Steamboat Lake State Park
State Park in Clark, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Visitor Center/Office: Sunday - Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday - Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $12-$17
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
61105 RCR 129
Clark, CO 80428
United States
Steamboat Lake State Park
State Park in Clark, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Visitor Center/Office: Sunday - Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday - Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $12-$17
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
61105 RCR 129
Clark, CO 80428
United States
Routt County Stage 1 Fire Restrictions -
Find out what is banned vs what is allowed from the Routt County website.
Boats on the lake with a view of the mountains
Park Highlight
Explore Steamboat Lake
The park's main attraction is the 1,053-surface-acre lake that rests in valley surrounded by mountains and views of the Continental Divide. A full-service marina and swim beach provide amenities for active water play. The lake is very rarely crowded, and is ideally zoned to be well suited for everything from waterskiing to trolling.
Lake Facilities
Facilities
Northwest (Marina) Boat Ramp
The boat ramp and Steamboat Lake Marina are located on the northwest corner of the lake and accessed from County Road 62.
Boat ramp hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Boat inspections are required for all motorized and/or trailered watercraft. See the inspection hours, location and more information under the Mandatory Boat Inspections for aquatic nuisance species section below.
NOTE: The Placer Cove Boat Ramp will not be open this year.
The Placer Cove boat ramp is located on the northwest side of the lake, near Placer Cove Day Use Area, accessible from County Road 129.
Dock, cabin and boat rentals, fuel, snacks, camping supplies and firewood are available at the marina. The marina is located on the northwest side of the lake.
Campers can leave their boats along the shore near their campsite or rent dock space from the marina. A boat trailer storage area, located west of the marina, is available for visitors staying at the park. Visit the marina website or call them at 970-879-7019.
The swim area is in the Dutch Hill Campground by the marina parking . The swim beach is located in the Placer Cove Day Use Area and is tested regularly throughout the summer for water quality. 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.
Colorado Water is Cold Water
Colorado waters are classified as "cold water" (anything under 70 degrees) for most of the year. Swimming in cold water risks cold water shock, which can lead to drowning even for strong, experienced swimmers. An unexpected fall into cold water can cause an involuntary gasp reflex (which can cause you to breathe in water). Cold water shock can also cause rapid heart rate and hyperventilation (excessive breathing). If you experience cold water shock, quickly regain control of your breathing and get into the HELP position (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) by crossing your arms across your chest and pulling your knees up to your chest, as if hugging yourself, to retain body heat.
Deadly Combos
Alcohol and Water
Alcohol use is the leading factor in recreational boating deaths. The intense sunlight and heat you experience when boating can amplify the effects of beer, wine and hard liquor. Your balance, vision, alertness, reaction time and coordination can change more intensely than you’re used to. One drink on the water is equivalent to three drinks on land.
Alcohol can also increase the dangers of cold water immersion.
Wind and Water
Weather can change very quickly in Colorado. Most summer storms arise in the afternoon, and they can come in fast and furiously, generally from the west.
Be mindful of the clouds and wind. Don't wait until the weather is on top of you before seeking safety. Wind is the main cause of paddlers falling in the water. Once in the water, the wind can blow your craft away from you, and if the waves become intense, it becomes difficult to swim.
Remember that after you get out of the water, wind chill can cause you to lose heat very quickly.
Life Jackets and Water
The majority of water-related fatalities happen when people are swimming in cold water or paddleboarding or kayaking while not wearing a life jacket. Colorado law requires that all water vessels have appropriately sized life jackets readily accessible for every person on board.
Weight and Water
Don't go over the maximum capacity or weight on boats, kayaks or stand up paddleboards. They can capsize or sink. Remember that coolers can change the total weight and weight distribution on your vessel.
Swimming and Drop Offs
The bottoms of lakes are inconsistent. “Drop offs” are spots in lakes, reservoirs, streams and rivers with sudden changes in depth. These abrupt changes can be risky and catch swimmers off guard.
