Like most lakes in Colorado, the Great Plains Reservoirs
 water levels are lower than normal.  However, each of
the lakes does have at least one of it's boat ramps that is fully functional and the lakes are open for recreational use!  Fishing conditions are excellent! 

New Boat Ramp Open Now
 

Photo courtesy of Jeanne Sorensen

The presence of 7 lakes within Kiowa County with a combined surface water area of 23 square miles presents a wealth of opportunity for boaters, water skiers, and all water craft enthusiasts.  These 7 lakes make Kiowa County one of the most prolific areas in the state to enjoy life "on the water".

Six of the seven lakes are grouped in a cluster located just 12 miles south of Eads, the county seat of Kiowa County.  Known as the Great Plains Reservoirs, or simply "The Lakes" to local residents, these bodies of water offer the sportsman prime warm water fishing, boating,  water skiing, and ample space to enjoy any type of water craft pleasure.

The 7th large lake in Kiowa County is Adobe Creek Reservoir, more commonly known as "Blue Lake".  Blue Lake is located 15 miles south of the town of Haswell in the southwestern part of Kiowa County.

For the fisherman, wiper, saugeye, walleye, crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, bullhead, drum, and carp are abundant in the Kiowa County lake system with fish weighing 5 pounds and up being very common.  There is public access available on Blue Lake south of Haswell, and on 4 of the 6 lakes in the Great Plains Reservoir group.

Photo courtesy of Ethel Richards

NeeGronda, Neenoshe, and both the Upper and Lower Queens Lakes offer public access with boat ramps available.  There is unlimited public access at all times except during waterfowl hunting season.

Unimproved, or "dry" camping is available without charge around all lakes with public access.  Cottonwood Park, a private campground located on the north side of NeeGronda Reservoir, offers fresh water, showers, and a limited number of electrical hookups.  Cottonwood Park may be reached by calling (719) 438-5544.  The Country Manor Motel, located in Eads, also offers accommodations for visitors.  The Country Manor Motel may be reached at (719) 438-5451.

Photo courtesy of Ethel Richards

In addition to the availability of water sport fishing, Kiowa County and the lake system offers opportunity for viewing wild fowl such as least tern, piping plover, mountain plover, snowy plover, ducks, geese, and owls.   Bald and Golden Eagles inhabit the area as well as lesser sandhill cranes, which are spring and fall visitors.

Larger ground based wildlife are also frequently seen in Kiowa County.  Deer are often observed in the lakes area and antelope roam freely across vast prairies of the county, often seen mingling with herds of cattle.   The population of Kiowa County numbers approximately one person per square mile, making the area a haven for wildlife averse to large crowds of people.

The burgeoning population growth in Colorado has made it difficult to find a relaxed, uncrowded, pleasurable area to enjoy the uncluttered life of yesteryear.  Kiowa County is the answer for those folks who desire a taste of   "the way it was", and the opportunity to enjoy water based recreation and the wide open spaces like nowhere else in Colorado.