Cove Campground

About

Cove Campground sits at 9,900 feet elevation in the scenic Eleven Mile Canyon, carved by the South Platte River and bordered by polished gray granite cliffs. This small, primitive campground offers four campsites ideal for tent campers and those with smaller RVs (maximum 16 feet). The campground provides vault toilets, potable water from a hand pump, fire rings, picnic tables, and trash service. Fishing is the primary draw, with excellent opportunities for rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout in the South Platte River. The canyon's granite walls attract rock climbers, while the nearby Overlook Trail provides breathtaking views of the reservoir. Golden Eagles nest in the nearby cliffs, with Bald Eagle sightings more common in spring. The campground operates from mid-May through mid-October, weather dependent. Reservations through Recreation.gov must be made at least four days in advance, with a two-night minimum on weekends and three-night minimum on holidays. Sites not reserved five days prior become first-come, first-served. A one-time $11 canyon entry fee applies in addition to the nightly camping fee.

Directions

From Lake George, turn off Highway 24 onto County Road 96. Follow the road for about one mile and turn right into Eleven Mile Canyon. Cove Campground is located approximately 4-8 miles into the canyon on the right.