The best camping near Sylvan Lake State Park

Adjacent to the White River National Forest, Sylvan Lake State Park is a great place for those new to the outdoors and hardcore campers alike. Accommodation options range from simple campsites without hookups to cozier yurts and cabins, and there are plenty of creature comforts (notably coin-operated showers and flush toilets) to keep things pleasant. The park’s eponymous lake is its biggest draw, with 42 surface acres for paddling, and it’s kept stocked with cutthroat and rainbow trout. Plenty of people come in the winter, primarily for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.  

• Best for anglers: as the name suggests, Fisherman's Paradise Campground offers easy access to fishing on Sylvan Lake—there’s even a boat ramp.
• Best for taking in the scenery: Many of the sites at Elk Run Campground have lovely views over the lake.

1. You can reserve a campsite or yurt through Colorado Parks and Wildlife, either online or over the phone.
2. Campsites and cabins open for reservation six months in advance. Book as early as possible if you’re after a cabin or want to come on a summer weekend.
3. If you can't find a campsite, cabin, or yurt on your preferred dates, consider booking a campsite in the surrounding White River National Forest or reserving a private Hipcamp.
4. Elk Run Campground closes from November through April, Fisherman’s Paradise and cabins are available year-round. Yurts are available from mid-May until the middle of November.

Sylvan Lake State Park is at its most popular between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when the weather is great for paddling and camping, and it can get crowded, especially on weekdays. September weekends are a great alternative if you want warm weather without the big crowds, but note that there are restrictions on where you can fish in September and October (spawning season).

• The closest place to get food, supplies, and gas is the town of Eagle, a half-hour drive away.
• There's no Wi-Fi or cell-phone coverage in the park. If you need to make a call, there are a couple of courtesy phones. If you need to get online, you'll need to drive to the outskirts of Eagle to get a signal.
• The dry dump station, flush toilets, spigots, and coin-operated showers are only available from mid-May through October, but vault toilets are available year-round.
• Paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes are available for rent in the summer months. Loaner snowshoes are available in winter.

Camping near Taylor Park Reservoir promises an idyllic setting with ample fishing and boating. Surrounded by Colorado's majestic peaks, it's a haven for nature lovers seeking lakeside tranquility and outdoor adventure.