Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Bonny Lake State Park is located in Bent County in southeastern Colorado, encompassing a reservoir formed by Bonny Dam on the Arkansas River. The park covers approximately 2,576 acres of land and water, providing visitors with a peaceful outdoor experience dominated by grasslands and wetlands. The reservoir is a popular spot for warm-water fishing, featuring species such as largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. The surrounding prairie offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for migratory birds and native waterfowl, making it a favored location for bird watchers. Though smaller and less forested than many Colorado parks, Bonny Lake State Park provides camping, hiking, boating, and picnicking in a quiet, less crowded environment. The area’s history is linked to agricultural water management in the Arkansas Valley, and today it plays an important role in irrigation as well as recreation. Key recreation highlights include numerous developed campsites and boat ramps. Wildflowers bloom in the spring, and open vistas provide broad views of the plains and skies. Its remote setting, relatively flat terrain, and wetland habitats offer a different Colorado outdoor experience compared to mountain parks. Visitors appreciate the park for its calm waters, abundant wildlife, and starry night skies.
