Lake Camping in Frisco, Colorado
How to Make the Most of Your Weekend in this Stunning Mountain Lake Town
If you’re like me, and camping by the water is a MUST, then Heaton Bay Campground on the Dillon Reservoir in Frisco, CO is for you. I was completely blown away by the breathtaking views we had from our campsite, absolutely stunning. In this post, I share with you everything you need to know to have the absolute best summer weekend in Frisco - from our amazing campsite location to guided kayak tours. Regardless of whether you’re a Colorado resident or plan to visit Colorado this summer as a guest, this blog is for you.
Camping Trip Details
My partner and I were super lucky and were able to reserve a campsite right on the lake shore at Heaton Bay Campground. It was the perfect blend of mountain views, waterfront, and tree coverage in the hot hours of the day. I booked this site in February for a June reservation. The campground was almost completely booked in at that time. Plan ahead and book early if you want to have a site on the water!
View from our campsite at Heaton Bay
There are a few need-to-knows before your stay at Heaton Bay. If you book online, you don’t need to check in when you arrive at your site. We were initially confused because there is no check-in office when you enter the campground. Instead of checking in, park staff will come around and post your registration info in front of your designated parking spot at 2:00pm, which is check-in time. Check out time is at 11:00am.
Campsite amenities included one parking space, two pit toilets, a water pump, a picnic table, and fire pit. Our site wasn’t considered a walk-in site, but you can’t pull right up to the site either and do have to walk a few yards. I didn’t find it that difficult, be if you have a lot of stuff in your car, be prepared to walk back and forth a bit. Also there was no soap in the bathroom, so you’ll need to bring your own.
There wasn’t a whole lot of shade over our picnic table, but I was able to set up a hammock in a cluster of trees which provided relief when it got hot. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed since the water is extremely cold, but no one is going to stop you if you need to take a quick dip to cool off.
There are plenty of things you can do in Frisco without leaving your campsite. There is an extensive biking trail network that goes around the entirety of the lake, as well as other lake activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. My partner and I have our own inflatable paddle boards which we launched from our campsite. We did get in trouble with the coast guard, which patrols frequently, for not having life jackets (our mistake, but he was nice and just gave us a warning), so make sure you are either wearing one or have one with you.
On a sunny June day, it can get pretty hot, even in the mountains. Although the temperature drops significantly at night, so make sure you bring warm clothes and socks, a good sleeping bag, and extra blankets.
Paddle boarding on Dillon Reservoir from our campsite
Here are some important campsite details if you want to have a similar experience.
Booked at: https://www.recreation.gov/ (book early in the year)
Campground Name: Heaton Bay Campground
Site #: D46, LOPD, tent only site
Cost: $36.00 for 1 night
Guided Kayaking Tours in Frisco
In addition to camping, I also went on a guided kayaking tour on Dillon Reservoir. It was a great way to cover more water, as opposed to SUP paddle boarding, and learn more about the area through the guide.
Here’s everything you need to know if you want to join a kayaking tour while in Frisco.
Booked with Adventure Paddle Tours: https://adventurepaddletours.com/kayak-tours/frisco-co/
Cost: $61 per person
I did the morning Island tour with my mom which started at 9:00AM and lasted about 2.5 hours. The morning began with basic instructions from our guide, who was great, and then we took off with the guide leading us the entire time. It was nice being able to follow someone who knew how to get around the lake as opposed to wandering on our own. He was very knowledgeable and provided us with some history and fun facts of the surrounding area. It did get a little windy at the end, which is common, so I’m glad we did the morning tour instead of the afternoon one. All of the kayaks were tandem boats and there were about five other kayaks on the tour with us. It’s a great activity for families and couples.
Hiking Sapphire Point
If you’re looking for an easy hike with excellent views, without driving too far out of town, then Sapphire Point is perfect.
I’ve done this hike twice during my visits to Frisco. It’s great for kids and older folks since it’s only a 0.6 mile loop with only 36 ft of elevation. There are multiple lookout points where you get phenomenal views of the reservoir, town, and the Rockies. There is a small parking lot at the overlook trail with restrooms and picnic tables. Even though it is a short, easy hike, I’d recommend bringing water and taking breaks since the air is thin up there.
Dining Recommendations In Frisco
There is a fairly wide selection of restaurants to choose from despite being a small town. I actually haven’t eaten out that much in Frisco, but everywhere I have eaten I’d recommend!
Rocky Mountain Coffee Roasters
Other Things To Do In Frisco
I can’t wait to explore more of Frisco this summer since there’s so much to do! Here are some things that are on my to do list of things to do here this summer.
Mountain Music Mondays - catch live performances at the Dillon Amphitheater every Monday during the summer
Bike at Frisco Adventure Park
Rent ATVs at Adventure Time Rentals
I hope this helps you plan your own adventure in Frisco this summer!
