Choosing a Colorado lake for a paddleboarding or kayaking outing often comes down to more than scenery. Your group’s experience, available time, preferred pace, and interest in additional water sports can make Nottingham Lake in Avon or Lake Dillon in Summit County the better fit.
Nottingham Lake vs Lake Dillon is a choice between calm, convenient recreation in a town park and a larger alpine-lake experience with more room, variety, and advanced options. Nottingham is usually the easier choice for beginners, families, and short visits. While Dillon suits experienced paddlers and visitors looking for longer adventures or activities such as outrigger canoeing and wingfoiling.
Both locations offer quality equipment and approachable ways to get on the water, including kayaking, the highest-volume rental category across the business. The setting and practical logistics shape the experience, so start by comparing how each lake fits into your Colorado itinerary.
Location and Setting: Nottingham Lake vs Lake Dillon
The biggest difference between these two paddling destinations is the setting around the water. Nottingham Lake is a compact, protected lake in the center of Avon, while Lake Dillon is a broad alpine reservoir with a marina base and expansive mountain views. Both are convenient choices in the Vail Valley and Summit County, but they create very different outings.
| Factor | Nottingham Lake | Lake Dillon |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small and easy to take in during a short paddle | 3,300 acres with 26 miles of shoreline to explore |
| Setting | Inside Nottingham Park in Avon town center | A large mountain reservoir surrounded by Summit County scenery |
| Elevation | Town-center lake in the Vail Valley | Approximately 9,000 feet above sea level |
| Access | Walkable from many Vail Valley hotels and condos | Operations are based at Dillon Marina, 150 Marina Drive |
| Overall vibe | Calm, accessible, and family-friendly | Open, scenic, and suited to longer alpine adventures |
Nottingham Lake: an easy town-park outing
Nottingham Lake works well when convenience is part of the plan. Its location in Nottingham Park puts paddling close to Avon’s lodging, restaurants, and other town amenities. The smaller scale and protected setting make it easier to orient yourself on the water. Especially if you are introducing children or first-time paddlers to stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. A visit can fit neatly into a morning, afternoon, or short break between other Vail Valley activities. Read the Nottingham Lake first-timers guide for more context on planning a beginner-friendly visit.
Lake Dillon: a high-alpine reservoir experience
Lake Dillon feels much larger and more open. With 3,300 acres of water and 26 miles of shoreline at roughly 9,000 feet. It offers a sense of scale that suits visitors looking for a longer or more varied outing. Dillon Marina provides the operating base at 150 Marina Drive, making it the practical starting point for rentals and water-based experiences. The reservoir setting also gives the day a more distinctly alpine character, with room for changing conditions and broad mountain vistas rather than a compact park atmosphere.
Choose Nottingham Lake when you want walkable access, calm water, and a focused family outing. Choose Lake Dillon when you want a larger setting, marina access, and the feel of a full mountain-lake adventure. You can book Nottingham Lake in Avon or book at Lake Dillon based on the setting that best fits your group.
Paddle Sports and Water Activities at Each Lake
The biggest difference in Nottingham Lake vs Lake Dillon is the range of ways to get on the water. Both locations offer dependable kayak rentals, and kayaks are the highest-volume rental category. Nottingham keeps the experience simple and approachable, while Dillon gives visitors more time, equipment choices, and specialized activities.
Nottingham Lake: easy rentals for short outings
Nottingham Lake is a practical choice for families, first-time paddlers, and visitors fitting a water activity into a busy Vail Valley day. The protected lake offers one-hour express rentals, so you can try an activity without committing to a half-day excursion.
- Stand-up paddleboard: $35 per hour
- Single kayak: $35 per hour
- Tandem kayak: $50 per hour
- Pedal boat: $35 per hour
A single kayak works well for solo exploration, while a tandem kayak or pedal boat can make the outing easier for families and pairs. If you are new to SUP, review this first-timer’s guide to Nottingham Lake paddle boarding before you arrive. For standard rentals, book directly through the Nottingham Lake location page.
Lake Dillon: longer rentals and specialized activities
Lake Dillon offers a broader menu for visitors who want a longer outing or a more advanced challenge. Standard SUP rentals cost $60 for two hours, while performance SUP rentals cost $80 for two hours. Kayak pricing is $60 for a single kayak or $75 for a tandem kayak, each for two hours.
