Colorado Parks and Wildlife has begun construction on a new recreation area at Rosemont Reservoir, approximately 12 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, with plans to open the site to the public in early summer 2027. The project will add 40 campsites, facilities for nonmotorized boating, and day-use amenities, expanding opportunities for camping and outdoor recreation near Pikes Peak.
Officials broke ground on the project last week, with Colorado Gov. Jared Polis attending the event. The development is a collaborative effort between Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Colorado Springs Utilities, which aims to expand public access to the reservoir while protecting the surrounding watershed and wildlife.
“We are making the Pikes Peak area an even better and more fun area to recreate,” the governor said in a statement. “Coloradans will soon have a brand new place to camp, fish and paddle in the shadow of Pikes Peak, and the watershed and wildlife we value will be protected for years to come.”
Located in Teller County, Rosemont Reservoir has a long history of supporting water infrastructure and outdoor recreation in the region. The reservoir was constructed in 1932 by the Broadmoor Hotel Water and Power Company and became part of Colorado Springs Utilities’ local water system in 1973. For decades, it has attracted anglers seeking trout and kokanee salmon.
Although the reservoir is located within the Pike-San Isabel National Forests, Pikes Peak is not directly accessible from the site. The new recreation area is intended to build on the reservoir’s existing appeal by providing additional facilities for visitors who want to camp, fish, paddle, and spend time outdoors.
Plans call for 35 primitive campsites and five developed sites designed for tent camping. The recreation area will also include a boat ramp for nonmotorized watercraft, including kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes. Additional amenities will include a day-use area with picnic tables, vault toilets, a pavilion, and a scenic overlook.
CPW will oversee the recreation area’s operations, with dedicated staff and an on-site campground host expected to support visitors, according to The Denver Post. The agency will also manage an online reservation system for campsites, giving visitors a way to plan stays ahead of their arrival.
The planned opening in early summer 2027 provides a timeline for campground operators and other outdoor hospitality businesses monitoring new recreation infrastructure in the Pikes Peak region.
The addition of 40 campsites could increase overnight accommodation options for visitors who want to explore the area, while the boating facilities and day-use amenities may attract guests who are not planning overnight stays.
For private campground, RV park, and glamping operators, the project also highlights the role of publicly developed recreation areas in shaping regional visitor demand. Fishing access, paddling opportunities, and proximity to established outdoor destinations can influence travel itineraries and create opportunities for nearby businesses to serve visitors with lodging, equipment rentals, supplies, and other services.
However, the project’s eventual effect on local visitation and demand for private accommodations will depend on visitor use, seasonal conditions, and the range of services available at the new site.
The project’s stated emphasis on watershed and wildlife protection will also be relevant to businesses operating in environmentally sensitive outdoor destinations. As development proceeds toward the planned 2027 opening, the balance between expanding recreational access and protecting natural resources will be an important consideration for the area’s long-term use.
