Rampart Reservoir open for boating May 10, campgrounds open today

It will soon be boating time at one of the most popular water destinations in the Pikes Peak region. And the popular Thunder Ridge and Meadow Ridge campgrounds at the reservoir, which will be crowded after Memorial Day, open for first-come first-served camping today.

Photo gallery: Rampart Reservoir

From Colorado Springs Utilities:

Colorado Springs Utilities will open the boat ramp and launching area at Rampart Reservoir on May 10 to motorized, trailered boats; however access across Rampart Dam will remain restricted. The Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area, excluding the boat ramp, is currently open. 

Once the boat ramp and launching area opens on May 10, boats will be allowed on the water Thursdays through Sundays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed to motorized boats on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the summer. Inspections will be required for all motorized, trailered boats prior to entering the water due to the threat of zebra and quagga mussel infestations. The inspections are being conducted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 

The inspections allow boat access on high-use days, while protecting Colorado Springs' water system. Boaters are strongly encouraged to have their vessels cleaned, drained and dry prior to arrival.

Non-motorized, non-trailered boats, such as kayaks, canoes and float tubes are currently permitted and will be allowed on all days without inspections once the boat ramp opens. Additionally, all other forms of recreation previously allowed at Rampart Reservoir, including fishing, are permitted. 

More details about access to this and other local reservoirs are here.

A reminder that some vehicle restrictions for crossing Rampart Dam are permanently in place, including:

• Rental vans (U-Haul, Ryder, etc.) or recreational vehicles (class A, class C, fifth wheels, travel/pop-up trailers and cab over campers) are not allowed.
• Towed vehicles longer than 22 feet are not allowed.
• Vehicles of any kind are not allowed to stop on the dam.

The zebra and quagga mussels are small mollusks that have the unique ability to attach to structures underwater such as outlet pipes and docked boats, and can encrust entire shorelines. They are most commonly spread from one body of water to another in the bilges, wet wells and on the hulls of boats that have been in infested water. The mussels can spread rapidly and can have detrimental impacts on water quality, fishery resources, and result in costly operational challenges by clogging up water system inlets, pipes and pumps.

Approximately 70% of Colorado Springs' drinking water passes through Colorado Springs Utilities-owned Rampart Reservoir.