Water Activities

Float the Rio Grande, paddle or kayak the quiet lakes and streams.

Boating - Motorized

The Forest Service allows motorized boating on many of its lakes and rivers, with boat ramps and launching piers available at some locations, though regulations and restrictions vary by area. 

Many of our small lakes offer motorized boating. Generally, no wake is allowed. 

Boating - Non-Motorized

Floating or paddling through the forests is the perfect way to view wildlife and take in the beauty of riparian vegetation. During spring flows, kayaking and canoeing opportunities are the best in many of our waterways. Canoe, kayak, paddleboard our waters but be aware, at between 7,000 and 13,000 feet in elevation, the water can be pretty cold! 

We have licensed outfitters and guides that offer non-motorized boating trips and rentals.

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Recreation Opportunities

Boating - Motorized (16)

Boating - Non-Motorized (22)

Showing: 11 - 20 of 25 results

Platoro Reservoir Boating Site

Site Open

Platoro Reservoir is 990 surface acres in size, at an elevation of 10,000 feet. Fishing is for brown, rainbow and brook trout. The reservoir is open to large and small motorized and non-motorized…

Rio Grande Campground

Site Open

This is a small, developed camping area in a grassy meadow, right on the banks of the Rio Grande. It is not recommended for large RVs or long/wide trailers because the access road going down into the…

Rio Grande Reservoir Boating Site

Site Open

This is a primitive boat ramp and reservoir access road about 1/2 way along the Rio Grande Reservoir. There is a vault toilet here. Not recommended for large boats and long trailers.  Motors are…

Rito Hondo Reservoir Boating Site

Site Open

Rito Hondo AreaRito Hondo reservoir is currently refilling. Fish stock is young and not fishable for 3-5 years.This site is a small reservoir that is also a natural fishery for Brook Trout. Small…

River Hill Campground

Site Open

River Hill Campground is located 28 miles west of Creede, Colorado at an elevation of 9,250 feet. The double loop campground is situated in a meadow surrounded by willows and spruce trees close to…

Road Canyon Boat Ramp

Site Open

This boating site consists of a small concrete ramp, restroom, parking for trucks and trailers about 1/2 way up the length of the reservoir. This lake is regularly stocked with catchable rainbow…

Road Canyon Campground

Site Open

This small campground, located at the head of Road Canyon Reservoir, usually has vacancy when other upriver campgrounds are full. The area is in a fully open meadow, with no trees, and it is not…

Road Canyon Dam Fishing Site

Site Open

This site consists of a fisherman parking lot and a vault toilet.No camping allowed along the reservoir, picnic area, boat ramps or parking lots.

Road Canyon Picnic Site

Site Open

This picnic site sits along the lake shore of Road Canyon Reservoir, offering parking, restroom, picnic tables, fire rings.  No overnight camping allowed here.

Shaw Lake Boating Site

Site Open

Shaw Lake Boating site is a small impoundment regularly stocked with trout during the summer. This is a small graveled ramp to launch small fishing boats. Parking is very limited here. This small…