Colorado State Parks
Cherry Creek State Park

Cherry Creek State Park (4,200 acres) is centered around an 880-surface-acre reservoir on the southeast side of Denver. Facilities here include campsites, boat ramps, marina, runways for model airplanes, picnic areas and even a family shooting range. This is a very popular park and summer weekends and holidays often see the gates closed to prevent over-crowding.

Universal access is achieved through special facilities located at the fishing access areas, the group picnic sites, the campground and the swim beach. Handicapped parking is designated throughout the park.

Anglers find catfish, carp, crappie, pike, bass, walleye and trout at Cherry Creek State Park. State record walleye have been taken out of this reservoir. The swim beach is a sandy beach with a roped-off swimming area. You'll find a first-aid station, bath house and food concessions near the swim beach. On the west side of the park is where you'll find the paved runways for radio controlled aircraft. You'll also find the frequency posts and field regulations placed prominently there. There are miles of multi-use trails at Cherry Creek State Park, many of which also access other local trail systems.

There are 120 campsites with full hook-ups available. There are restrooms and bath houses with laundry facilities scattered through the campground. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am. Across from the campground entrance is where you'll find the RV dump station.

From May 1 to September 30, a day use pass will run you $8. From October 1 to April 30 that same pass will run you $7 (it's a function of how many park users there are). $1 of those fees go to fund the Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority. The annual Colorado State Parks pass will cost you $63 here ($3 goes to cover the Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority decal). Colorado seniors aged 64+ can buy the Aspen Leaf Annual Parks pass for $33 ($3 goes for that same decal).

All vehicles in the State Park must have a valid day use pass at all times. Basic campsites cost $14 per night. Full hook-ups cost $22 per night in the Abilene Loop but in the Coyote Loop that drops to $18 per night on November 1 because of the water shut-off (to keep the pipes from freezing). The Amphitheatre and several group campsites are all reservable and rent for varying amounts: best to check directly with Cherry Creek State Park office at 303-690-1166 ext 721.

For boat rentals, slip rentals, mooring buoy rentals and dry storage space call the Cherry Creek Marina at 303-779-6144. For horseback riding call the Paint Horse Stables at 303-690-8235. For information about the family shooting range call the Family Shooting Center at 303-680-5401.

Cherry Creek State Park Rules & Regs:

1. Keep vehicles on designated roadways and parking areas.
2. Dogs must be under control and on a leash at all times.
3. No pets and no glass containers are allowed on any beach.
4. Camping is allowed only in designated campsites.
5. Fires are allowed only in the provided grills and fire rings.
6. Speed limits are seriously enforced.
7. Keep your area clean. Use the trash receptacles provided.