The FAQ’s
The FAQ’s
What is the official response with regards to CPW's decision on "the first step" towards the new North Shore Marina?
We heard there is a contract extension to keep the North Shore Marina open?
Would you please provide an update on the proposed Marina Closure announced by CPW?
Colorado Parks and Wildlife will be closing the North Shore Marina at
Lake Pueblo State Park on April 1 after the current lease with The O’Neil Group ends.
Pueblo Reservoir Unified Marina, LLC and CPW have collectively decided not to pursue
further operations under a long-term concession agreement for the operation of North
Shore Marina. After an in-depth evaluation of the marina, it has been determined that it
is cost prohibitive to keep it open due the extensive repairs needed. CPW will begin
demolishing the structure on July 1, 2025.
need to move their boat from the marina by April 1. If slip renters are unable to remove
their boats by the April 1 deadline, they should contact park staff at lake.pueblo.park@state.co.us.
O’Neil Group can take on,” said Lake Pueblo State Park Manager Joe Stadterman.
“Unfortunately the enormous cost to rebuild the marina and damaged docks to ensure
the property meets the appropriate standards for public safety makes demolition of the
structure is the only viable option.”
In September 2022, CPW cut power to the marina after an independent electrician hired
to review the marina’s wiring system discovered electrical service at the North Shore
Marina at Lake Pueblo State Park was dangerously out of compliance with the National
Electrical Code, which governs electrical wiring standards nationwide.
surrendered their contract to the state. CPW invested more than $135,000 in its failing
infrastructure, including repairs to wiring to protect patrons around the marina. A key
public safety improvement was a repair to the electric wiring that allowed the operation
of a bubbler system that prevents ice from forming in the marina and allows boats to
remain docked all winter. The O’Neil Group also performed emergency repairs to
marina sewage pumps and its anchor system.
that a formal, long-term contract could be negotiated and signed.
state-owned infrastructure at North Shore Marina while we explored whether building a
new marina was an option,” said Kevin O’Neil, owner of the The O’Neil Group. “After
two years of planning and a million dollars spent on plans for a new marina, it is
heartbreaking to see North Shore Marina close. I have enjoyed coming to the lake for
over 50 years and North Shore Marina has been our landing platform,” O’Neil said.
“When decades-old assets are being renovated, environmental concerns can be
exposed. Environmental risks – things like sunken boats, motors, steel cables, concrete
blocks and the unknown of other hazards 100 feet below the surface – made the project
unaffordable. We would like to thank Colorado Parks and Wildlife for attempting to save
the marina.”
The O'Neil Group Letter to Slip Renters (3/12/25)
03/12/2025
Dear North Shore Marina Patrons,
It is with a heavy heart and great disappointment that we send this letter. NSM negotiations with CPW for a long-term concession contract have concluded. Unfortunately, the negotiations have failed to produce contract terms that are acceptable to both CPW and NSM Ownership. As a result, at the end of the current short-term contract on March 31st, the marina will close, and CPW will demolish the existing docks and structures later this summer.
By March 31, CPW requires all patrons’ boats and personal belongings to be removed from the marina. After March 31, the marina will be closed to public access. For patrons facing logistical challenges in removing their boats by the March 31 deadline, CPW has provided an email address for contacting them to discuss these issues. lake.pueblo.park@state.co.us.
For any patrons who have paid for slip rent, pontoon boat rentals, or overnight slips in advance, we will work diligently to return those funds as quickly as possible.
NSM will provide information as openly as possible and address any questions that may arise to the best of our ability.
To the patrons who were here before the current ownership took over and endured without electricity, and to those who joined us after we assumed control, we extend our heartfelt gratitude: “Thank You!” Without the amazing community of patrons and staff at NSM, extending the life of the marina over the past two seasons would not have been possible.
On behalf of the NSM staff, we have thoroughly enjoyed serving you. We have loved being a part of your boating experience at the North Shore Marina, and we deeply regret that we can no longer continue serving you.
Respectfully,
The North Shore Marina Management
Dan Allen, General Manager
Kelli O’Neil, Operations Manager
Can you provide information for Moorage and Slips for the 2026 Season?
