Colorado Parks & Wildlife - Park Facilities

Sign In

Park Facilities

Park Facilities

Amphitheater
Inlet Grove Amphitheatre is the place to be from May through Labor Day weekend in September for our Saturday Night Campfire Programs. It is located south of the dam, in the Inlet campground, just down the path from the South Camper Services Building.
(Updated: 6/14/2018 3:28 PM)
Archery Range
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.
(Updated: 7/23/2019 3:56 PM)
Boat Ramps
The North ramp, near Elks campground is CLOSED, - Low water
The South ramp is OPEN.
Boat Inspections are required prior to launch. Not all hazards are marked on the lake.
Boaters are reminded that boat inspections for aquatic nuisance species are mandatory at most waters in the state, including state parks and state wildlife areas. Hand-launched, non-motorized, boats such as canoes or kayaks are allowed on the water and are not subject to inspection.

(Updated: 9/13/2023 12:08 PM)
Camper Services Building
Starting September 26th -The Elks Camper Services Building is OPEN and South Camper Services Building is OPEN. The laundry facilities at each campground facility are OPEN.
Please see the Camping page for more details.
(Updated: 4/22/2023 3:37 PM)
Campgrounds
North Sterling offers 137 campsites in three campgrounds, accommodating everything from the largest motor homes to the smallest pup tent.
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.
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, the conditions page for seasonal closures, or view campsite pictures on our Facebook Page.
(Updated: 3/24/2023 1:56 PM)
Dump Station
North Sterling has two trailer dump stations for paid campsite users, one in each end of the park. The minimum camping fee will be charged for use of the dump stations by park users who are not camping. The Elks dump station is open year round.
(Updated: 7/23/2019 3:57 PM)
Entrance Station
Park passes can be purchased year-round at the South Gate or Elks Gate. If there is no gate attendant, please use self-serve pass and permit envelopes and place your payment in the drop box nearby. Both entrances also now have a credit card machine that sells daily vehicle and annual passes. Passes can also be purchased at the Visitor Center located north of the dam inside the Elks entrance next to the Marina, call 970-522-3657 for more information.
(Updated: 4/25/2019 10:46 AM)
Group Campground
We have no designated group campground; however, reservations can be made for several campsites in close proximity. Check out the campground maps for campground locations, then call 1-800-244-5613 to locate adjacent campsites.
(Updated: 1/4/2018 8:47 AM)
Group Picnic Area
Cottonwood Cove Picnic Pavilion at the Swim Beach can be reserved for up to 200 people, and offers picnic tables, electrical outlets, pedestal grills, lights, and flush restrooms, for $100 per day. (Restrooms, playground, and swim beach remain open to the public - pavilion only is reservable).
Overlook covered group picnic pavilion, near the old ski beach, can be reserved for up to 100 people, and offers a new stone fire ring, electricity & two pedestal grills, for $100 per day.
**There is a $10 deposit fee
Call (970) 522-3657 for more information or to reserve a date. Daily or Annual park passes are required.
(Updated: 5/20/2023 10:56 AM)
Marina
PJ Marina is located near the Elks entrance and is currently CLOSED for the season.
Hours:
Monday - Closed
Tuesday - Closed
Wednesday - 6a-10a
Thursday - 6a-10a
Friday - 6a-6p
Saturday - 6a-6p
Sunday - 6a-2p

During the summer gas, food, drinks, beer, ice cream, camping, boating, and fishing supplies are available for purchase.

Boat slip rentals are also available by calling (970) 466-2279, in person at the marina store and online at www.pjmarina.net.

Pontoon boats, kayaks and canoes can also be rented or chartered through North Sterling Boat Charter and Rental by calling - (970) 520-9570 or visit www.nsboatrental.com for more info and a video.

(Updated: 9/13/2023 12:09 PM)
Park Office
The Park Office/Visitor Center is located in the brick building north of the dam, just inside the Elks entrance gate. Credit cards are accepted. Parks passes, Boat and OHV registrations and fishing/hunting licenses are available. Check out the wildlife displays and Kids Corner.
(Updated: 3/8/2023 2:33 PM)
Picnic Sites
There are 38 picnic sites scattered throughout the park. Some offer pedestal grills and some have shade shelters.
(Updated: 4/21/2018 3:05 PM)
Playground
The playground is located at Cottonwood Cove Swim Beach and picnic pavilion.
(Updated: 9/14/2015 8:14 AM)
Shooting Range
The Logan County Shooting Sports Complex, sitting just off I-76 is Open to day use. For more information click the here or visit their Facebook Page.
(Updated: 1/26/2017 9:55 AM)
Showers
Showers are located in the two Camper Services Buildings, one in each end of the park. The Elks Camper Services Building and South Camper Services Building are both open for the summer season and will be closed in October for the winter season.
(Updated: 5/26/2022 1:26 PM)
Swim Beach
The Cottonwood Cove Swim Beach is CLOSED - Low Water

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: 8/27/2023 5:17 PM)
Trails
The park offers six miles of easy, multi-use trails. The newest 1/4 mile trail starts at the Balanced Rock parking area, north of the dam, with interpretive signs, benches & a viewing scope at the top deck.
Check the North Sterling brochures and park maps for more information.
(Updated: 11/4/2017 11:37 AM)
Visitor Center
Visitor Center is OPEN for the season 9am - 4:30pm, CLOSED Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Call ahead if you would like to make an appointment. For appointments and additional information call (970) 522-3657.
Located north of the dam on the west side of the Park Office, the Visitor Center offers educational displays, park information, hunting and fishing licenses, and boat or OHV registrations. Credit cards are accepted.
(Updated: 9/15/2023 11:25 AM)