Explore Lyons
LaVern M. Johnson Park
Camp beside North St. Vrain Creek, hit the playground, cool off at the splash pad, tube or kayak through the whitewater park, enjoy a picnic, explore the trails, or come back for outdoor ice skating in winter.
600 Park Drive, Lyons, CO 80540
At A Glance
WHAT DO THE PARK CODES MEAN?
Fred Says
“LaVern M. Johnson Park has one of those settings that makes you stop and look around before you do anything else.
With rugged cliffs rising above the park and North St. Vrain Creek flowing along the bottom, the scenery is a big part of the adventure.
Add the playgrounds, splash pad, picnic areas, walking paths and plenty of room to explore, and you’ve got a park that feels unmistakably Colorado.
Find a spot by the creek, look up at those cliffs and stay awhile.”
Things To Do
Playground
Let The Kids Explore. The park has playground areas where kids can climb, slide, play, and burn off some energy surrounded by the cliffs and creek.
Splash Pad
Cool Off On A Hot Day. The splash pad gives kids another way to enjoy the park and cool down during the warmer months.
River Tubing
Float The St. Vrain. North St. Vrain Creek flows through the park, making tubing one of Lyons’ signature warm-weather activities.
Whitewater Park
Ride The Rapids. River features attract kayakers, tubers, and other river users looking for a little more adventure.
Walking & Trails
Take In The Scenery. Walk the park and enjoy North St. Vrain Creek, sandstone cliffs, grassy areas, and mountain-town scenery.
Picnics
Stay For Lunch. Picnic tables and reservable shelters make this a great place for a family lunch or relaxing afternoon by the creek.
Field Sports
Bring A Ball. Open grassy areas provide space for casual games, field sports, and room to spread out and play.
Camping
Make A Night Of It. RV and tent camping let visitors stay right beside the creek and sandstone cliffs.
Ice Skating
Come Back In Winter. When conditions cooperate, seasonal outdoor ice skating adds another kind of Front Range adventure.
Park Amenities
Playgrounds Two playground areas with climbing and play features 
Splash Pad
Stream Play Feature
River Access Access to North St. Vrain Creek 
Whitewater Park Kayaking and tubing features along North St. Vrain Creek 
Multi-Use Trails
Pedestrian Bridge
Multi-Use Field
Sand Volleyball
Cornhole
Picnic Areas
Picnic Shelters Three reservable shelters / pavilions 
Camping RV and tent camping available 
RV Sites 16 sites with full hookups 
Tent Sites 17 tent campsites 
Restrooms Flush restrooms available 
Potable Water
Ice Skating Seasonal outdoor rink when conditions allow 
Parking Paid parking enforced daily 
Leashed Dogs Leash required; dogs are not allowed on playgrounds or athletic fields 
Best Times to Visit
Fred’s Footprint Rating
Beautiful sandstone cliffs, North St. Vrain Creek, playgrounds, splash pad, river access, camping, picnic areas, and plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors make LaVern M. Johnson Park one of the most distinctive parks around Lyons.
Good For
Dogs Welcome? Yes — dogs must be leashed. Dogs are not allowed on playgrounds or athletic fields 
Water Available? Bring drinking water and a bowl for your pup — don’t count on North St. Vrain Creek as a drinking-water source 
Shade? Some — picnic shelters provide shade, but open lawn and river areas can be sunny 
Waste Stations? Not confirmed — bring your own bags. Pet owners are required to clean up after their dogs Zero’s Paw Rating
“Oh boy — there are smells everywhere! Trees, grass, picnic leftovers, other dogs, campers, and that North St. Vrain Creek running right through the park give my nose plenty to investigate. There’s cool creek water nearby on a warm day, too. Keep me leashed, bring my water bowl and waste bags, and give me plenty of time to sniff around. This place is a dog’s kind of adventure!”
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