Answer: The total number of slips is about 528, give or take a couple. Some slips have been modified to have wider docks and less water space, so they throw off the numbers slightly.
Slips are not being classified as seasonal or annual this year because none of them have power. We have offered annual contracts to those who want to have their boats in the water before April 1. All others have been given seasonal contracts. This method makes sense for this season and probably until power is restored to the slips.
As of April 15, 2026 we have slips available to include jet ski docks.
We are also holding back about 15 slips for day/weekend boaters and have already received requests to rent those slips for some holiday weekends. Check with us on availability by calling: 719.547.3880 or manager@nsmpueblo.com
When will the Gate code change during 2026?
Answer: The gate code is updated monthly. If you are a registered slip renter you will receive notices monthly for the new code. We ask that you do not share the code with non-slip renters please for security.
Is the Marina store open for 2026?
Answer: Yes. Check hours via text, email and/or on Facebook. And, we have hired an experienced manager with retail experience! Wait until you meet her! We are so privileged to have her on the team.
Can you explain why some of us rent the same size slip but have different rental fees?
Answer: Please use this link with our current rental rates. https://northshoremarina.co/moorage-and-slips/
It also has our qualifiers for what makes a slip rate what it is. Our slip rents are mainly based on boat size and whether they are seasonal or annual renters. However, some slips are not the standard size and are priced based on the size of the slip. This mainly applies to Super Single and Super Double Slips. Hopefully, this helps explain our approach to rates.
Again, email: manager@nsmpueblo.com for questions.
Any alternatives for power since we won’t have dock electricity?
Answer: We have noticed a number of boaters using solar to generate power. For example, on the 400 docks check out La Bella Vita. This houseboat, owned by Linda and Chuck Adams is now powered and off the grid thanks to solar energy.
“We are capable of running all of our low to moderate load appliances without a generator (that’s everything excluding air conditioner, electric water heater, and space heaters),” Chuck said. “We can now run everything as we did before, including television, microwave, and coffee maker. We stayed over a few weekends and ran everything as normal, without needing to run the generator. I have access to my boat cameras right now via the internet!”
Chuck is happy to offer recommendations that support five different scenarios:
- Solar power to keep the batteries charged, which does not include the capability to run any electric This option will keep the batteries charged while the boat is unattended.
- Solar electric power for occasional use on weekends, including short-term use of appliances such as coffee makers, microwaves, and televisions. This does not include the capability of leaving the electric power on full-time.
- Full-time electric power for one low powered appliance, typically Internet. This provides the ability to keep a desired low powered appliance on 24×7. This is the ideal solution for keeping internet access available so that cameras can continue to be accessed and monitored remotely.
- Full-time electric power for weekend use. This is the ability to turn the solar electric power on at the start of the weekend and turn the power off at the end of the weekend and allow the batteries to recharge during the week while the boat is not in use.
- Full-time uninterrupted solar electric power for all small and mid-sized appliances. This option allows electric power to be available to the boat full time, round the clock, including while the boat is not in use. This allows access to internet-connected appliances such as security cameras. This is the system we (Chuck and Linda) are building for our boat, which is presently at 600 watts of solar panels and will soon be expanded to 2400 watts of solar panels. Our (Chuck and Linda’s) system is currently functional and operational, but still needs additional panels installed to complete.
Email: charles.walter.adams@gmail.com
Also, Lee Batty, of Pikes Peak Traveland sells solar power units and batteries according to his December 9 post on the North Shore Marina Facebook Page. 719.900.4800.
By chance, do you happen to have the different widths of the slips for reference?
Answer: The typical width of most single slips is 10’, and typically double slips are 20’ wide. In the past, the docks have been modified in a few places where fingers are wider and encroach on the width of a slip, or there are some larger slips due to the way the docks were built. These odd-sized slips are not typical. We have attached the Rate sheet also for information.
Is it possible for slip renters to receive text messages from Marina management?
