🌤 Weather at North Sterling State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27–73 °F | 57–91 °F | 24–81 °F | 16–46 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Sterling, 12 mi away, elevation 3,974 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: North Sterling State Park — A 3,000-acre high-plains reservoir in Colorado’s Logan County — premier wiper bass and walleye fishing, 141 campsites, and water skiing on the northeastern Colorado prairie near Sterling.
North Sterling State Park centers on the 3,000-acre North Sterling Reservoir — a surprising oasis of water recreation on the high plains of northeastern Colorado. The reservoir’s sprawling coves and fingers create miles of shoreline for camping, fishing, and boating, making it the premier water destination between Denver and the Nebraska border.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 24005 CR 330, Sterling, Logan County, CO |
| Reservoir | 3,000 acres |
| Campsites | 141 (3 campgrounds) |
| Admission | CO Parks pass or daily vehicle fee |
| Boating Season | April 16 – September 30 |
Fishing
| Species | Where | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| Wiper Bass | Open water, Darby Arm | Summer |
| Walleye | Points, drop-offs | Spring, Fall |
| Channel Catfish | Near Goose Island, coves | Summer |
| Northern Pike | Weed edges, shallow coves | Spring |
| Crappie / Bluegill | Coves, brush | Spring, Summer |
| Trout | Deep water — cold months | Fall, Winter |
Camping
| Campground | Sites | Features | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | 46 | Electric hookups, year-round | All year |
| Inlet Grove | 48 | Mix of electric/basic | Seasonal |
| Chimney View | 47 | Mix of electric/basic | Seasonal |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Fishing | Wiper, walleye, pike, catfish, trout |
| Boating/Water Skiing | 2 ramps, all motors — wake skiing allowed |
| Camping | 141 sites across 3 campgrounds |
| Hiking | South Shoreline Trail — 3.5 mi |
| Bird Watching | Nesting bald eagles, hawks, waterfowl |
| Hunting | Seasonal waterfowl hunting |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wiper bass?
A wiper bass is a hybrid between white bass and striped bass — known for aggressive feeding and powerful fights. North Sterling Reservoir is one of northeastern Colorado’s best wiper fisheries. They hit topwater lures and jigs hard during summer surface feeding frenzies.
Can I water ski at North Sterling?
Yes. The 3,000-acre reservoir allows all motor sizes, and water skiing, wake boarding, and jet skiing are popular. The boating season runs from April 16 through September 30. Two boat ramps provide access.
Is camping available year-round?
Yes — the Elk Campground (46 sites with electric hookups) is open year-round. Inlet Grove and Chimney View campgrounds are seasonal. The camper services building provides 24/7 restrooms, coin-operated showers, and laundry.
More parks nearby: Jackson Lake State Park is elsewhere in the state, while Boyd Lake State Park lies elsewhere in the state.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Colorado state parks online at cpwshop.com.
⛺ Camping at North Sterling State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 141 sites — Three campgrounds - Elks, Chimney View, and Inlet Grove - accommodate tents, trailers, or motorhomes. Electrical hookups are available at all sites in all three campgrounds; Chimney View and Inlet Grove are specified as 50-amp. Potable water hydrants are located near campsites, and wastewater dump stations are available inside each entrance. Camper services buildings provide flush restrooms, coin-operated showers, and laundry facilities. Campsites are limited to one camping unit and a maximum of six people. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets must be under control and on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, and may not be tied to park signs, trees, shrubs, or hydrants. Pets are not permitted on the swim beach. |
| Reservations | Camping is by reservation only. Reservations may be made the day of arrival or up to six months in advance, online at cpwshop.com or by calling 1-800-244-5613. |
| Special sites | One ADA-accessible campsite is available. The Cottonwood Cove Picnic Pavilion (up to 200 guests, $100/day) and the Overlook Picnic Pavilion (up to 100 guests, $100/day) are day-use group facilities; the Marina Point group picnic pavilion accommodates up to 75 for a nominal fee. These are day-use pavilions, not group campsites. |
| Season notes | Chimney View Campground is open year-round, and the park is open to camping year-round. The reservoir is closed to boating from November 1 through the end of migratory waterfowl season and until all ice is off. |
Camping questions about North Sterling State Park
Can you camp at North Sterling State Park?
Yes. North Sterling State Park has 141 campsites. Three campgrounds - Elks, Chimney View, and Inlet Grove - accommodate tents, trailers, or motorhomes. Electrical hookups are available at all sites in all three campgrounds; Chimney View and Inlet Grove are specified as 50-amp. Potable water hydrants are located near campsites, and wastewater dump stations are available inside each entrance. Camper services buildings provide flush restrooms, coin-operated showers, and laundry facilities. Campsites are limited to one camping unit and a maximum of six people.
How do you reserve a campsite at North Sterling State Park?
Camping is by reservation only. Reservations may be made the day of arrival or up to six months in advance, online at cpwshop.com or by calling 1-800-244-5613.
Are pets allowed at the North Sterling State Park campground?
Pets must be under control and on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, and may not be tied to park signs, trees, shrubs, or hydrants. Pets are not permitted on the swim beach.
Source: cpw.state.co.us (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at North Sterling State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are welcome at Colorado state parks and most trails and campgrounds when kept on a leash, though some trails restrict dogs.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 6 feet required at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- It is unlawful to allow a dog or other pet within any area used as a swimming or water-ski beach.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Some parks offer pet-friendly cabins and yurts (e.g. Golden Gate Canyon, State Forest, Mancos and Ridgway yurts) for a $10 per night pet fee.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $10 per night pet fee in participating pet-friendly cabins/yurts.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated off-leash dog areas at Chatfield and Cherry Creek State Parks (registration/fee applies).
Are dogs allowed at North Sterling State Park?
Dogs are welcome at Colorado state parks and most trails and campgrounds when kept on a leash, though some trails restrict dogs. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via cpw.state.co.us. More: Colorado state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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