Camping in Steamboat Springs offers you and your family the opportunity to explore the area and enjoy the many diverse activities nearby.
About Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is a popular ski resort in Colorado. Located in the Yampa Valley, Steamboat Springs features approximately 3,000 skiable acres and is well known as one of the largest ski mountains in the U.S. with an elevation of 7,000 to 13,000 feet. According to legend, the area earned the name "Steamboat Springs" in 1865 after French trappers mistook the sound of hot springs for that of a chugging steamboat. By 1913, the area started seeing more visitors appear just for the opportunity to ski as a recreational activity.
Today, ski enthusiasts head to this Rocky Mountain ski resort in an effort to conquer one or all of its six peaks, which include open meadows, tree skiing, and more. In addition, visitors to Steamboat Springs can participate in a wide variety of outdoor sports, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, camping and simply enjoying the surrounding beauty of this breathtaking part of the Northwest.
RV and Tent Camping in Steamboat Springs
If camping in Steamboat Springs is on your to-do list, you'll find a variety of options.
Steamboat Lake State Park and Pearl Lake State Park
Camping enthusiasts who want to experience all that Steamboat Springs has to offer will enjoy Steamboat Lake State Park. Located at the base of Hahn's Peak in northern Colorado, this park continues to draw visitors year after year. While winter brings the ice-fishermen to the pristine, frozen lake and cross-country skiers and snow mobile riders to the surrounding woods, summer showcases the lake's full-service marina and beach.
In addition to Steamboat Lake State Park is the nearby Pearl Lake State Park. Fishing enthusiasts visit this lake to experience the excellent fly and lure fishing or simply to wander through the lush forest and camp along the gently lapping shores of the lake. To inquire about either one of the parks, call 970-879-3922.
Facts regarding both parks include the following:
- Visitors must pay either a daily fee or purchase an annual parks pass to enter the park
- Campsites are typically open from May 1 to October 31 each year
- Sometimes winter camping dates are made available. Call the number above for more information
- Between the two parks, there are approximately 78 RV sites with full hookup and 146 tent sites
- There is an on-property laundry area for guests to use as well
- Pets are allowed at no additional cost in the campsites
- Horse facilities are available; call ahead for availability
- Boat rentals are on site and include canoes, row boats and motor boats
For more information, visit the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website.
Yampa River State Park
Yampa River State Park, located in Yampa Valley west of Steamboat Springs, is a favorite camping site for Steamboat Springs visitors. In addition to camping, the Elkhead Reservoir, which is the headquarters for the Yampa River, provides numerous opportunities for water sports. Because the Yampa River is bordered by private property, state park officials remind visitors to only use the eight public access sites along the river.
Check out the following facts regarding this state park.
- Visitors must pay a daily fee or purchase an annual parks pass before entering the park.
- Campsites are typically open from May 15 to November 15.
- There are approximately 35 RV sites, which include electric hookups, and 14 tent sites available at the park.
- Pets are allowed at the campsites at no additional charge.
- There is a common area located in the park that can be reserved for reunions, weddings, corporate events, and more.
- Popular activities include fishing, ice fishing, snow shoeing, hiking, and more.
For more information, call 970-276-2061 or visit the Yampa River State Park website.
Steamboat Campground
Another option for Steamboat Springs camping is Steamboat Campground. Open year round, this campground features 135 sites, including some river sites, fishing, mini golf, volleyball, laundry facilities, heated pool (available in the summer), and more. For more information, call 888-451-2243 or visit the Steamboat Campground website.
Finally, RV campers might want to check out Eagle Soaring RV Park as a camping alternative as well.
