John Martin Reservoir

April 23rd, 2021

Our first camping trip in 2021 was to John Martin Reservoir State Park in southwestern Colorado. As a general rule, the weather is nicer in the spring first in southern Colorado, with better weather in eastern Colorado instead of in the mountains. We had high hopes for good weather at John Martin. After a few windy days, we had sunshine and much warmer temperatures than what they were getting in Denver.

We did a lot of Segwaying, hiking, and boating. We were there for two weeks, but we didn't want to leave. The reservoir is relatively huge, remote, and fun. The water level was around 25% of where it was at its highest, but it looked like it was going to be low for most reservoirs in 2021.

So Much To Do

Our first weekend there was spent with Joe and Michael who were camping in their own RVs. Joe even had some friends show up, so we had a great group of people to hang out with. We even got to play some croquet, and even though we put the cabana up we didn't find the time to play any of the games we've played in past years. There is always next time.

Though we'd spent a few days Segwaying around the neighborhood at home, this was the first time getting out on dirt tracks in a while. We were overconfident, and both of us wiped out at some point. Monica had an eventful fall when her shorts got caught on the Segway bar and she couldn't detach herself from it, and it ended in a flat-out fall that knocked the wind out of her. Margot got some road rash, too. In both cases, one tire was in something soft like sand while the other was in hard-packed dirt, causing the Segways to spin. We'd like to say we'll be more careful in the future, but we both know that's a lie.

Our first boat trip out with Michael and Joe was people only, with dogs left back at camp. We didn't want the extra stress, but it probably would have been fine. Lacey panicked a bit when we would be far from land, at first, but it didn't take long for her to be Queen of the Boat. By the end of the stay she was happily riding up front like we were in the movie Titanic.

We took a 360-degree video of that first trip in the boat around the lake. Move your phone or use your mouse to look around as the video plays.

The Good and the Bad

It's nice to be in a state park that is remote. You get the benefits of camp hosts, level sites, fire pits, picnic tables, and reservations so you don't have to fight for spots. A remote state park also makes it feel like you just might be boondocking. John Martin Reservoir State Park is far from restaurants and grocery stores (Lamar is the closest at 18 miles), and far from a gas station (Wiley has one and it isn't much closer than Lamar). There is a small bait shop that has ice and a few snacks, but the large reservoir has no marina or store on site. But that's the tradeoff for a remote location.

Some sites have big trees, and those sites go fast. There is a loop we were calling "The Field" with no trees, and in a satellite view it looked pretty sad. But, in real life, it wasn't too bad at all. But it would be hot in the summer without any shade.

We were in southeastern Colorado, so it was pretty flat and windy much of the time. So there wasn't really any hiking -- other than a fairly flat path we took a few times. It was worth it, though (look for information on the Red Shin Trail in the Visitor Center).