Lake Dillon and Frisco Marina

Lake Dillon, Colorado: A High-Alpine Lake Experience

Nestled in the heart of Summit County, Lake Dillon is one of Colorado’s most scenic and accessible mountain lakes. Surrounded by towering peaks and charming mountain towns, Lake Dillon offers four seasons of outdoor recreation, breathtaking views, and relaxed alpine vibes just minutes from downtown Frisco.

Stretching across more than 3,000 acres at over 9,000 feet in elevation, Lake Dillon is a favorite destination for boating, paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, and lakeside relaxation. Whether you’re visiting in summer for water activities or winter for snow-capped scenery, the lake is a must-see highlight of any Frisco getaway.

Things to Do at Lake Dillon

Lake Dillon offers something for everyone, from laid-back sightseeing to full-day outdoor adventures.

Popular activities include:

• Sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding
• Lake Dillon Water Taxi
• Pontoon boat rentals and guided sailing experiences
• Lakeside biking and walking paths with panoramic views
• Fishing for trout and kokanee salmon
• Picnicking and wildlife viewing

Thanks to its size and location, Lake Dillon feels expansive and peaceful while still being close to restaurants, shops, and lodging.

Frisco Marina on Lake Dillon

Located on the northern shore of Lake Dillon, Frisco Marina is one of the most popular access points to the lake. Just minutes from Main Street Frisco, the marina serves as a hub for water recreation and family-friendly fun.

At Frisco Marina, visitors can enjoy:

• Boat, kayak, and paddleboard rentals
• Guided sailing lessons and tours
• Easy access to shoreline trails and beaches
• Stunning views of surrounding mountain ranges

The marina’s convenient location makes it easy to combine a morning on the water with an afternoon exploring downtown Frisco.

Why Lake Dillon Is Perfect for a Frisco Stay

Staying in Frisco places you right at the center of Lake Dillon’s best access points. Unlike more remote lake destinations, Lake Dillon allows you to enjoy outdoor recreation without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Frisco offers:

• Walkable access to dining, breweries, and shops
• Central location near multiple Summit County towns
• Easy transportation around the lake
• A relaxed mountain-town atmosphere

Lake Dillon’s calm waters and open views make it ideal for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.

Stay Near Lake Dillon at Frisco Inn on Galena

For lodging near Lake Dillon and Frisco Marina, Frisco Inn on Galena provides a cozy, welcoming home base in the heart of town. Our location allows guests to spend their days enjoying the lake and return to comfortable accommodations just minutes away.

Whether you’re planning a summer lake vacation, a fall foliage escape, or a scenic mountain retreat, staying near Lake Dillon in Frisco puts Colorado’s natural beauty right outside your door.

Frisco Bay Marina

Frisco Bay Marina is a certified clean marina located on the shores of scenic Dillon Reservoir in the heart of Summit County, Colorado. The lake spans 3,300 acres and boasts 25 miles of shoreline surrounded by majestic peaks. At 9,017 feet in elevation, the boating season is very weather dependent but typically runs from early June to early or mid-September. Dillon Reservoir is in a world class for sailing and regattas are held regularly. The Frisco Bay Marina offers

• A full-service marina
• Lake-side beach
• Slips, moorings, racks, and dry storage options
• Old Town and Necky canoe and kayak dealership
• A full retail store for all your outdoor needs
• Evinrude/Johnson outboard motor service dealership
• Canoe and kayak rentals
• Paddle sports
• Powerboat rentals
• Sailboat lessons, rentals, tours and paddleboats rentals
• Stand up paddle board rentals
• Fishing pole rentals
• Lake Dillon Water Taxi
• Bar & Grill
• Marina Park with kids’ playground (Perfect for picnics!)
• Fiberglass and boat repair
• Sail repair

Completed in December 1963, Dillon Reservoir is the largest water storage facility in the Denver Water system. The entire town of Dillon, Colorado, and a hydroelectric plant were relocated to build the dam. The dam was built to divert water from the Blue River Basin through the Harold D. Roberts Tunnel under the Continental Divide into the South Platte River Basin. Dillon Dam is an earth-fill dam, 5,888 feet long by 231 feet above the Blue River stream bed. Dillon Reservoir’s surface area of 3,233 acres and 26.8 miles of shoreline support many recreational activities.

Boating includes boat fishing, sail boating and motorboating. Boaters must observe Summit County and Colorado Boating Statues and Regulations. Marinas are operated from the towns of Dillon and Frisco. The reservoir’s high-water elevation is 9,017 feet. Dillon Marina’s boat ramp is unusable for most motorized craft when the water is at elevation 8971 feet. Frisco Bay Marina’s boat ramp is unusable for most motorized craft when the water is at elevation 9,009 feet. Most current water elevation at Dillon.  

Canoeing is permitted. Other portable watercrafts allowed include kayaks, canvas boats, and inflatables. Rowing is also permitted. The Frisco Rowing Center, located at the Frisco Bay Marina, provides an opportunity for the public to learn more about rowing. Personal watercraft, including Jet Skis, are not permitted on Dillon Reservoir.

Both lake and stream fishing are available. Below the dam, the state designated the Blue River as Gold Medal waters. See the Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s fishery survey summary for the Blue River below Dillon Reservoir. Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for special regulations above the reservoir.

Ice fishing when conditions permit. Denver Water does not monitor ice conditions and those entering onto the ice should be aware of changing ice conditions and proceed at their own risk.

Dillon’s 344 campsites accommodate tents, pickup campers, RVs and trailers. All campgrounds have a drinking water supply. Camping is allowed in designated sites only. Most campgrounds are provided by U.S. Forest Service. Reservation number: 1-877-444-6777.

The recreation area provides a variety of hiking and bicycle trails, including more than seven paved miles of the 50-mile Summit County trail system. The Sapphire Point trail follows a half-mile path to the scenic overlook. The Old Dillon Reservoir trail connects to the lake which supplied the drinking water for the old town of Dillon.

Several overlooks are available around Dillon reservoir to view the dramatic backdrop of the Gore, Williams Fork and Ten Mile Mountain Ranges. See area map.

Waterfowl hunting is allowed in the Dillon Reservoir Recreation Area boundaries strictly in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

The Frisco Nordic Ski area provides a cross-country ski trail system and ski rentals.

Fishing boats, sailboats, kayaks and canoes can be rented at the area shops. Sailboat tours originate from the Dillon Marina. Canoe tours, rental canoes and fishing boats also launch at the Frisco Bay Marina.