Colorado Parks & Wildlife - Park Activities

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Park Activities

Park Activities

Backcountry camping
Backcountry camping is available on the surrounding Forest Service land and the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness area.
(Updated: 10/11/2018 9:52 AM)
Biking
Mountain biking is available on Steamboat Lake's 7+ miles of established trail. There are additional opportunities on nearby Routt National Forest. Routt County Road 129 is paved and popular for road biking as well.
(Updated: 5/1/2018 3:03 PM)
Birding
Steamboat Lake is very fortunate to be a nesting ground for several pairs of Sandhill Cranes every Spring. We also often have Nesting Bald Eagles and Osprey. Please follow proper wildlife viewing ettiquette to avoid disturbing wildlife. The lake is home to a wide variety of waterfowl and many small migrants use the park as a summer home.
Stop by the Visitor Center for a bird list and more information.
(Updated: 5/1/2018 3:11 PM)
Boating
Late Summer Boat Ramp and ANS Inspection Hours (starting 8/14):

Monday - Wednesday: 8am - 4pm
Thursday: 8am - 8pm
Friday - Sunday: 7am -8pm
If an inspector is not at the ramp during regular inspection hours, please call the Visitor Center: (970)879-3922
The ramp will be gated and locked outside of inspection hours. It is illegal to launch or go around the gate to get on or off the water after it is closed. VIOLATORS WILL BE CITED!
Starting October 1:
The marina boat ramp will be open 8am-4pm daily. Staff will not be stationed at the ramp and you must call our office to have an inspector meet you. (970) 879-3922
- The inspector will conduct the inspection and open the ramp to let you on the water.
- When you are ready to leave, call the office on your way in and the inspector will come down and let you off the water.
- Please note, if you are not camping or have not rented a slip you cannot leave your boat on the water overnight.
- All trailered, motorized and sail powered vessels must be inspected prior to launching. Any violators going around locked gates or otherwise launching without inspection will be cited.
The 1,053-acre reservoir provides a variety of water-based activities. Some coves and inlets are restricted to wakeless boating and are indicated by buoys. A large portion of the lake is zoned for wake boating, water-skiers and jet-skiers to enjoy. The lake opens for boating from May 1st through November 1st annually, depending on icing conditions. Please do NOT drink and boat!

Registrations and ANS stamps for motor and wind-powered vessels can be purchased at the Visitor Center.
Please observe all boating laws and regulations.
Also, please see the Boating page for information about mandatory Aquatic Nuisance Species Inspections for all trailer-launched vessels and any vessel with a motor or sail.
Boat rentals are available through the Steamboat Lake Marina.
(Updated: 9/25/2023 12:22 PM)
Cabins and Yurts
For information and reservations for the cabins owned by Steamboat lake Marina, please call Steamboat Lake Marina at (970) 879-7019 or visit their website.
(Updated: 4/21/2023 12:43 PM)
Camping
ALERT: The park has implemented the NO SHOW policy for camping. If you do not show up within 24 hours of your scheduled check in time, and you do not notify the park that you will be arriving late, your site may be resold and may not be available when you arrive. Any nights passed are non-refundable.
Summer camping facilities include 188 campsites, some along the shore, some in the trees. Sites 181 to 200 are walk-in/ tent sites. NO ROOF TOP TENTS ALLOWED. All sites are by RESERVATION ONLY from Memorial Day Weekend to September 30th.
Amenities vary based on site; check out the camping information page and the park map.
Winter camping facilities include twelve electrical hookups in the marina parking lot. Winter sites are all first come, first serve.
Reservations may be made 6 months in advance, with the first reservable date of the season being the Friday before Memorial Day and a last reservable date of September 30th. After those dates we are open for first come, first serve camping until winter conditions close down the main campgrounds.
Campers can stay up to 14 days at Steamboat Lake during a 28 day period.
CAMPING PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE THE REQUIRED PARK PASS!
For pricing information please visit the Park fee page.
Ten camper cabins are available. These are owned by the Steamboat Lake Marina. Please call the Marina at (970) 879-7019 for more information and reservations.
Pets - on a leash and under control - are welcome.
The water hydrants in the Bridge Island walk-in sites will be unavailable for use due to maintenance issues. Available hydrants include: The fill station at the Dutch Hill Campground, the hydrants by sites 166 and 173 in Bridge Island.

Trash and recycling receptacles are available at the campground entrances. Check out Project Greenify, a local Girl Scout project, inspiring people to conserve resources through recycling and proper waste disposal!
Please help us take care of our amenities and do not dump or flush sanitary wipes, diapers or any other foreign material in vault toilets, flushable toilets and the dump station. These items cause costly repairs to our waste water system and leads to the dump station and Camper Services Building to be closed.
(Updated: 8/20/2023 11:15 AM)
Cross-country Skiing
The groomed trails at Steamboat Lake provide a refreshing outdoor activity with great scenery. With approximately 7 miles of groomed non-motorized trails, there is ample opportunity to pick a route that best suites you.
3 feet of snow and a solid base are needed before a trail can be set.

