Colorado Parks & Wildlife - Park Activities

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Park Activities

Park Activities

Bald eagle in tree

Archery
Archery Range is open sunrise to sunset daily. 11 stations with 18 targets including three sight-in targets at 20, 30, and 40 yards that are also ADA accessible. Located east of balanced rock, just north of the outlet canal. No special fees, only a valid Colorado State Parks Pass is required. Children 16 and under must be supervised by an adult. Field tips or target tips only, NO BROADHEADS ALLOWED. NO CROSSBOWS ALLOWED!
(Updated: 3/9/2024 11:11 AM)
Biking
The 3.5-mile South Shoreline Trail is recommended for a quiet prairie trail ride along the reservoir's shoreline, but dress for the weather! All of North Sterling's trails are for non-motorized access only.
(Updated: 8/9/2019 12:51 PM)
Birding
Birds such as herons, turkey vultures, and pelicans have returned to the park. Predatory birds such as hawks, falcons, and eagles are also congregating around the park and can easily be found on telephone poles and fence posts. Geese and ducks continue to come to the park.

Download a complete Bird Species List or pick one up at the Visitor Center. Let us know if you would like to join a guided bird walk at (970) 522-3657, or volunteer to become a Raptor Monitor throughout the fall and winter!
(Updated: 11/4/2017 11:43 AM)
Boating
North Sterling Reservoir is currently OPEN to boating, ELKS boat ramp is OPEN 8-4pm, SOUTH RAMP is CLOSED
Before boating, check that your vessel has all of the required safety items on board. Big B's Beer and Bait, LLC is CLOSED for the season please call (970) 520-6908 or email bigbsbeerandbait@gmail.com for 2024 slip rental info. Pontoon rental and charters are CLOSED for the season but are handled by North Sterling Boat Charter and Rental by calling (970) 520-9570 or visit www.nsboatrental.com for more info and a video.
Please use caution when boating and recreating on North Sterling Reservoir. Recent algae tests have shown the presence of a potentially toxic algae, Aphanizomenon. As a precaution it is suggested avoid contact with algae, do not drink the water, keep kids and pets out of the water, and if exposed to shower immediately. Fishing and boating are permitted.

