Bear Creek Lake Park: What To Know Before You Go

LAKEWOOD, CO — Record crowds are expected at Bear Creek Lake Park this 4th of July weekend, parks officials said.

"Similar to last year, if the park reaches capacity on the Fourth of July, no reentry will be allowed, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early, have the $10 daily entry fee payment ready or have purchased an annual pass," said Drew Sprafke, open space parks supervisor.

"Last year the park reached capacity and the entrance was closed by 11 a.m."

More than 6,000 people visited the park, at 15600 W. Morrison Rd, over the 4th of July weekend in 2020, parks officials said.

What to know:

• The park gates open at 6 a.m. during the summer. Typical wait times to enter the park are around 10 minutes or more on a weekend day.
• If the park reaches capacity, the entrance will be closed, possibly for the rest of the day.
• Parking is not allowed on Morrison Road outside the park. Violators will be subject to a citation by the extra police patrols working the holiday weekend, parks officials said.
• There is no lifeguard on duty.
• Pool-type play toys are allowed within wading depth of the lake shoreline.
• Personal charcoal grills, glass and any alcohol other than beer are prohibited.
• Boat ramps are closed to any boat requiring an A.N.S. inspection.
• Each person aboard any watercraft — including paddleboards — must have a properly fitting life jacket on board, and any children under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket at all times.

Visitors can swim at the beach each day, through Labor Day, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Other recreational activities that are allowed on the lake:

• Water skiing and wakeboarding
• Paddleboarding
• Paddleboating
• Canoeing
• Kayaking
• Sailing

For those looking to avoid the beach crowds, Lakewood offers three outdoor pools, a spray park and splash pad — more information can be found here.

>> Learn more about planning a Bear Creek Lake Park visit here.