Dillon also supports activities you will not find at Nottingham Lake. An outrigger canoe rental costs $120 for two hours, and an outrigger canoe tour costs $75 per person for one hour. Paddlers interested in ongoing training or community sessions can try the Dillon Outrigger Canoe Club for a $20 drop-in. The location also supports wingfoiling operations for visitors pursuing wind-powered water sports and instruction.
That variety makes Dillon a stronger fit for experienced paddlers, specialty enthusiasts, or groups with different interests. Explore the best time for paddle boarding on Lake Dillon, then reserve the activity that matches your goals through the Lake Dillon booking page.
Weather, Water Conditions, and Best Times to Go
Season dates and daily weather make a meaningful difference when comparing these two Colorado lakes. Nottingham Lake is generally the easier choice for relaxed paddling, while Lake Dillon rewards visitors who plan around alpine conditions.
Nottingham Lake: a longer window of calm, protected water
Nottingham Lake’s protected setting helps keep conditions calmer and more predictable for families, first-time paddlers, and visitors who want a shorter outing. The operating season runs from May 23 through September 6. Morning and midday are comfortable choices for most guests, especially when you want time in the park before afternoon activities elsewhere in the Vail Valley.
Because the lake is sheltered, it can be a good fit when your group includes children or paddlers who are still building confidence. Conditions can still change, so check the day’s weather before setting out and follow staff guidance on the water.
Lake Dillon: high elevation, cold water, and afternoon wind
Lake Dillon sits at approximately 9,000 feet, and visitors arriving from lower elevations should allow time to adjust to the altitude. The reservoir’s water remains cold, with wetsuits typically needed through June. Plan conservatively if you are not accustomed to cold-water paddling, and avoid treating a warm air temperature as proof that the water is comfortable.
The Lake Dillon season runs from May 24 through September 2. Earlier in the day is usually the better window for beginners because afternoon winds can make paddling more demanding. Those winds are also part of what makes the reservoir a destination for wingfoiling and other wind-oriented activities. Fast-moving storms can bring sharp changes in wind and waves, so check the forecast before launching and be prepared to return to shore if conditions deteriorate. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office has documented storm conditions producing 20- to 30-mph winds, stronger gusts, and 2- to 4-foot waves on Dillon Reservoir: review the local safety report.
For a closer look at seasonal planning, read this guide to the best time to paddle board on Lake Dillon. In practical terms, choose Nottingham for sheltered water and flexible family timing. Choose Dillon for an early alpine paddle or wind-focused adventure when the forecast and your experience level align.
Which Lake Is Right for Your Group?
The best lake depends less on choosing the “better” destination and more on matching the setting to your group’s experience, schedule, and interests. Both locations offer kayak rentals, the company’s highest-volume rental category, along with options for getting out on the water together. The difference is the kind of day each lake makes possible.
Choose Nottingham Lake for families and first-time paddlers
Nottingham Lake is the easier choice for families with children, first-time paddlers, and visitors who want a straightforward water activity without committing to a full-day outing. The lake sits in Nottingham Park in the center of Avon, with protected water and a family-friendly setting. If you’re staying at a hotel or condominium in the Vail Valley, the location may be walkable. Which can make it especially convenient when your group is working around meals, naps, or other vacation plans.
It also suits tourists with a limited window of free time. Nottingham offers one-hour express rentals, so your group can fit a kayak or paddle outing into a busy itinerary. Single and tandem kayaks are available, and the shorter rental period gives beginners a manageable introduction to being on the water. For a first family paddle, the calm, accessible setting can be more important than having a wide range of advanced activities.
Choose Lake Dillon for longer adventures and more variety
Lake Dillon is a stronger fit for experienced paddlers, larger groups planning a longer adventure, and anyone who wants more than a basic rental. Its alpine setting provides room for a broader day on the water, with kayak and paddleboard options alongside distinctive activities such as outrigger canoeing and wingfoiling. Groups interested in the Dillon Outrigger Canoe Club or in learning about wingfoiling should plan around Dillon rather than Nottingham.
The tradeoff is access. Lake Dillon requires a short drive from Summit County communities, while Nottingham Lake is centrally located in Avon. That extra drive can be worthwhile when your group wants varied activities, more time on the water. Or a destination built around the paddle experience rather than a quick vacation stop. As with any mountain outing, keep the group’s comfort, experience, and current conditions in mind when choosing equipment and timing.
