Managed by Crowley County, Lake Henry sits on the eastern Colorado plains south of Swink, where the landscape runs flat and open under wide sky. There is no developed campground here in the traditional sense. Campers simply drive in on a dirt road and find a spot along the lakeshore, with no assigned sites, no vault toilet, and no fee. The last half-mile is an easy dirt road, though the setup at the lake itself is unstructured enough that it can feel more like dispersed camping than an established facility.
The lake is the draw. Water levels have varied across seasons, with at least one reviewer noting the lake ran mostly dry during a visit, while others found it full to the bank. A boat ramp is on site. Bugs are a consistent and recurring theme across reviews, with multiple campers calling them a serious factor, particularly in summer. Kelda C. stayed three days with her dogs and noted, "the lake is really pretty, it makes the bugs worth it." Weekends draw local traffic, including ATVs, trucks circling the lake, and at times, cars idling late into the night. Midweek and shoulder-season visits tend to be quieter.
Cell coverage is reliable for Verizon users at 5G, and T-Mobile and Viaero users report one to two bars. Fires are permitted, though at least one recent visitor found the fire ring full of trash and broken glass nearby. No toilet facilities were confirmed present as of recent visits. Pets are welcome and alcohol is allowed.
As peter noted on arrival, "don't let the bad smell on the way in scare you away." The odor apparently dissipates once you reach the lake. Gas is available close by, and La Junta to the south has a Love's truck stop for resupply. Campers interested in places to camp around Lake Henry have a few alternatives nearby, including Lake Meredith Camping a few miles south for those wanting a different setup.
Description
The smaller of the two sisters, Lake Henry offers campers an opportunity to play and camp at a site where the stars are actually visible to the naked eye. Normally calm waters, a stocked lake, easy access the water, and fee free camping are perfect for individuals and families who feel that vacation is more about communing with nature, visiting with friends and family, and great fun in the sun, rather than a hustled and hurried routine.
Less than three miles west of Lake Henry, in the Town of Ordway, one will find two gas stations, a handful of restaurants, a grocery store, a drug store, medical services, a water spray park and quiet and fully shaded parks. Behind the Junior High School you will find tennis courts and a baseball stadium which you are welcome to use. In addition, JR's Country Store offers garbage and sewage dumping services, free Wi-Fi, fishing and hunting licenses, along with laundry facilities.
Camping is free and based on a first come basis. Campfires are permitted in designated areas. PLEASE call the local Sheriff's department to get CURRENT FIREBAN information. 719-267-5235
Lake Henry is located between Ordway and Sugar City, just two miles north of Highway 96 on Lane 20 (see map below). This large lake is a great place to fish for catfish and bass, and has plenty of room for swimming, power boating, sailing, water-skiing and jet skis. The lake is a favorite among bird watchers, who include this lake in local birding tours. The lake offers primitive campsites, vault toilets and a boat ramp...all available for free.
Camping: Free first come first served basis. No trash service, please take home what you bring. Campfires are permitted in designated areas. Facilities: No Toilet, shower, water service or electricity. All supplies and facilities located within 3 miles. Activities: No ATV's. Boating and water vehicles welcome. Swimming, fishing, horseback.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLake Henry is located in Colorado near Swink
Coordinates
38.2508222438112 N
103.70784141572969 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/6/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/6/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/6/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/6/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Lake Henry needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 53 min from Pueblo, CO
- 1 hr 32 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 10 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 38 min from Boulder, CO
