North Sterling State Park

3.68

60 reviews

24005 County Road 330, Sterling, Colorado, 80751, United States

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,088 ft

Price

$28 - $36/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

141 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Colorado Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,088 ft

Price

$28 - $36/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

141 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Colorado Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website

Get Directions

North Sterling State Park

$28.00 - $36.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees range from $28 to $36 per night, with an additional entrance fee of $9 per vehicle. Pay showers are available at $3 for 3 minutes, and...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$36.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.68

Mixed Reviews

Based on 60 reviews

390 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanspacious

"User reviews of North Sterling State Park are mixed, with positive feedback highlighting the park's cleanliness, scenic views, and recreational activities. However, some campers expressed dissatisfaction with strict ranger enforcement, cold showers, and minimal shade."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

24005 County Road 330, Sterling, Colorado, 80751, United States

North Sterling State Park

24005 County Road 330, Sterling, Colorado, 80751, United States

Driving directionsFrom Sterling exit #125 on I-76 northbound from Denver, turn left at the exit stop sign. (OR at exit #125 southbound to Denver, turn right at the exit stop sign.) Follow Hwy 6 (Chestnut St.) over the bridge into downtown Sterling. Continue on Chestnut for 3 blocks. Jog left onto Platte St. for 2 blocks to N. 3rd Ave. Turn right and go 4 blocks to Broadway. Turn left & go 4 blocks to N. 7th Ave. (CR 39). Turn right and go 10 miles to CR 46, then 2 miles west to CR 33 for the south gate, swim beach, picnic pavilion, playground, Chimney View & Inlet Grove Campgrounds, and south boat ramp. Stay on CR 33 along the east side of the reservoir to the north gate, Park Office/Visitor Center, marina, Marina Point Picnic Pavilion, Elks Campground and Elks boat ramp. OR Entering Sterling on (West Main Street) Highway 14 eastbound from Ft. Collins, continue to N. 7th Ave, turn left (north), go to CR 46.

Road access is via paved roads (CR 33 and CR 46). Seasonal challenges like wind and potential closures depending on weather conditions are not mentioned.

Nearby places

Sterling (11 miles, approximately 20 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Sterling (approximately 11 miles away) offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at North Sterling State Park

North Sterling's weather tells the story of the Great Plains in all its moods. Winter brings crisp, clear days with temperatures dancing between 20 and 40 degrees—perfect for those who appreciate the stark beauty of the prairie in repose. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched playground, with temperatures often soaring past 90°F by mid-morning (reaching 88°F as early as 9 AM during peak season). The ever-present prairie wind, amplified by nearby wind turbines spinning their modern ballet, adds character to every season and keeps the air fresh and invigorating.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Excellent for boating and beach use, but high heat and limited shade reduce comfort.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall praised for moderate weather and fewer crowds; good season for visits.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 16% in CO

Spring highlighted for moderate weather, birding and fewer crowds.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round with ice fishing opportunities, but cold temps limit activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season and pricing vary but are not explicitly defined.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Specific seasonal amenities, such as swim beaches, may have restricted access.

About North Sterling State Park

Where the Colorado high plains meet the sky, North Sterling State Park emerges as a hidden gem of the eastern frontier. This 3,000-acre aquatic oasis beckons adventurers with its pristine waters and dramatic bluffs that rise like ancient sentinels above the prairie. Whether you're navigating the reservoir in your boat, setting up camp beneath the endless sky, or simply soaking in the panoramic views, North Sterling offers a refreshing escape from the ordinary. The park's well-appointed campgrounds welcome everything from the smallest tent to the largest RV, ensuring every outdoor enthusiast finds their perfect basecamp.

The campground accommodates a range of camping styles, including RVs, tents, and group camping. Electric hookups are available at many sites, but water and sewer hookups are not supported.

Weather and SeasonsNorth Sterling's weather tells the story of the Great Plains in all its moods. Winter brings crisp, clear days with temperatures dancing between 20 and 40 degrees—perfect for those who appreciate the stark beauty of the prairie in repose. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched playground, with temperatures often soaring past 90°F by mid-morning (reaching 88°F as early as 9 AM during peak season). The ever-present prairie wind, amplified by nearby wind turbines spinning their modern ballet, adds character to every season and keeps the air fresh and invigorating.

ElevationPerched on Colorado's eastern high plains, the park offers the unique experience of big-sky country where the horizon seems to stretch forever.

Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape at North Sterling unfolds like a painter's canvas of contrasts. Majestic bluffs frame the expansive North Sterling Reservoir, creating a dramatic backdrop for water adventures. The surrounding high plains roll endlessly toward the horizon, their golden grasses rippling like waves in the constant breeze. While trees are precious and few in this prairie ecosystem, their scarcity only enhances the feeling of wide-open freedom. The reservoir itself serves as both a vital irrigation resource and a recreational paradise, its waters reflecting the ever-changing moods of the Colorado sky.

