Valley and the Toponas Basin in the early 1960’s to alleviate frequent shortages of crucial irrigation water.

In 1977 the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District , organized by its first president Loy Ardrey, obtained a commitment from the Colorado Ute Electric Company for the annual purchase of water. This was the key to initiating the project. Western Engineers of Grand Junction were selected to design the structure and in 1978 Jasper Construction Company of Minneapolis was awarded the contract, completing the dam in the fall of 1980. The Reservoir was dedicated on July 11, 1981.

The project, located on Routt National Forest twelve miles southwest of Yampa, provides water for irrigation, power generation and domestic use for the growing Yampa Valley communities. Increased flows in the Yampa from later summer reservoir releases, enhance the fishing and beauty of the river.

Electric trolling motors and internal combustion engines are allowed. (This is the only reservoir on the Yampa Ranger District where combustion engines are allowed) 

At a Glance