This park is an "Oasis in the Plains," for swimming, boating, fishing and waterskiing. But that's not all...
Jackson Lake is ranked one of the "Top 15 Park Beaches" by Reserve America. Anglers, boaters, or naturalists realizing there’s too much fun for just one day enjoy the variety of water or land-based recreation land-based facilities found here.
Birders and hunters flock here because of the parks location in the Central Flyway for migratory birds. Quiet winter months provide hearty wildlife viewers some excellent opportunities to spot the many animals that live here.
Biking
Bicycles are allowed at the park on designated trails and on park's roads.
Birding
Birders travel from throughout the region to visit because of the abundance and diversity of bird species. Long-billed curlews and whooping cranes are occasionally observed. Ferruginous and rough-legged hawks are present in the winter, while Swainson’s hawks return for the summer months. Northern harriers fly low over wetlands and grasslands. Ground-nesting grassland birds such as horned larks, lark buntings, western meadowlarks and vesper sparrows may breed in the park in the spring.
Boating
Jackson Lake is a great place to boat!
Camping
Jackson Lake has 260 campsites, most can accommodate campers, trailers or tents. Even group camping and picnicking are accommodated here. Facilities include showers, toilets, laundry, electric hookups and drinking water
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome anywhere in the park as long as:
they are on a six foot or shorter leash at all times
their waste is properly disposed of
Fishing
Jackson Lake is stocked with warm-water fish such as: walleye, saugeye, catfish, perch, rainbow trout, crappie and wipers. Northern pike and large and small-mouth bass were also stocked. Fishing is restricted during waterfowl hunting season and is prohibited from the swim beaches year-round.
Geocaching
Jackson Lake State Park hosts two geocaching sites: "5 O'Clock Somewhere" and "Centennial." A Parks Pass is required to enter the park.
Group Camping
Dunes Group Campground has a total of 18 sites which may be reserved as one flat fee and comes with electricity.
Group Picnicking
Groups of up to 100 are accommodated at the Centennial Group Picnic Area. Adjacent to the picnic shelter is Dunes Group Campground. Please call 1.970.645.2551 for information.
Hiking
Prairie Wetland Nature Trail is a 1/4 mile, self-guided trail and is located north of Cove Campground. There is also a 1.5 mile trail located between the Visitor Center north to Northview Campground. A trail is also located on the south side of the park from the south swimbeach to Cottonwood day-use picnic area. Folks also enjoy walking along the shoreline or along park roadways
Hunting
Waterfowl, upland bird, rabbits and archery deer hunting are allowed in designated areas of the park.
Ice Fishing
Please use caution when ice fishing. Have proper safety equipment and follow safety guidelines. Fishing areas include a boat ramp, the inlet and dike in front of gate house
Ice Skating
Ice skating is a popular winter sport at Jackson, dependent on ice conditions.
Jet Skiing
Please review personal watercraft laws, including the requirement that drivers must be at least 16. Youth, ages 14 & 15, can operate crafts upon successful completion of a Boating Safely Course which is offered at Jackson Lake.
OHV Riding
The OHV track is open daily from 8 AM to sunset year-round. The track is located at the South Entrance. Registered OHVs must be trailered in to the staging area, which is the Cottonwood parking lot. Vehicles must have a parks' pass. OHVs are not allowed on parks' roads, in campgrounds or on local roads.
Photography
An abundance of wildlife can be observed and photographed in the park. The list includes pelicans, eagles, hawks, heron, deer, coyote, turkeys, waterfowl and numerous shore birds.
Picnicking
Individual tables are located at the inlet, outlet, boat ramp, south and west swim beaches, and the Cottonwood picnic area and are available first-come, first-serve.
Sailboarding
Jackson Lake has 2,700 surface acres when full. Warm breezes are a sure bet to give sailboarders a workout!
Swimming
Jackson Lake is shallow and warms up quickly in the summer. The Jackson Lake swim areas do not have lifeguards. Swimming is at your own risk. Swimming is allowed on the west shore out to the no wake buoys. Swimming is not allowed around the boat ramp and in the inlet canal. Swimming on the south shore is allowed out to the no wake buoys.
Volleyball
A regulation court is located in the Centennial Group Picnic Area. Pelican Campground is also set up for volleyball. Bring net and volleyball.
Water Skiing
Even on the busiest weekends, there is lots of room for everyone!
Wildlife Viewing
An abundance of wildlife can be observed and photographed in the park. The list includes pelicans, eagles, hawks, heron, deer, coyote, turkeys, waterfowl and numerous shore birds.
Winter Activities
Winter at Jackson Lake State Park is peaceful and quiet but there’s plenty to do.
Winter Camping
Jackson Lake offers either electric or non-electric camping year-round. The Pelican, Northview and Fox Hills Campgrounds are available for reservations. Vault toilets are open; however; shower buildings are closed during the winter