The best camping near North Sterling State Park

Situated right on the 3,000-acre North Sterling Reservoir, this state park is popular with boaters, swimmers, and anglers, especially during the summer high season. There’s also plenty to do on land, with an archery range, a shooting range, a playground, and loads of picnic sites plus a swim beach and six miles of multi-use trails. The park also offers 141 campsites spread across three campgrounds, one of which has electric sites and a dump station all year long, plus two seasonal camper services buildings with coin-operated pay showers.

• Best for winter camping: Elks Campground offers developed sites with hookups 365 days a year plus a dump station.
• Best for swimming: Chimney View Campground is connected to the park’s swimming beach via a trail.
• Best for hikers: Inlet Grove Campground has direct access to four of the park's hiking trails.

1. You can book campsites over the phone or by using the Colorado Parks and Wildlife online reservation system.
2. Campsites open for reservation 120 days in advance and can be reserved up to three days before your stay.
3. Unreserved campsites are available for same-day use on a first-come, first-served basis, but must be occupied immediately. You must be present to make a booking and cannot hold campsites for friends or other campers.
4. If you are struggling to find a reservation, there are plenty of Hipcamps worth considering in the area, many of which are right on the South Platte River.

North Sterling is at its busiest in the summer months, and May through September is considered high season here. July and August temperatures are particularly ideal for water sports, and swimming. Early autumn mornings are ideal for birdwatching, when migrating hawks and eagles are most active in the area. Elks campground is available for winter camping, and ice fishing is a popular winter activity when it gets cold enough to be an option.

• PJ Marina, right by the Elks entrance to the park, sells gas, food, and supplies in summer.
• Kayaks, canoes, and pontoons are available for rent through North Sterling Boat Charter and Rental.
• The nearest city for picking up supplies and groceries is Sterling, a 20-minute drive south.
• Provided they remain on six-foot-long or shorter leashes, dogs are welcome everywhere except for in buildings and on the swimming beach.
• Campers are required to pay for both campsite reservations and separate daily or annual parking passes.
• Site 15 in Elks Campground is wheelchair accessible and has a grill pedestal in lieu of a fire pit.