Answer: Yes. It is one of the new amenities we are offering to slip renters. Please make sure we have your cell phone number. We will include you in our messaging. Type STOP to opt out. The text message will come from 719-665-1050. You might not receive our texts due to several reasons:
- Phone numbers can not receive messages
- The recipient has blocked text messages
- Lack of space on the phone to receive any more text messages
- The message is dropped as the phone is moving or not close to a cell tower.
To add your cell phone number to our list please email: manager@nsmpueblo.com
Does the North Shore Marina have an Instagram account?
Answer: Yes. @nsmpubleo. It is entirely visual for some of you who might not be familiar with this social media platform. Photos. Videos. A marina is an ideal place to use this platform, don’t you think? Please like our account and share your photos and videos relating to marina activities only. Post only your best photos!
What is the status of the boatyard?
Answer: It is available. We have worked very hard to get the yard cleaned up and useful for storing boats, trailers, and jet skis from this point on. More information via manager@nsmpueblo.com. As you know from our fee chart, there is a charge for storage.
Now that our account is on Dockwa for 2026. Can you provide us with answers to these questions?
- Will we get a monthly invoice via email from Dockwa, and if so, what date should it arrive?
Answer: Dockwa will send a reminder that payment is due on the first of the month.
- When we signed up with Dockwa, we only had one option for payment. May we stop that, and if so, what is the process?
Answer: We can change that setting from the management side. Please reach out to manager@nsmpueblo.com or message us through Dockwa to change that to manual pay. We can also change the payment method to allow other forms of payment besides credit cards.
- Can we mail a check, for example for slip rental instead of using Dockwa?
Answer: Yes. For those slip renters wanting to mail checks, please use this address: North Shore Marina, ATTN: Accounting, PO Box 1385, Colorado Springs, CO 80901
When will after-hour security guards return for Season 2026?
Answer: No timetable has been set. However, we have installed dock lighting and overhead lighting throughout the marina.
Do you have a map of the marina slips?
Answer: Use this link to access. https://northshoremarina.co/moorage-and-slips/
Does the North Shore Marina have a website for information?
Answer: Yes. So, please bookmark the URL and watch for updates. https://northshoremarina.co.
What are the types and gas prices at the marina?
Answer: Prices vary due to fluctuations in the worldwide market. Call the Marina store for the current price and grades of fuel.
Will I need a Colorado State Park pass to access the marina?
Answer: Yes. You can purchase a day pass; however, most seasonal and annual slip renters buy the year-long pass with unlimited access. It is our understanding that with a Colorado vehicle registration in 2025 for $29 you will be able to get the Colorado Wild Pass. Check out this site to find out which park pass is right for you. Click here: https://cpw.state.co.us/buyapply/Pages/ParksPassInfo.aspx
Am I required by the state of Colorado to register my boat?
Answer: Yes. Any boat with a motor or sail operated in Colorado on any public waters must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
- Colorado residents are required to register their boats with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and must provide acceptable proof of ownership.
- Non-residents: Vessels from other states may be operated in Colorado for up to 60 days with current registration from the owner’s state. Learn more here: https://cpw.state.co.us/buyapply/Pages/BoatingRegistrations.aspx
Can you offer portable generator safety tips?
Answer: Portable generators on boats moored in the marina are not authrized.
The O’Neil Group (OGC) is the new vendor as of Winter 2022. Founder Kevin O’Neil is a native of Southern Colorado. “I grew up boating and camping with my family. It was a wonderful experience, and I believe it helped shape who I am. Boating is a dedicated hobby and lifestyle that brings family and friends together.”
OGC is deploying a phased approach to marina operations by stabilizing the marina, prioritizing safety, and preserving the marina vessels over the winter months. Currently, OGC is transitioning the marina to a state of safety, operational readiness, construction, and revitalization.
OGC plans to negotiate a long-term Marina contract with the State of Colorado.
Learn more: https://ogcos.com
Address:
1 N Marina Rd.
Pueblo West, CO. 81007
Marina Store Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Friday: 8 AM – 8 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM – 8 PM
Sunday: 7:30 AM – 6 PM
*Winter hours will begin in October.