Lake with whispy clouds

Nottingham Lake Vacation Rentals

Nottingham Lake

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Nottingham Lake
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Why Rent On Nottingham Lake

Nottingham Lake, also called Benchmark Lake, is an impoundment of Buck Creek, a tributary of the Eagle River. Built in 1980, Benchmark Dam now provides an emergency water supply to the city of Avon. The earthen dam, essentially a levee, rises along the south and west shore of Nottingham Lake helping to maintain an average depth of 10 feet and maximum depth of 15 feet. Sediment ponds located at the northeast end of the lake help to maintain water quality.

Best time to go
Visit Nottingham Lake in late summer, from mid-July to early September, when warm sunlit days invite serene kayaking and fishing amidst the vibrant hues of the changing leaves. Revel in peaceful mornings, with fewer tourists, as mist rises from the water, creating a magical ambiance.
Water Quality
Nottingham Lake in Avon, Colorado, exhibits a deep blue water color, reflecting the surrounding mountain scenery. The water clarity is transparent, with sediment ponds at the northeast end helping to maintain water quality by capturing and storing runoff water, which in turn provides water for wildlife.
Surface area (mi)
3.77
Max depth (ft)
15
Elevation (ft)
7900.26
Shoreline length (mi)
1

Popular activities

  • Kayaking
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Jet Skiing
  • Cross-country Skiing
  • Boating
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Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Nottingham Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Yes, there are designated swimming areas at Nottingham Lake. Swimming is only permitted within the designated rope and buoy area at the swim beach. This area includes a 50-meter lap swimming lane for swimmers to follow in a counterclockwise direction.

  • Nottingham Lake is a popular destination because it offers a variety of year-round activities. In the summer, it’s great for fishing, paddle-boating, and hiking, while in the winter, it’s ideal for ice skating and ice fishing. The lake is also surrounded by athletic fields, tennis and basketball courts, and the charming town of Avon with its shops and restaurants.

  • You can catch rainbow trout, brown trout, and sometimes cutthroat trout in Nottingham Lake, Colorado. The lake is stocked with these species several times a year. Other catches might include crayfish, though trout are the primary target.

  • There are no lifeguards on the beaches at Nottingham Lake. Swimmers are advised to swim at their own risk and follow designated swimming areas. The lake has well-marked swimming zones but does not provide lifeguard services.

  • Nottingham Lake is near the towns of Avon, Vail, and Beaver Creek. It is located in the heart of Avon, Colorado, and is easily accessible from Vail and Beaver Creek. The lake is a central part of Harry A. Nottingham Park in Avon.