Summer Vacation Location Suggestion (Denver, Loveland: rental, storage, recreation)

[donaldsc]

I am looking for suggestions for a location in Colorado where I can find a place to rent for a summer vacation. We are a 3 generation famiily with 2 grandparents, 2 kids and spouses and 2 grandkids aged 2 and 6.

Want a place on a lake which has lake (not pool) swimming suitable for the grandkids, outdoor activities, boating. We are not into fishing.

We have already done Maine, Door County, Cape Cod, and Oregon and are looking for a place which is closer to my daughter who lives in Denver.

DON

[jazzlover]

Unless you go to one of Colorado's lower altitude lakes or reservoirs, most are too cold for swimming, even in the height of summer. Some of the reservoirs can be OK, but they are not built for recreation--they are built for municipal and agricultural water storage. They can be plumb full in June, and 3/4's empty by September--depending on melting snowpack, streamflows, and water demand. It ain't Minnesota.

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by donaldsc

I am looking for suggestions for a location in Colorado where I can find a place to rent for a summer vacation. We are a 3 generation famiily with 2 grandparents, 2 kids and spouses and 2 grandkids aged 2 and 6.

Want a place on a lake which has lake (not pool) swimming suitable for the grandkids, outdoor activities, boating. We are not into fishing.

We have already done Maine, Door County, Cape Cod, and Oregon and are looking for a place which is closer to my daughter who lives in Denver.

DON

There really aren't a lot of lakes in CO, but there is an old thread in the CO forum about the lakes we do have, with lots of info. Use the Search tool with keywords like lake or fishing to find the discussions of our bodies of water.

[DgoNative]

Why not check out Vallecito Lake or McPhee Res. There's Navajo Reservoir, but I don't think there are any cabins on that lake... I may be wrong though. Then there's Electra Lake if you're willing to shell out a lot of cash for a cabin there. These are all near Durango, CO.

[Katiana]

There is also Carter Lake and Horsetooth Res. near Loveland/Ft. Collins. The water in these resevoirs is cold even in summer.

[donaldsc]

Originally Posted by donaldsc

I am looking for suggestions for a location in Colorado where I can find a place to rent for a summer vacation. We are a 3 generation famiily with 2 grandparents, 2 kids and spouses and 2 grandkids aged 2 and 6.

Want a place on a lake which has lake (not pool) swimming suitable for the grandkids, outdoor activities, boating. We are not into fishing.

We have already done Maine, Door County, Cape Cod, and Oregon and are looking for a place which is closer to my daughter who lives in Denver.

DON

Someone I know suggested Lake Dillon. Is that a viable idea?

DON

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by donaldsc

Someone I know suggested Lake Dillon. Is that a viable idea?

DON

Not for swimming. Boating, yes.

[suzco]

Originally Posted by donaldsc

Someone I know suggested Lake Dillon. Is that a viable idea?
DON

No. Swimming is prohibited. http://www.denverwater.org/recreation/dillon.html

Dillon Reservoir is the largest water storage facility in the Denver Water system. . . Note: Water contact sports such as swimming, water skiing, wading, and scuba diving are prohibited.

[jazzlover]

Originally Posted by suzco

No. Swimming is prohibited. http://www.denverwater.org/recreation/dillon.html

No swimming--the reservoir (that's what it is) is located at over 9,000 feet elevation--the water temperature probably doesn't get above the 50's, and there is no guarantee that it will be full. If Denver needs the water, it gets drawn down.

[Flyin Ties]

rented a cabin near Vallecito Lake in August. Beautiful area. Only rented for a few nights but likely some monthly/ summer rentals.