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Top picks in Colorado

Beaches and parks

You are looking for a stretch of sand or a quiet park where you can actually find some space to yourself.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Union Reservoir Nature Area image 1
Union Reservoir Nature Area image 2
Union Reservoir Nature Area image 3
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Large reservoir offers quiet lake ideal for paddle boarding and swimming with no motorized boats allowed. Picnic areas with charcoal grills and a huge playground create a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Popular dog beach and ample parking support active outdoor days.

An off-leash dog beach lets dogs run freely and swim in clean water. Plenty of space spreads out swimmers and dogs comfortably.

Views from the area include mountains, lake, and green space. A huge playground sits near the swimming area, making it very kid-friendly and suitable for families and dogs.

People are saying

"It's a great dog beach where your furry friend can run off leash."

"This dog beach is awesome for letting your furry friends run wild."

"I loved paddle boarding and fishing at this park."

Good to know

1

There is a $10 fee to enter the area.

2

Parking is available and costs less than at Boulder Reservoir.

3

The dog beach area is wonderful and well-maintained.

02
Chatfield State Park Campground image 1

Campground offers spacious sites with beautiful lake views and quiet, peaceful nights. Facilities include off-leash dog park, bike trails, and well-maintained amenities like showers and laundry. Traffic noise is minimal, creating a calm outdoor setting.

Warm water and breezes create a relaxed atmosphere at the swim beach. The area allows propane grills for cooking, with paved trails and picnic spots nearby.

Camping offers a well maintained and beautiful environment with a well laid out campground. Activities include biking, fishing, water sports, horseback riding, and a dog park.

People are saying

"The bathrooms here are always nice and clean."

"The parks here have beautiful views and are well kept."

"I enjoyed the warm water and breezes at the beach."

Good to know

1

Parking costs an extra $10 per day, even with campground payment.

2

Reservations are often required months in advance for weekend stays.

3

The campground features clean facilities and well-maintained bathrooms.

03
Soda Lake Beach image 1
Public beach

Sandy beach with shaded picnic areas and paddleboard rentals sits beside clear water framed by mountain views. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and calm to lively and crowded during peak times. Facilities include playgrounds and barbecue setups, supporting relaxed outdoor activities.

Sandy beaches with clean, well-marked swim areas provide a safe spot for kids and adults. Calm water supports paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming, while grassy areas invite picnics and BBQs.

A full playground and picnic areas make it great for families. The park stays very clean with bathrooms and barbecues, plus a beach area and park rangers keeping things in order.

People are saying

"This park has a great playground and beach area for kids."

"It's a great beach for families with kids and dogs."

"The mountain views here are stunning and pretty."

Good to know

1

The daily admission fee is $10 per vehicle.

2

Re-entry after paying is not guaranteed.

3

Expect large crowds, especially on weekends.

04
Aurora Reservoir image 1
Nature preserve

Reservoir offers quiet, peaceful water with no motorized boats allowed, creating a relaxing atmosphere ideal for swimming, paddle boarding, and picnicking. Open areas include playgrounds and shaded gazebos, attracting families and weekend visitors. Lifeguards and rental options support a safe, active environment.

Clean sandy beach offers a decent size for a Colorado swim spot. Lifeguards patrol until 6 pm, and the area includes a boat ramp, concessions, and rentals for paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks.

Very accessible with a large open space on the beach and throughout. Features include a playground, swim area, and rentals for paddle boards and kayaks.

People are saying

"The beach here is so clean, you'll love it."

"It's a great outdoor space for activities like kayaking and paddle boarding."

"It's a beautiful place with clean water and a great beach."

Good to know

1

Entry fee is $15 on weekends for non-pass holders.

2

No dogs are allowed on the beach or in the water.

3

The swimming beach has a lifeguard until 6 pm.

05
Bear Creek Lake campground image 1

Campground offers spacious, mostly sunny sites with unbeatable mountain and meadow views and sparse, young trees. Atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful, separated from busier areas despite nearby interstate. Amenities include electric hookups, clean showers, and direct access to hiking and biking trails.

Beach access requires a drive and a walk from the campground. Kids enjoy the playground and the nearby lake along with the beach.

Spanning over 2600 acres, the park offers clean, well-maintained grounds with a variety of activities like fishing, BBQs, hiking, and biking. It features a playground, beach, and lake suitable for all ages, plus a nice campground with trails and friendly rangers ensuring a safe environment.

People are saying

"The scenic views of the mountains and meadow are lovely."

"I found the parks here to be great and clean."

"The nearby beach was amazing and convenient."

Good to know

1

Showers are coin operated and cost $1.00 for 5 minutes.

2

The campground costs $40 per night for an electric-only site.

3

There are many activities at this park, including hiking trails accessible directly from the campsite.

06
Bear Creek Lake Park image 1

Wooded areas surround a large lake with hiking and biking trails, paddleboarding, and a swim beach. The atmosphere stays peaceful and scenic, with ample picnic and playground spaces near the water. Visitors find it less crowded than nearby parks, offering a quiet spot for family recreation and outdoor activities.

High water levels limit access but support swimming and paddleboarding well. The beach sits within a park offering camping, boating, fishing, and picnic areas.

Beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife fill the park, which offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, and water activities like paddleboarding and fishing. Picnic areas and a playground by the lake provide spots to relax and enjoy the views.

People are saying

"I loved hanging out at the swim beach with my family."

"It's a great spot for a picnic with lots of space to walk and hike and bike."

"The park's grounds are clean with beautiful, well-preserved natural beauty."

Good to know

1

The entry fee is $10 per car for a daily pass.

2

The park offers activities like hiking, fishing, and paddleboarding.

3

There are multiple parking lots available for easy access to the water.

07
Boulder Reservoir image 1

Large lake with a sandy beach and mountain views creates a peaceful, quiet atmosphere. People swim, kayak, paddleboard, and relax by the water. Facilities include a playground and volleyball nets, supporting family-friendly recreation.

A big sandy beach offers plenty of space for picnics and family fun. The swimming area is basic but suitable for kids and casual swimmers.

A clean, beautiful park surrounds a large reservoir with a pirate ship playground for kids. It offers a popular running loop and suits well for hot day visits.

People are saying

"The sandy beach here is nice and great for families."

"The mountain views here are beautiful and outstanding."

"It's a beautiful park with a nice swim beach and bike path."

Good to know

1

Boulder Reservoir is the only public beach and lake in Boulder County.

2

Out-of-state visitors cannot paddleboard at Boulder Reservoir during the season due to permit restrictions.

3

The bathroom and shower area at Boulder Reservoir is clean.

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