Recreational Water Use: Campgrounds and Other Water-Related Recreation

Recreational uses of water are varied, most are not easily quantified, and most are non-consumptive. The perceived aesthetic value of an area is often directly related to the presence of a stream or lake. Camping is prevalent throughout the Basin, with the most extensive camping opportunities located on national forest land in the Snowy Range, the east slope of the Sierra Madre Mountains, and the Laramie Range.

Curt Gowdy State Park is located 24 miles west of Cheyenne, 23 miles east of Laramie, and 12 miles north of the Colorado border. The park was established in 1971 through a lease with the City of Cheyenne and the Cheyenne Boy Scouts. The Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources Department administers the park. Crystal and Granite Reservoirs are located within the park. Crystal Lake Dam was constructed in 1922 and modified in 1987. The adjudicated water right for Crystal Reservoir is for 4,513 acre-feet. Granite Reservoir was constructed in 1904, and the dam was modified in 1987. The adjudicated water right of Granite Reservoir is 7,367 acre-feet. Motorized boating is allowed on Crystal Reservoir but not on Granite Reservoir. Other water activities are allowed at both reservoirs. The park has over 100 developed campsites available. Hynds Lodge was built in 1922-23 and has since received a listing on the National Register for historical sites. Hynds Lodge is managed by the Wyoming Department of State Parks.

To view a map of major recreation sites in the South Platte subbasin click here. The following table provides a summary of camping and recreational facilities at larger reservoirs located within the Platte River Basin. The site located in the South Platte subbasin is highlighted.

Public recreational use facilities at major reservoirs and sites in the Platte River Basin