Dillon Reservoir

Big mountain reservoir at 9,000 feet in Summit County.

Denver Water’s big reservoir sits at about 9,000 feet between Frisco, Dillon and Silverthorne, with islands, forested campground shoreline and views of the Tenmile and Gore ranges. Rent a kayak, canoe or SUP at Frisco Bay Marina and stay dry: the water is cold and swimming isn’t allowed. Low water ended the marina’s rentals early in 2026, so check reservoir levels before planning a late-season paddle.

At a glance

Surface

3,233 acres

Shoreline

26.8 mi

Elevation

9,017 ft at the spillway

Swimming

Not allowed (cold water, water quality)

Camping

Nearly 350 sites around the shore, mostly Forest Service

Good for

Beginner, Intermediate

What’s here

• Flatwater
• Boat rentals
• Paddleboarding
• Guided tours
• Fishing

Rentals, guides and shops

• Frisco Bay Marina

  Town-run marina renting kayaks, pedal kayaks, canoes, SUPs and boats, with a rowing center and water taxi.

• Dillon Marina

  Town marina in Dillon; Denver Water lists it as the base for sailboat tours.

Where to stay

• hotelHotel Frisco

  Small hotel in downtown Frisco.

  10 min walk
• b&bFrisco Lodge

  Historic lodge and B&B on Frisco’s Main Street, a short walk from the marina.

  10 min walk

Nearby

• Island Grill · At the marina

  Open-air decks at Frisco Bay Marina for lunch, dinner and drinks, with live music on Fridays.

• Sapphire Point Overlook · 15 min drive

  Half-mile path to a viewpoint over the reservoir and surrounding ranges.

• Summit County recpath · From the marina

  Paved bike paths, more than seven miles of them around the reservoir.

• Peak One Campground · 5 min drive

  Forest Service campground on the reservoir near Frisco, reserved on Recreation.gov.

Getting there

• Denver International (DEN) · about 1 hr 30 min drive
• Vail · about 0.5 hr
• Denver · about 1.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps