A boat lover’s paradise that features spectacular stargazing and excellent water recreation.
The Setting
North Sterling State Park is located in the northeast corner of Colorado, just 16 miles north of Interstate 76 at Sterling. The park features a 3,000 acre reservoir, which is perfect for all kinds of water recreation and outdoor activities. The reservoir also makes for excellent warm-water fishing conditions where anglers can catch walleye, crappie, perch, bass, bluegill, trout, catfish, tiger-muskie, wiper and northern pike. In addition to the fishing opportunities at the reservoir, North Sterling State Park’s natural environment creates relatively flat, natural surface trails which extend over six miles, offering the perfect space to take a quiet stroll or picnic near the water’s edge.
The park’s landscape includes a combination of native short grass prairie, rehabilitated farmland and wetland and riparian communities. Situated on the South Platte Terrace of the western Great Plains, the park sits at an elevation of 4,060 feet and is home to several different species of wildlife, including prairie dog, ferruginous hawk, burrowing owl and prairie rattlesnakes.
There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy water recreation, trails and wildlife viewing at North Sterling State Park, but there are also interesting geologic formations for visitors to examine while they hike or bike along the trails. The Balanced Rock trail begins on the north end of the dam and showcases interpretive signs on jawbone fossil and the Balanced Rock formation.
The Facility
North Sterling State Park has three campgrounds for visitors to choose from. The Elks campground features 50 developed campsites with electrical hook-ups and a camper services building that offers coin-operated showers, flush restrooms and laundry facilities. RV’s trailers and tents can all be accommodated at this campground. The park has two dump stations available for camper use.
The Inlet Grove and Chimney View campgrounds are located on the south side of the reservoir. Inlet Grove campground has 46 campsites that offer electrical hook-ups. Chimney View campground has 43 campsites, but does not offer electrical hook-ups. These two campgrounds are located side by side and share a camper services building with showers, flush restrooms and laundry facilities. Chimney View campground is also located closest to the Cottonwood Cove swim beach and playground area.
Campers can enjoy excellent warm water fishing, guided bird walks (in season) and 38 picnic areas scattered throughout the park. Picnic tables with shade shelters are available at the Balanced Rock area while tables with grills can be found at the South Boat ramp, Cottonwood Cove, and Sunset Cove areas.
Other Information
- Be sure to purchase boat fuel and fishing licenses before arriving at the park as these services are not available at the park.
- Do a little research on star constellations, or bring your own star maps before you head to the park to enjoy the park’s exceptionally dark skies.
- Stop by the Visitor Center and look at educational displays and browse in the bookstore which has some great gifts, souvenirs and interesting information on the park.
- Inlet Grove Amphitheatre is the place to be from May through Labor Day weekend in September for our Saturday Night Campfire Programs.
Address:
North Sterling State Park
24005 Co RD 33.0
Sterling, CO 80751
Learn more about this park and book your reservation online 
See other Spotlights |
