Lake Granby
Lake Granby, spanning an impressive 7,250 acres, is one of Colorado’s largest bodies of water and offers year-round recreation opportunities for outdoor lovers. As a vital part of the Big Thompson Water Project, Lake Granby plays an important role as a holding reservoir, with water levels lowered each spring to make room for the snowmelt from surrounding mountains. In the warmer months, this expansive lake is perfect for sailing, water skiing, tubing, and wake surfing, with sheltered bays and inlets that create smooth, ideal conditions for water sports.
Nestled alongside the scenic Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Lake Granby allows boaters to moor along the shore and camp, combining a day on the lake with rugged lakeside respite.The lake’s size and steady winds make it ideal for sailboats, too, giving sailors a unique experience against a stunning alpine backdrop. In winter, the lake becomes a hotspot for anglers, serving as the primary location for the popular Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest hosted by Destination Granby.
Both motorized and non-motorized boating is permitted on Lake Granby. There are two marinas located on Lake Granby for boat rentals, slips and tours: Indian Peaks Marina and Beacon Landing Marina. If you have your own boat, ramp access (with mussel inspection sites) can be found at both the Stillwater Campground and the Sunset Point recreation area.
Paddling activities such as kayaking, canoeing and standup paddle boarding are most popular near campgrounds and picnic areas on Lake Granby, such as Sunset Point, Rainbow Bay, Roaring Fork and Stillwater. Fishing is very popular on Lake Granby, and the area is especially well-known for its stock of large lake trout and kokanee salmon. A Colorado fishing license is required and can be purchased at Beacon Landing Marina on Lake Granby or Kirk’s Flyshop in Grand Lake, Colorado.
There are more than 250 campsites along the shores of Lake Granby in the Stillwater Campground, Sunset Point Campground and the Cutthroat Bay Group Campground. Fees are required and reservations are recommended for all Arapaho National Forest camping sites. You can also reserve private camping at the Highland Marina.
