Located about100 miles east of Pueblo, near the town of Hasty, the reservoir has long been regarded as a premier warm water fishery.

Crappie, bass and some feisty freshwater drum are major draws for fishermen in the area.

The Colorado State Parks Department began leasing the reservoir, and the northern lands surrounding the it, in October 2000. Since then, many improvements have been made to the area, making it a safer and more enjoyable camping and fishing destination.

I spoke with state parks Manager Brad Henley about those improvements during a recent interview. Henley said the park now has 109 modern campsites at Lake Hasty, just east of the John Martin dam.

Each of those sites offers electrical hookups. A modern restroom and shower facility, as well as an RV dump station, are also available.

In addition, the Lake Hasty campground offers three group areas that can be used for large picnics, family reunions, or other get-togethers. One of the group areas features a small cabin, and the other two are screened- in pavilions. All three have electrical and water services.

There are 104 additional campsites located on the north side of the reservoir for folks who don’t require all the modern amenities. These campgrounds offer basic campsites, without electrical hookups, no shower or water facilities, and a vault toilet.

Some of the campsites are available now, and Henley said that all the sites will be open on April 1. Campsites cost $12.00 per night for a basic site, and $16.00 per night for a modern site. This cost is in addition to the required state parks pass.

Henley said they have also made improvements to the boat ramp. The ramp is being widened to accommodate three lanes, and a wave break is also being installed to help protect people trying to retrieve their boats during high wind conditions at the lake.

View photos/Bill Claspell Colorado state parks Manager Brad Henley issues a parks pass as Officer Tom Waters watches.

The new park also features a 4-mile hiking trail that winds through the area, taking hikers past 23 American Indian petroglyphs.

Because the park is located on federal lands, though, Henley warns that any artifacts that hikers find in the area should not be disturbed or removed.

The park’s headquarters building also deserves mentioning here.

At over 4.000 square feet, the building offers a community meeting room, parks office space, and friendly faces who can point you in the right direction with answers about the park and local area.

Henley said that the park employs four full-time employees, and will hire an additional 10Ð14 seasonal staff who will come on board as the weather warms. Parks passes and hunting and fishing licenses are available at the park office.

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