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!
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.
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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?
🚗 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??
🐶 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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with dogs, the dedicated dog beach offers a unique opportunity for furry family members to join in the fun. The clean, off-leash environment is a hit with canine companions. With picnic tables and grills available, it's easy to plan a full day of outdoor enjoyment for everyone.
🐶 Dog Owners
Owners report that the dog community here is friendly and respectful. You'll find picnic tables in the dog beach area, so you can relax with your pup. Just be aware that the walk from parking to the dog beach can be a bit of a trek for older dogs, but most agree it's worth it for the joy their pets experience.
🛶 Kayakers & Paddleboarders
While there are no rentals available, the reservoir offers a good amount of space to explore. You can enjoy the scenery, observe local birdlife, and get a good workout. It's a great alternative to busier, more crowded lakes for water sports enthusiasts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Water Activities at Union Reservoir
For those who love to fish, Union Reservoir offers good opportunities. Anglers can cast their lines hoping to catch various species. It's always a good idea to be aware of and comply with local fishing regulations and licensing requirements. The combination of swimming, paddling, and fishing makes Union Reservoir a versatile spot for a day of aquatic fun.
The Dog-Friendly Experience
Beyond the designated beach, the overall atmosphere at Union Reservoir is welcoming to dogs. Owners are generally respectful, and the dogs encountered are typically friendly, contributing to a positive social environment for pets and their humans. Picnic tables are also available in the dog beach area, allowing families to relax and enjoy a meal with their canine companions.
Picnicking and Amenities
While the natural beauty and recreational opportunities are abundant, it's worth noting the facilities are basic. The restrooms are functional but do not offer showers. Crucially, there is no snack bar or food vendor on the premises. Therefore, visitors must come prepared with all their food and beverages for the day. This self-sufficiency is part of the charm for many, evoking an 'old-school campground' vibe.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit