Steamboat Lake State Park

Steamboat Lake State Park is a Colorado Park located in Clark, and is approximately 184 miles west from the city of Fort Collins.

The park offers fishing, biking, boating, and birding with scenic views of Steamboat Lake.

Activities

There are a number of activities available to Steamboat Lake State Park explorers.

Here are just a few of the many things to do at Steamboat Lake park:

Boating At Steamboat Lake State Park

Steamboat Lake State Park is home to Steamboat Lake, a 1,053-acre reservoir that welcomes all sorts of watercraft.

Areas of the lake are sectioned off for both wakeless and unrestricted boating, and people are welcome to jet ski, water ski, boat, kayak, and more on the surface of this lake.

Both paddleboarding and sailboarding are popular park activities, though keep in mind that all safety precautions must be followed while piloting an individual craft in the reservoir, including lifejacket use and general boating ettiquite.

There are two boat ramps in the park, as well as a marina that offers boat rentals.

Keep in mind that all applicable watercraft must be inspected for aquatic nuisance species (ANS) before setting off into the water, and should be aware of which sections of the lake are set aside as wakeless boating areas (indicated by buoys).

For more information, check out the state park website.

Swimming At Steamboat Lake State Park

The swim beach within Steamboat Lake State Park is located near the marina. The water is routinely tested for safety, and the swimming area is open during the warmer months of the year.

Keep in mind there is no lifeguard on duty, and all children must be accompanied and monitored by an adult while at the swim beach.

For your convenience, the swim beach is located near the marina parking lot, allowing visitors to easily park their car and jump in the cool, refreshing waters of Steamboat Lake.

Hiking At Steamboat Lake State Park

Steamboat Lake State Park is home to three hiking trails that take visitors around the edge of the reservoir, as well as along some of the peak fishing spots throughout the park.

Pets are welcome along all trails as long as they are leashed and under control.

Here are the trails at Steamboat Lake State Park:

• Tombstone Nature Trail – This self-guided nature tour helps teach visitors about the history of the area, as well as the local flora and fauna. The trail is located below the Visitor Center. Length: 1.1 miles
• Willow Creek Trail – This trail connects the marina to the Sage Flats, and takes hikers around the edge of the lake for spectacular views. This is also a great trail to fish from, as the pathways along the lake lead to ideal fishing locations.
• Poverty Bar Trail – Traveling from Willow Creek Trail through Forest Service 409, this trail teaches hikers about the history of mining within the area before it became a state park.

Biking At Steamboat Lake State Park

Not only is Steamboat Lake State Park home to over 7 miles of trails perfect for mountain biking, but the nearby Routt National Forest also has biking trails available as well.

For those looking to cruise along a paved trail, Routt County Road 129 is paved and is an excellent road biking location.

No matter which trail you decide to tackle, the gorgeous scenery and bracing mountain air are sure to make your next ride within Steamboat Lake State Park spectacular.

Fishing At Steamboat Lake State Park

Steamboat Lake is open to bait, lure, and fly fishing, and is home to trout, as well as many other species of fish.

During the winter months, ice fishing is a popular activity, though the thickness of the ice may vary depending on the weather.

For more information about bag limits within the park, as well as an in-depth guide on where to catch fish in the reservoir, check out the state park website.

The state park website also offers updated fishing conditions, so you can know what you’re in for before you drop your line anywhere in the park.

Winter Activities At Steamboat Lake State Park

As mentioned above, Steamboat Lake is a popular ice fishing location during the winter months. However, that is not the only cold-weather activity this park has to offer.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are both popular activities along the various trails in the park, and allow visitors to see the glory of the Colorado wilderness on display against the frozen snow.

Snowmobiling is welcome along any of the 12 miles of groomed, multi-use trails in the park. The park also connects to the Routt National Forest, which has 146 miles of groomed trails, making this an excellent stop for the snowmobiling enthusiast.

Keep in mind, some areas of the park are marked as non-motorized, so be aware of the approved trails before you start your journey.

Winter camping is also available in the park for self-contained units, and year-round camper cabins are also available for rent.

Pets At Steamboat Lake State Park

Dogs are welcome in the park as long as they are kept on a six-foot or shorter leash at all times, and their waste is properly disposed of.

Horseback riding is allowed along specified undeveloped areas of the park. For more information on horseback riding in the park, check out the Steamboat Lake State Park website.

Camping At Steamboat Lake State Park

Steamboat Lake State Park is an incredible place to camp at any time of the year.

There are campsite locations for both contained camping vehicles, including RVs, and also more basic camping pads for those looking to pitch their tents within the camp.

Backcountry camping is allowed in the National Forest area outside of the camp.

The park has vault toilets and water hydrants throughout the camping locations, and there are also camper cabins available for rent year-round.

Please note that all campsites require advance registration. To make a reservation, or to find out more about the camping opportunities in the park, check out the Steamboat Lake State Park website.

Park Location

Steamboat Lake State Park
61105 RCR 129
Clark CO 80428
Phone: 970.879.3922
Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Below is a brief YouTube video showcasing a number of activities at Steamboat Lake State Park: