Union Reservoir Nature Area
A serene reservoir offering a sandy swim beach, a popular dog beach, and ample space for picnics and water sports.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Union Reservoir Nature Area
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene reservoir offering a sandy swim beach, a popular dog beach, and ample space for picnics and water sports.
"Love the vibes of this lake, like an old school campground!"
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Popular spots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a good picnic table or beach spot.
🧺 Pack Your Own Food
No snack bar on-site, so bring your lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Grills are available!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 775 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sandy Swim Beach
Main beach area
Gently sloping sandy entry, perfect for kids and paddleboards. Plenty of space to relax.
Dog Beach Paradise
Far end of the reservoir
Off-leash fun for dogs with clean shores and easy water access. Poop bags provided.
Picnic & Play
Near parking and dog beach
Ample picnic tables, some shaded by cottonwood trees, with charcoal grills available. Playground for kids.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
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Water Fun Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What’s the best lake for floatation devices?
Hello! I’m looking to find a lake in the area that I can sit around in my tube all day at, with an anchor like paddle boarders do. Ive been looking online for a couple of weeks at the swim beach’s in the lakes around Longmont but they all seem really small. Is it a perspective…
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Popular spots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a good picnic table or beach spot.
🧺 Pack Your Own Food
No snack bar on-site, so bring your lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Grills are available!
New to area - where to swim outside??
Hi y’all, before you go after me telling me to Google this, I wanted a local’s perspective. Plus, most of the threads on this topic are 4+ years old. With the weather warming up, I was hoping to find a spot to swim in around here, a little drive is fine. If I understand…
🐶 Dog Beach Etiquette
Keep your furry friends leashed until the designated dog beach area. Owners are respectful and areas are clean.
🛶 Watercraft Entry Discount
Bring your kayak or paddleboard to get a reduced entry fee. It's a great way to explore the reservoir.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Popular spots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a good picnic table or beach spot.
🧺 Pack Your Own Food
No snack bar on-site, so bring your lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Grills are available!
🐶 Dog Beach Etiquette
Keep your furry friends leashed until the designated dog beach area. Owners are respectful and areas are clean.
🛶 Watercraft Entry Discount
Bring your kayak or paddleboard to get a reduced entry fee. It's a great way to explore the reservoir.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You might do some walking, especially to the dog beach. Comfortable footwear is recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Union Reservoir's family-friendly swim beach with its shallow, sandy entry and the dedicated, clean dog beach. The abundance of space, picnic areas, and natural vibes are highly appreciated. However, the lack of amenities like showers and a snack bar means visitors must be self-sufficient.
"Love the vibes of this lake, like an old school campground! Paddle boards are welcome and the entry to the water is a gently sloping sandy bottom that stays shallow for at least 50 yards out. Very kid-friendly, complete with a playground! On shore, there’s ample room to spread out towels and chairs on the sandy shore, with plenty of shade from big cottonwood trees. At the far end is the dog beach, where your furry friend can run off leash into the water. There are plenty of picnic tables and even charcoal grills available near the parking lot, first come first served.
The only place where there’s room for improvement is the facilities: bathrooms are basic (no showers), and there’s no snack bar, so pack your own lunch."
Colorado Beach Bums
"We had a wonderful time at the union reservoir!! Lake days are our favorites. It was $15 to get in with our van. The swim beach had plenty of room to swim & spread out. Even with all the people everywhere we still had tons of room. We saw people kayaking & paddle boarding!! Beautiful spot!!"
Nicole Dickinson
"Great place to go, and just chill in a kayak for a while. It is very relaxing and not too busy even on the weekends. It's only $15 for a day pass with a kayak (10 if you dont have a watercraft). There are tons of fish as well. Plus, some pretty cool birds. I believe you can take any kind of boat, but I think it's wakeless, so keep that in mind"
Jake
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Union Reservoir Nature Area is located in Longmont, Colorado. It's easily accessible by car. Follow signs for the reservoir from main roads. Parking is available on-site.
Public transportation options to Union Reservoir Nature Area are limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle. Check local Longmont transit for any available routes that might get you close.
From Denver, take I-25 North to CO-66 West towards Longmont. Turn left onto County Road 1 S, then right onto County Road 26. Follow signs for Union Reservoir.
Yes, ample parking is available at Union Reservoir Nature Area, with designated areas near the swim beach, picnic spots, and dog beach. Arrive early on busy days.
Yes, you can bring your boat, but it must be wakeless. This ensures a peaceful experience for all visitors and watercraft users.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for Union Reservoir Nature Area is typically $15 per vehicle if you have a watercraft, and $10 if you do not. Fees can vary, so check the official website for current pricing.
Yes, if you bring your own kayak or paddleboard, you can get a reduced entry fee. This makes it more affordable for water sports enthusiasts.
Union Reservoir Nature Area generally opens in the morning and closes at dusk. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so it's advisable to check their official hours before your visit.
Tickets are typically purchased upon arrival at the entrance gate. There isn't usually an option for advance online ticket purchases for day use.
The dog beach is within the general admission area of Union Reservoir, so the standard entry fee applies per vehicle. There isn't a separate fee for the dog beach itself.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming at the sandy beach, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, picnicking, and relaxing. There's also a dedicated dog beach for your pets.
Yes, the swim beach at Union Reservoir has a gently sloping sandy bottom that stays shallow for a good distance, making it very kid-friendly and safe for swimming.
Absolutely! Union Reservoir is a fantastic spot for paddleboarding. The calm waters and sandy entry make it easy to launch and enjoy your time on the water.
Yes, Union Reservoir is known for its fishing opportunities. Anglers can catch various fish species. Remember to check local fishing regulations and licensing requirements.
Facilities include basic restrooms (no showers), picnic tables, charcoal grills, a playground, and a dog beach with trash cans and poop bag dispensers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there is no snack bar or restaurant on-site at Union Reservoir Nature Area. Visitors are encouraged to pack their own food and drinks.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity at Union Reservoir. There are many picnic tables available, some with shade, and charcoal grills for cooking.
Bring your own sandwiches, snacks, fruits, and plenty of water. If you plan to grill, bring charcoal and grilling utensils.
Longmont has various dining options available if you need to pick up food before or after your visit to Union Reservoir.
While there are charcoal grills provided, it's best to confirm if personal portable grills are permitted. Stick to the provided grills to be safe.
📸 📸 Photography
The sandy swim beach with its shallow entry, the dog beach with happy pups, and the cottonwood trees offer great photo opportunities. The reservoir itself provides scenic backdrops.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light, perfect for capturing warm, scenic shots of the reservoir and its surroundings.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with the park authorities or local regulations regarding drone operation before flying at Union Reservoir.
You might spot various birds, including waterfowl, and potentially other small wildlife. The dog beach is also great for candid pet photography.
Always be mindful of others' privacy. It's best to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals or groups who are not part of your party.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit