St. Vrain State Park is a family-friendly destination for visitors seeking a peaceful and simple outdoor break. It’s an easy drive from Denver or Fort Collins, located on Highway 119 just off I-25 (Exit 240).
Formerly named Barbour Ponds, this nature and people-friendly park offers 604 acres of land and 152 acres of water split among several ponds. It’s a great place for anglers, campers, photographers, birders, walkers and anyone who loves nature.
Since 2006, Colorado State Parks added amenities like modern camping facilities, trail additions and fishing piers, with many more improvements on the way.
Biking
There are currently approximately 6.5 miles of roads and trails suitable for leisurely bicycling within the park. There are no bike lanes on roads, please share the road.
Birding
Visitors can observe migrating waterfowl, songbirds and raptors. During the winter, St. Vrain is home to bald eagles.
Boating
Vessels that are hand or foot propelled, or with electric trolling motors are permitted on all ponds when there is open water. Inflatable devices that contain two or more chambers are also permitted. All vessels must be handlaunched on ponds without boat ramps.
Boaters must adhere to Colorado Boating rules and regulations regarding registrations, operation, and equipment.
Gas powered motors are permitted on Blue Heron Reservoir; but must be under 10 horsepower and operated at wakeless speeds. There is a boat ramp, trailer parking, and restrooms available for boaters on Blue Heron Reservoir.
Camping
St. Vrain is conveniently located off I-25. The newly modernized campsites fill quickly, please reserve your site in advance. Reservations are required, but can be made the day of arrival through 6 months in advance.
We currently do not have group camping facilities. Groups are welcome in our campgrounds, but the maximum number of people per campsite is six, groups larger than 6 campers must reserve additional sites as needed.
Sites may only have two tents, or one RV and one tent. Campers may only have two vehicles per site.
All vehicles must have a valid parks pass in addition to the camping reservation.
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome throughout the park as long as:
they are on a six foot or shorter leash at all times
their waste is properly disposed of
Fishing
The ponds offer Bluegill, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Red Ear Sunfish, Yellow Perch, Saugeye, Northern Pike, Channel Catfish and Rainbow Trout. Trout fishing is excellent during the spring and fall.
There are 2 trophy Bass ponds at St. Vrain: Great Blue Heron Reservoir and Bald Eagle Pond. These ponds have special restrictions and are catch-and-release for all Bass.
When the fish are biting, the park is a great place to teach children how to fish.
Ice fishing is very productive in the winter months on our trout ponds, as well as for Walleye and Crappie.
Bowfishing for Carp, ******* and Northern Pike is permissible with a valid fishing license.
Bowfishing or gigging is allowed for Bullfrogs as well, during legal season.
Hiking
Flat, easy trails make a leisurely stroll around the park a comfortable experience. There are six trails in the park: Pelican Pond, Bald Eagle Pond, Muskrat Run, Blue Heron, Coot Pond, and Red Tail Pond trails.
Jet Skiing
We are able to register your jet-ski at our park entrance. Personal Watercrafts (PWCs) are not suitable for our fish habitats.
OHV Riding
We are able to register your OHV at our park entrance. However, we DO NOT have facilities for Off-Highway-Vehicle use.
Picnicking
Tables with shelters and grills amongst mature cottonwood or willow trees and great fishing spots welcome hungry nature lovers.
Snowmobiling
We can register your snowmobile at our park entrance, but we do not have snowmobiling terrain or weather here.
Water Skiing
We will gladly register your boat at our park entrance. However, waterskiing/wakeboarding are prohibited on all ponds at SVSP.
Winter Camping
St Vrain offers 40 reservable campsites that accommodate tents and motor homes during winter months. Sites on the North side have electric hook-ups. Sites on the South side offer water, sewer, and electric hookups. Come and camp with us year-round!