(Updated: 4/28/2024 2:09 PM)
Camping
North Sterling offers 137 campsites in three campgrounds, accommodating everything from the largest motor homes to the smallest pup tent. All sites have 50amp electric.
All sites have a picnic table, shade shelter & campfire ring.
Checkout time is noon and check in time is 1 PM
Camping reservations are required. Go to cpwshop.com or call (800) 244-5613 check availability and reserve.
Reservations can be made the day you plan to arrive at the park or up to six months in advance.
Please see the North Sterling camping page for more details, or view campsite pictures on our Facebook Page.
(Updated: 3/24/2023 2:15 PM)
Dog-friendly
Pets are welcome at North Sterling. Pets need to be on a leash 6 feet in length or less and under control at all times. You must pick up after your pet, and it is discouraged to leave your pet unattended. The only areas that pets are NOT permitted are on the swim beach and inside the Camper Services Buildings. See the Family Activities page for more pet-friendly ideas.
(Updated: 3/31/2024 9:48 AM)
Education Programs
Education programs for school classes, clubs, and other interested groups may be scheduled with our park staff both off-site and on-site by calling (970) 522-3657. We will return voice mail messages.
Summer evening campfire programs are presented May through September on some Saturday nights.
Check out wildlife displays, information and brochures in the Visitor Center north of the dam.
Check the CPW Calendar for more events.
(Updated: 6/14/2018 3:19 PM)
Equipment Rental
The Visitor Center at North Sterling State Park offers several free equipment-borrowing programs, including life jackets of all sizes, family activity backpacks with binoculars and field guides, a handheld GPS unit for geocaching and other activities, and laminated nature activities and park-specific field guides for beginners.
Pontoon, kayak, canoe rentals and charters are available through North Sterling Boat Charter and Rental, located at the marina or by calling (970) 520-9570 or emailing at nsboatrental@gmail.com
See the Visitor Center page or call us for details!
(Updated: 4/25/2019 10:34 AM)
Fishing
Best known for the excellent wiper, walleye, and catfish in the reservoir, North Sterling is also home to rainbow trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, crappie, northern pike, drum, channel catfish, and carp. Current fish survey summaries can be found here.
(Updated: 4/21/2018 2:41 PM)
Group Camping
Sorry we have no "group camping" area, but please call 1-800-244-5613 to reserve several campsites adjacent to each other. Park phone # is (970) 522-3657. We will return voice mail messages.
(Updated: 4/21/2018 2:41 PM)
Group Picnicking
Two picnic pavilions are available for groups. Ski Beach Overlook Pavillion, South of the Spillway, can be reserved for up to 100 people. Please call (970) 522-3657. Cottonwood Cove Picnic Pavilion at the swim beach, south of the dam, is also reservable. A playground is also nearby.
(Updated: 4/21/2018 2:41 PM)
Hiking
Point-to-point, the South Trail is a natural surface trail extending over 3.5 miles from the Inlet Canal southwest along the shoreline to a trailhead on County Road 29. There are several other shorter trails on the park that are natural surface as well.
Dogs are required to be on a maximum six foot leash.
(Updated: 3/31/2024 9:51 AM)
Horseback Riding
Horses are allowed along the South Shoreline trail, south of the Inlet Canal and footbridge. Park at the East Trailhead parking lot, just south of the Inlet on CR-33. Sorry, we do not have a stable or horses for rent.
(Updated: 4/20/2024 2:25 PM)
Hunting
The park is open to hunting starting the Tuesday after Labor Day between the Inlet Canal and the West Trailhead. After Nov. 1st the rest of the hunting area opens along the shoreline from the inlet canal up to the South Ramp Parking Lot, and from the pass shoot areas.
Hunting is not allowed from Parking Lots, the frozen surface of the lake, the Dam, across the lake, from roadways, North of the South Ramp, South Boat Ramp Parking lot, or shoreline around the Parking Lot (except the Pass Shoot area East of the Dam).
Park Passes are Required year round.
See the Hunting page under Park Activities for more information on designated hunting areas and suggestions.
Hunting is permitted during legal seasons for small game, waterfowl, and archery deer, using shotgun and archery methods in designated hunting areas only, NO RIFLES. NO TURKEY HUNTING on the park.
(Updated: 12/6/2017 8:04 AM)
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is among the many activities available to the winter recreation enthusiast as park conditions permit. It is important to take Safety precautions before going out onto a frozen lake, pond or river, to reduce the risk of falling through the ice. Park Passes are required year round.
(Updated: 11/3/2017 7:51 AM)
Jet Skiing
North Sterling Reservoir is currently OPEN to boating.
Elks Ramp OPEN 8-4PM
South Ramp CLOSED
See you next season!!
(Updated: 3/11/2024 8:36 AM)
Paddle Boarding
North Sterling Reservoir offers the perfect paddle boarding opportunity! Stand up and paddle the reservoir's 3,000 acres to enjoy stunning views, bird watching, and a full-body workout.
Remember to keep one life jacket on board per person, as well as a sound-producing device (like a whistle). Be watchful of the weather, especially strong winds. For more information and how-to's on stand up paddle boarding, visit our paddle boarding pages.
(Updated: 9/12/2020 7:50 PM)
Picnicking
There are 38 picnic sites throughout the park. Picnic tables with shade shelters are available at the Archery Range and Sunset Cove areas, while tables with grills can be found at the South Boat Ramp, Swimbeach, Cottonwood Cove, Ski Beach Overlook, and Sunset Cove areas.
(Updated: 4/21/2018 2:44 PM)
Sailboarding
Well, we always have wind - are you up for it?
(Updated: 10/28/2018 4:31 PM)
Swimming
The Cottonwood Cove Swim Beach is CLOSED, due to low water levels. The Swimbeach Pavilion is OPEN and playground is OPEN. Located at the south end of the park, the swim beach area provides flush restrooms, a large public picnic pavilion and a playground. It’s a great place for family fun!
Pets are NOT PERMITTED on the swim beach.
Note: Please use caution; there are no lifeguards. Please use caution when boating and recreating on North Sterling Reservoir.

(Updated: 3/31/2024 9:38 AM)
Water Skiing
North Sterling Reservoir is currently OPEN to boating.
Elks Ramp OPEN 8-4PM
South Ramp CLOSED

Please use caution when boating and recreating on North Sterling Reservoir. Recent algae tests have shown the presence of a potentially toxic algae, Aphanizomenon. As a precaution it is suggested avoid contact with algae, do not drink the water, keep kids and pets out of the water, and if exposed to shower immediately. Fishing and boating are permitted.
(Updated: 3/11/2024 8:38 AM)
Winter Activities
We offer winter camping in Elks Campground, open year round north of the dam. Hunting takes place south of the dam. Why not hike along any part of our six mile trail system? Photography, stargazing, wildlife observation and birding are great fun. Browse in the Visitor Center north of dam. Depending on conditions, ice fishing may also be available at your own risk, use caution. Park Passes are required year round.
(Updated: 1/29/2018 8:07 AM)
Winter Camping
Elks Campground north of the dam with 50 electric sites is open year-round.
Vault restrooms are available year-round throughout the park.
A trailer dump station is located at Elks Campground.
Camping reservations are required.
Reservations can be made the day you plan to arrive at the park or up to six months in advance. Reservations can be made on-line at CPWSHOP.COM or by calling 1-800-244-5613.
Please see the North Sterling camping page for more details, or view campsite pictures on our Facebook Page.
(Updated: 5/20/2023 10:38 AM)