Geological RegionSituated in northeast Colorado's high plains, North Sterling showcases the unique geography where ancient prairie meets modern engineering. The park's distinctive bluffs tell a geological story millions of years in the making, while the expansive irrigation reservoir represents humanity's partnership with this semi-arid landscape. This is where the Great Plains reveal their subtle beauty—a place where earth, water, and sky create an ecosystem both rugged and serene.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in policies not explicitly detailed.

Check-out

Check-out policies not explicitly detailed.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Most sites allow up to 6 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutMultiple loops (e.g., Inlet Grove and Chimney View). Sites spaced out but lack privacy due to minimal tree cover.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online or through the Aspira Call Center (1-800-244-5613).

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are not explicitly mentioned as available; reservations are encouraged.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made 28+ days prior incur a 25% fee of one night. Cancellations within 8-27 days retain 50%, and cancellations within 7 days are non-refundable. Date changes between arrival and departure are non-refundable. Refunds due to bugs, weather, fire bans, or water conditions are strictly not provided.

AccessibilityLimited details provided; ADA-compliant features noted at certain sites like Elks Campground 015HD Electric.

Site SizeThe maximum equipment length for sites ranges between 48 and 98 feet.

PrivacyCampsites are described as spacious but lack significant natural privacy due to minimal tree cover.

Total Campsites141 campsites

Recommended SitesUsers recommend campsites with metal shelters for shade due to lack of tree cover. Avoid sites prone to puncture vines.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Dump station

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

North Sterling State Park offers a wide range of activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. The reservoir serves as a focal point for water-based recreation. The park is also a destination for bird watching and star gazing, with minimal light pollution enhancing nighttime views.

HikingHiking trails are available and well-maintained. A user described them as 'in great shape,' making them suitable for stretching your legs or bird watching.

FishingFishing is a popular activity. Species in the reservoir are not specified, but multiple users highlighted the quality of fishing opportunities.

SwimmingThe swim beach is clean and spacious with ample sandy areas, as noted by a reviewer.

BikingBiking trails are present throughout the park, offering scenic open vistas.

BoatingBoating is a major activity supported by the park's marina, ramps, and large reservoir. Paddleboard rentals are also available.

Wildlife viewingThe park is home to diverse bird species and other wildlife, making it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPuncture vines (stickers) in grass areas. Windy conditions due to turbines, and limited shade due to small or absent trees.

Fire PolicyFire policies not explicitly mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours begin at 10 PM. Enforcement is reported to be strict.

Emergency ServicesSterling Regional MedCenter (Sterling, approximately 11 miles away).

Trash & RecyclingNo specific details on trash and recycling facilities were provided, though general cleanliness was positively mentioned in reviews.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located near North Sterling Reservoir, which serves as an irrigation reservoir. Water levels fluctuate seasonally (e.g., reduced to 8% during drought conditions).

Camp HostCampground hosts are reported to be inconsistent; some friendly and helpful, others rude or negligent.

Weather at North Sterling State Park

Reviews

3.7

60 reviews

Mixed Reviews

North Sterling State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of North Sterling State Park are mixed, with positive feedback highlighting the park's cleanliness, scenic views, and recreational activities. However, some campers expressed dissatisfaction with strict ranger enforcement, cold showers, and minimal shade.

Review Summaries

Based on 60 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews commend the park's clean facilities, spacious sites, well-maintained trails, and beautiful vistas. One user described the park as 'quiet and not too crowded,' while another noted...

Based on 60 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes complaints about cold showers, minimal tree cover, strict ranger enforcement, and additional fees for cars and showers. A user remarked, 'The grass around our site was full...

Based on 60 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing tarps for wind protection and shade due to minimal tree cover. Having quarters for showers and being prepared for strict ranger enforcement are also advised.

Based on 60 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are highlighted for fewer crowds and moderate weather. Summer experiences high heat and limited shade, while winter activities like ice fishing are available. One user noted, 'The...

Based on 60 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The sunset was epic.' 2. 'Bathrooms and showers are clean and with good water pressure.' 3. 'Paddleboarding was awesome.' 4. 'Lake is very nice; staff was very rude and unfriendly.'

Based on 60 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Chimney View Campground: Reviewers appreciated the distant view of the reservoir but noted relentless winds and lack of natural cover. Elks Campground: Mentioned as quiet and uncrowded, with one user...

Based on 60 reviews

Accessibility Features

Specific accessibility reviews are limited, but certain sites like Elks Campground 015HD Electric are noted as ADA-compliant.

Based on 60 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and one user remarked positively about secluded coves for dog swimming. However, puncture vines were noted as an issue for dogs' paws.

Based on 60 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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North Sterling State Park