Swimming and Water Depth
Most reservoirs average 40-100 feet deep, making them unsuitable for those with limited swimming abilities.
Swimming and Unmarked Hazards
Lower water levels this summer can expose unmarked hazards that swimmers would usually not expect. Hazards could include trees, rocks, etc.
Boating and Fishing
Boating
The park contains a beautiful 1,053-surface-acre lake at 8,100 feet, surrounded by mountains including views of the Continental Divide. 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.
Please note, if you are not camping or have not rented a slip you cannot leave your boat on the water overnight. Please observe all boating laws and regulations.
The lake is open approximately from the end of May through November 1 each year.
Boat Inspections
All boats must be inspected for aquatic nuisance species before launching. See hours and more information below under the Mandatory Boat Inspections section.
Fishing
Steamboat Lake offers excellent opportunities for bait, lure and fly fishing.
Ice Fishing
Ice conditions are changing daily. For the most up-to-date conditions, including lakes and trails, please call the park at 970-879-3922 or visit the park's social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.
Ice fishing is allowed when conditions permit. Please use caution when ice fishing. Have proper safety equipment and follow safety guidelines.
Fish Species and Bag Limits
See the Fishing Atlas for fishable species at this location and the Fishing Brochure (PDF) for daily bag limits.
Fishing Awards and Records for Steamboat Lake
Colorado Parks and Wildlife awards anglers who catch big fish. Visit the Fishing Awards and Records page for more records.
Clean Your Gear: Fishing
Help Protect Colorado Waters
Clean Your Gear
Cleaning your gear before and after use helps protect our water from aquatic nuisance species. Check out these videos to learn how to clean your fishing gear.
Water Activities
Swimming
The swim beach is located adjacent to the marina parking lot. There are no lifeguards on duty. Swim at your own risk. Children must be supervised by adults at all times.
Jet Skiing
Approximately half of the lake is open to wake speed boating, including jet skis. Please remember to wear your life jacket.
Paddle Boarding
Over a thousand acres of gorgeous waters beckon both beginners and enthusiasts! Rent paddle boards on site from the marina as availability permits. Pay attention to weather, especially winds, and wear a life jacket.
Water Skiing
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.
Windsurfing
The west side of the lake is wakeless and idea for sail sports.
Sailing
Come sail at Steamboat Lake. The west side of the lake is wakeless.
Mandatory Boat Inspections for ANS at Steamboat
To boat on the reservoir, an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) stamp, current boat registration and a pre-launch boat inspection at the boat ramp is required for all trailered, motorized and sail powered vessels. Any violators going around locked gates or otherwise launching without inspection will be cited.
Vessels and other floating devices that are both hand-launched and human-powered are exempt from mandatory ANS inspections. Although, the public is strongly encouraged to self-inspect their watercrafts, boots, waders, and fishing equipment by making sure that all equipment is clean, drained, and dry. For instructions, see Clean Your Gear.
Learn more about aquatic nuisance species.
Inspection Hours
All trailered, motorized and sail powered vessels must be inspected prior to launching.
Inspection hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
During regular hours of inspection, you may call the Visitor Center at 970-879-3922 if there are no inspectors at the Marina Boat Ramp. We are unable to do boat decontamination at this time.
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are aquatic plants and animals that invade lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams, including zebra mussels, quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, Asian carp, rusty crayfish and more.
Stop the Spread of ANSOh, SHELL NO
Be a Pain in the ANS
Colorado’s chile crop could be impacted by Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS). Take action when you clean, drain and dry your water gear.
Bring the Brochures with You
Fishing Brochure
Read up on the location you want to fish before you head out.
Download the Brochure Land and Water Regulations Brochure
Have a question about regulations? Check the brochure.
Download the Brochure
Nearby Lakes
Pearl Lake
Enjoy more wakeless boating and fishing at Pearl Lake, only 12 minutes away. Visitors regularly go back and forth between the two parks.