Pets - on a leash and under control - are welcome.
Check out the Winter Activities page for more information.
Winter trails are usually set up in late December (depending on snow depths), and last until early to mid April. Feel free to call our office for current trail conditions and check out our Facebook or Instagram accounts for grooming updates.
(Updated: 12/17/2022 11:40 AM)
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome! Please clean up after them and keep them on a leash (6ft or shorter) and under control at all times.
(Updated: 5/1/2018 3:15 PM)
Education Programs
We schedule regular programs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Programs and events are posted on the Steamboat Lake Facebook page, Steamboat Pilot, park homepage as well as the CPW Event Calendar. If you have a group coming up and are interested in attending a program, please contact the park office at (970) 879-3922.
(Updated: 6/1/2019 11:28 AM)
Fishing
Steamboat Lake offers excellent opportunities for bait, lure and fly fishing. In winter, ice fishing is available. The bag limit is four trout daily with a possession limit of eight trout total.
Check the CPW Fishing Conditions page for more information. Fishing licenses can be purchased at Steamboat Lake State Park Visitor Center.

For updated ice fishing conditions, please feel free to call our office or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
(Updated: 1/6/2023 2:48 PM)
Geocaching
We have several geocaches in the park! Here are the Coordinates for one of them: N 40° 48.748 W 106° 57.658. Use the www.geocaching.com to find some or stop by the Visitor Center.
(Updated: 10/11/2018 10:34 AM)
Hiking
We have three trails in the park:
- The outstanding Tombstone Nature Trail, a 1.1 mile loop below the Visitor Center, is a self-guided trail that educates hikers on nature and history of the area.
- The Willow Creek Trail connects the Marina and Sage Flats and provides a nice view along the lake.
- The Poverty Bar trail connects to the Willow Creek Trail via Forest Service 409 and provides information about the history of mining in the area.
Check out the available park maps for additional trail information.
Pets - on a leash and under control - are welcome.
(Updated: 6/24/2023 1:11 PM)
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is allowed in undeveloped areas of the park around the southeast corner of the lake. Guided rides available from Steamboat Lake Outpost at (970) 879-4404
(Updated: 12/7/2021 1:37 PM)
Hunting
Properly licensed hunters are welcome during all legal seasons beginning the Tuesday after Labor Day and continuing through the Friday prior to Memorial Day. You MUST SIGN IN on the board in front of the visitor center prior to hunting on the park.
- It is prohibited to discharge firearms, and/or other weapons within 100 yards of any designated campground, picnic area, boat ramp, swimming or water skiing beach, or nature trail and study area.
- All other hunting statutes/regulations apply (see hunting brochure).
Contact the Visitor Center for more information at (970) 879-3922.
(Updated: 12/7/2021 1:43 PM)
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is available during the winter months. Ice conditions can vary, so please use caution. Before going out onto a frozen lake, pond or river, it's important to take safety precautions to reduce the risk of falling through the ice. Knowing how to judge ice conditions will also help you make more informed decisions while enjoying winter activities.
Visit the Ice Safety page for more information on ice safety, conditions and what to do if you fall through the ice.
For updated ice fishing conditions, please feel free to call our office or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
(Updated: 1/6/2023 2:49 PM)
Jet Skiing
Late Summer Boat Ramp and ANS Inspection Hours (starting 8/14):

Monday - Wednesday: 8am - 4pm
Thursday: 8am - 8pm
Friday - Sunday: 7am -8pm

If an inspector is not at the ramp during regular inspection hours, please call the Visitor Center: (970)879-3922
The ramp will be gated and locked outside of inspection hours. It is illegal to launch or go around the gate to get on or off the water after it is closed. VIOLATORS WILL BE CITED!

Starting October 1:
The marina boat ramp will be open 8am-4pm daily. Staff will not be stationed at the ramp and you must call our office to have an inspector meet you. (970) 879-3922
The inspector will conduct the inspection and open the ramp to let you on the water.
When you are ready to leave, call the office on your way in and the inspector will come down and let you off the water.
Please note, if you are not camping or have not rented a slip you cannot leave your boat on the water overnight.
All trailered, motorized and sail powered vessels must be inspected prior to launching. Any violators going around locked gates or otherwise launching without inspection will be cited.
Approximately half of the lake is open to wake speed boating, including jet-skis. Please remember to wear your PFD as well as having other safety gear accessible and functional.
(Updated: 9/25/2023 12:26 PM)
OHV Riding
OHV's are not allowed to operate in park; however, there are hundreds of miles of excellent trails on forest service land immediately surrounding the park. OHV registrations and Forest Service Maps and Motor Vehicle Use Maps are available at the Visitor Center.
(Updated: 5/1/2018 3:23 PM)
Paddle Boarding
Over a thousand acres of gorgeous waters beckon both beginners and SUP enthusiasts! Rent paddle boards on site from our Marina as availability permits. See the Steamboat Lake Marina website or reach them at (970) 879-7019. Remember to make safety a priority: there must be one PFD on board for each individual, and children under age 13 must wear a PFD at all times. Pay attention to weather, especially winds.
For more information and how- on stand up paddle boarding, visit our paddle boarding pages.

