Jenna Duncan // May 13, 2020
Ever wonder how Lake Dillon got its name? The Town of Dillon was originally established in 1881, where the lake currently sits. The town was relocated twice, and in 1963 a dam was constructed and Lake Dillon was created to supply the City of Denver’s water. Not only does Lake Dillon supply most of the water for Denver, it also spans across three Summit County towns and offers a day full of fun water activities! Here’s our rundown of all the activities to enjoy while spending a day on the lake. Most of these should still be accessible even during this time of COVID-19, however, we recommend visiting the marina websites for the most up to date information.
1.) Rent a Boat!
The Frisco Marina and the Dillon Marina offer boat rentals by the hour. You can choose from different sized pontoon boats or dust off those sailing skills and rent a Catalina sailboat. Cruise the lake and set sail on views of the Tenmile Range and Gore Range.
2.) Go Fishing
What is more memorable than a day on the lake fishing with friends and family? You can bring your own gear, or rent poles from the Frisco Marina and wade on the shores or opt for a guided trip on a pontoon boat. If you are looking for a guided fishing adventure, you can book your trip with Alpine Fishing Adventure.
3.) Take a Scenic Boat Tour Around the Lake
Want to enjoy the lake without renting a boat? Book a guided boat tour around the lake and kick back and relax with the beautiful Tenmile mountain range scenery. Choose from a variety of different tours including daytime or a sunset tour on a sailboat around the lake or, learn the history of this lake on a historic boat tour. You can book any of these tours at the Frisco or Dillon Marinas.
4.) Rent a Stand-Up Paddle Board / Kayak / Canoe
If you enjoy stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), kayaking or canoeing you’re going to love adventuring around Lake Dillon. There are plenty of ways to enjoy one of these activities on the lake. Rent a SUP board, kayak or canoe from the marina or try a guided trip and cruise the channels and islands on this lake. To book a guided kayak tour, see Adventure Paddle Tours.
5.) Take a Taxi Boat from the Dillon Marina to the Frisco Marina
If you are looking for a quick cheap ride on the lake, try taking a boat taxi from Dillon to Frisco. Our locals’ tip: grab a drink at the Dillon Marina and then head over to the Frisco Marina via taxi and check out the Island Grill Restaurant.
6.) Go Camping!
Of course, when you’re in the mountains camping comes to mind; not to mention, who doesn’t want to go camping and wake up to the views of the lake and the famous Tenmile mountain range? You can camp at any one of these campgrounds:
- Prospector Campground $22 – $24 / night
- Heaton Bay Campground $23 – $45 / night
- Peak One Campground $23 – $34 / night
- Pine Cove Campground $20 / night
- Windy Point Campground $202 – $250 / night
7.) Biking
One of the more popular activities to enjoy at Lake Dillon is biking. There is an 18-mile long bike path that goes around the entire lake! You may bring your bike and head for a cruise on the paved path or rent a bike in Dillon or Frisco and ride alongside the lake and surrounding mountain range.
8.) Picnic
Grab your lunch and head to the dock for some fun in the sun and sand in your toes! A picnic at Lake Dillon is a great way to spend the afternoon outside. Check out our favorite spots below:
- Dillon or Frisco Marina
- Dillon Amphitheater
- Windy Point Campground
- Prospector Campground
- Peak One Campground
- Pine Cove Campground
9.) Happy Hour
Soak in the views of this high mountain lake with a refreshing beverage in your hand. There are two restaurants at each marina that offer great menus and a full bar. Stop by the Tiki Bar at the Dillon Marina for lakefront seating, or visit the Island Grill located at the Frisco Marina for rooftop views.
There are endless activities to enjoy at Lake Dillon, so pack the sunscreen, head to mountains and meet us at the lake!
