Outdoors and wildfire - Eastern Plains
A Phillips County state wildlife area is not a park
State wildlife areas in and around Phillips County are managed for hunting and fishing access and now require a license or pass to enter, unlike a public park.
Published June 10, 2026 - Last verified June 15, 2026
On the Eastern Plains, a green patch on the map labeled “state wildlife area” can look like a city park. It is not, and the difference matters before you go.
State wildlife areas, or SWAs, are managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife mainly for wildlife and for the people who hunt and fish there. They were bought largely with hunting and fishing license dollars. In recent years, Colorado changed the rules so that most visitors 16 or older entering an SWA need a valid hunting or fishing license, or a separate SWA pass. That means you cannot treat one as a free spot to picnic, walk the dog, or let kids roam.
Each SWA also carries its own posted rules: some limit camping, target shooting, dogs, or vehicles, and some close part of the year to protect wildlife. The pheasant and waterfowl habitat that makes this region good for hunting is exactly what these rules protect.
Phillips County has one of these close at hand: Frenchman Creek State Wildlife Area sits right in the county, between Holyoke and Haxtun. Before you visit it, or any SWA, check what the area allows and what pass or license you need. Get the specific rules and current access requirements from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.