Choose Nottingham Lake if your group includes children or beginners, you’re staying near Vail or Avon, or you have only an hour or two available. Choose Lake Dillon if your group has experienced paddlers, wants a longer outing, or is interested in outrigger canoeing, wingfoiling, and a wider mix of water activities. When you’re ready, book Nottingham Lake rentals or book Lake Dillon rentals at the location that fits your plans.
How to Choose Between Nottingham Lake and Lake Dillon
The best choice depends on how much time you have, who is coming, and what kind of water experience you want. Use this quick decision grid to match your plans with the right setting.
- Choose Nottingham Lake if you have limited time. Nottingham’s one-hour express rentals are a practical fit for a short break between other Vail Valley activities. The lake is in Avon town center. So it is especially convenient if you are staying nearby and do not want to build your entire day around a paddling excursion.
- Choose Nottingham Lake if you are new to paddling. Its calm, protected water gives beginners a more approachable place to learn the basics. Families can also appreciate the straightforward park setting and shorter rental commitment. Read the first-timer’s guide to Nottingham Lake before you go.
- Choose Nottingham Lake if price is the deciding factor. SUP and single-kayak rentals start at $35 per hour, the lowest price point of the two locations. Tandem kayaks are also available for $50 per hour, giving pairs a simple way to get on the water.
- Choose Lake Dillon for a longer adventure. Dillon is better suited to outings of two hours or more, when you want time to explore rather than squeeze in a quick rental. Its larger alpine setting supports a broader range of paddling experiences and gives groups more room to plan a substantial day outside.
- Choose Lake Dillon if you are an experienced paddler. The reservoir can offer more varied conditions and a more demanding outing, particularly when afternoon winds build. That makes it a stronger match for visitors who already feel comfortable managing their craft and reading changing water conditions.
- Choose Lake Dillon for specialized water sports. Wingfoiling and outrigger canoeing are distinctive reasons to select Dillon. The location also supports larger groups and visitors who want something beyond a standard SUP or kayak rental.
- Choose Lake Dillon for the scenic alpine setting. If expansive mountain scenery is central to your Colorado experience, Dillon delivers a more open reservoir backdrop than a town-center lake. Browse these mountain paddle boarding spots across Vail and Summit County alongside the location details before booking.
Clear decision: Book Nottingham Lake for a calm, convenient, beginner- and family-friendly outing in the Vail Valley. Book Lake Dillon for a longer, more varied adventure, especially if you are experienced, traveling with a larger group, or interested in wingfoiling or outrigger canoeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lake is better for paddleboarding, Nottingham Lake or Lake Dillon?
Nottingham Lake is usually the better choice for beginners, families, and visitors who want calm, protected water in a convenient park setting. Lake Dillon is a stronger fit for experienced paddlers seeking a larger alpine setting, longer outings, or additional water sports. Afternoon wind can make Dillon more challenging for new paddlers.
Can you go kayaking at both Nottingham Lake and Lake Dillon?
Yes. Both locations offer kayak rentals, including single and tandem options. Nottingham Lake is well suited to a shorter outing, with one-hour rentals available, while Lake Dillon offers two-hour rentals that work well for a longer paddle. Kayaks are also the most popular rental category at both locations.
What activities are available at Nottingham Lake in Avon?
Nottingham Lake offers stand-up paddleboards, single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and pedal boats. Its small, calm setting in Nottingham Park makes it practical for families, beginners, and travelers staying near Vail Valley hotels or condos. One-hour rentals are available, with prices starting at $35 per hour.
What makes Lake Dillon different for water sports?
Lake Dillon provides more room for extended paddles and a broader mix of activities. Including stand-up paddleboards, single and tandem kayaks, outrigger canoe experiences, wingfoiling, and Outrigger Canoe Club opportunities. The lake covers about 3,300 acres, so conditions and distances can feel more expansive than at a town-center lake.
What should I consider before choosing between the two lakes?
Consider your experience, available time, and preferred conditions. Choose Nottingham Lake for a simple, family-friendly session on calm water. Choose Lake Dillon for a longer adventure, varied activities, or a more open mountain-lake experience. Check current conditions before launching, especially if you are new to paddling or visiting early in the season.
Ready to book your Colorado paddle adventure?
Choosing the right lake can make it easier to match your time, experience level, and group’s preferred pace. When you’ve decided, book Nottingham Lake in Avon for calm, family-friendly water in the Vail Valley, or book Lake Dillon for a longer alpine adventure with more activities. If you still have questions about the locations or rentals, call 970-453-7873 before booking.