(Updated: 7/3/2023 10:19 AM)
Photography
With foggy mornings in the winter, a diverse array of wildflowers and wildlife, blue skies, plenty of brilliant Aspen trees in the fall and breathtaking sunsets year-round, our valley is one of the most scenic in Colorado. Photographs of our park have been used in numerous major publications. Look up some examples on Instagram and Facebook #steamboatlake or #steamboatlakestatepark
(Updated: 5/1/2018 3:24 PM)
Picnicking
Picnic tables offering either grills or fire rings are available at the Placer Cove day-use area, Tombstone Nature Trailhead, Sage Flats day-use area and the Dutch Hill Marina area. Check out the park map for location information.
Pets - on a leash and under control - are welcome.
(Updated: 5/1/2018 3:25 PM)
Sailboarding
Late Summer Boat Ramp and ANS Inspection Hours (starting 8/14):

Monday - Wednesday: 8am - 4pm
Thursday: 8am - 8pm
Friday - Sunday: 7am -8pm

If an inspector is not at the ramp during regular inspection hours, please call the Visitor Center: (970)879-3922
The ramp will be gated and locked outside of inspection hours. It is illegal to launch or go around the gate to get on or off the water after it is closed. VIOLATORS WILL BE CITED!

Starting October 1:
The marina boat ramp will be open 8am-4pm daily. Staff will not be stationed at the ramp and you must call our office to have an inspector meet you. (970) 879-3922
The inspector will conduct the inspection and open the ramp to let you on the water.
When you are ready to leave, call the office on your way in and the inspector will come down and let you off the water.
Please note, if you are not camping or have not rented a slip you cannot leave your boat on the water overnight.
All trailered, motorized and sail powered vessels must be inspected prior to launching. Any violators going around locked gates or otherwise launching without inspection will be cited.
Afternoons are generally more windy. The lake, especially before 10, is calmer in the morning.
(Updated: 9/25/2023 12:23 PM)
Snowmobiling
The park has about 12 miles of groomed multiuse trail that is designated by orange snow poles. The park is a gateway to 146 miles of groomed trail in the Routt National Forest! The multiuse area of the park is also available for off-trail riding, as are the hundreds of thousands of acres of surrounding National Forest.
Grooming depends on weather conditions.
Please respect designated non-motorized areas. These areas on the park are marked with blue snow poles. Please also be mindful of private property, there is a lot of private property surrounding the park and it is your responsibility as a snowmobiler to know where you are.
Snowmobile trailer parking is available at the Marina parking lot only.
All snowmobiles need to have current registration. Registrations are available for purchase online at CPWshop.com or at our Visitor Center.
Check out the winter recreation brochure for more information.
(Updated: 12/7/2021 2:45 PM)
Snowshoeing
Enjoy beautiful views of snow-covered mountains on a marked trail that winds through a forest of aspen and lodgepole pine. Check out the Winter Recreation information page.
Pets - on a leash and under control - are welcome.
(Updated: 5/1/2018 3:27 PM)
Swimming
With water temperatures in the low 70s in late summer, hardy souls can enjoy the swim area at Dutch Hill.
Colorado State Park swim beaches do not have lifeguards on duty. Swim at your own risk. Children must be supervised by adults at all times!
Due to the danger of motorboat traffic and because water quality testing is done only at the swim beach, swimming is not allowed in other areas.
Pets are not allowed at the swim beach, and may be tied up to our posts just outside the boundary.

(Updated: 5/30/2023 12:15 PM)
Water Skiing
Late Summer Boat Ramp and ANS Inspection Hours (starting 8/14):

Monday - Wednesday: 8am - 4pm
Thursday: 8am - 8pm
Friday - Sunday: 7am -8pm

If an inspector is not at the ramp during regular inspection hours, please call the Visitor Center: (970)879-3922
The ramp will be gated and locked outside of inspection hours. It is illegal to launch or go around the gate to get on or off the water after it is closed. VIOLATORS WILL BE CITED!

Starting October 1:
The marina boat ramp will be open 8am-4pm daily. Staff will not be stationed at the ramp and you must call our office to have an inspector meet you. (970) 879-3922
The inspector will conduct the inspection and open the ramp to let you on the water.
When you are ready to leave, call the office on your way in and the inspector will come down and let you off the water.
Please note, if you are not camping or have not rented a slip you cannot leave your boat on the water overnight.
All trailered, motorized and sail powered vessels must be inspected prior to launching. Any violators going around locked gates or otherwise launching without inspection will be cited.
Approximately one half of the lake is available for wake speed boating. Please make sure your boat has a dedicated observer with an orange flag in addition to the operator.

Boat rentals are available through the Steamboat Lake Marina.
(Updated: 9/25/2023 12:25 PM)
Winter Activities
Snowmobiling, cross country skiing, ice fishing, and snowshoeing are all available during the winter season. Please contact the Visitor Center at (970) 879-3922 for more information.
(Updated: 12/16/2020 11:27 AM)
Winter Camping
Twelve electrical hookups are available in the Marina parking lot for self- contained units. These sites are $28.00/night. You also need a day pass or an annual Colorado State Park pass on your vehicle.

(Updated: 10/8/2022 1:10 PM)