Head north of Sterling, Colorado, for about 30 minutes to the high plains, and you will reach the North Sterling State Park. The large park comprises 5,700 acres of grasslands and water. Visitors have made it a premier place to boat and fish in the northeastern location.
The park offers three campgrounds to spend the night, providing 141 campsites. If you have the smallest pup tent, you are still welcome to camp, just like if you have the largest motor home. All campsites must be reserved in advance. You can call 800-244-5613 to secure your site.
The Reservoir Offers Swimming, Boating, Fishing
North Sterling provides a huge reservoir. Many locals and tourists enjoy boating and skiing here. From May to September, if you are a hunter, you will enjoy waterfowl hunting. The area is a boater’s paradise. The reservoir has many great coves and fingers to explore. If fishing is your thing, you will find plenty of challenges at North Sterling. The area is also a paradise for hikers, bikers, and those looking for a place to have a relaxing picnic. If you are into archery, bring your bow and arrows and head for the archery range.
You will find the broad, golden grasslands stretching out in all directions from the reservoir—magnificent bluffs border to the north with farm and ranchlands to the east. Most days will provide you with a beautiful, clear blue sky. At night enjoy yourself by sitting next to a warm campfire while gazing at the bright stars in the sky. Be sure to keep your ears open to hear the coyotes sing their nightly serenades.
If you visit during the fall, you will see the seasonal migration of hawks and eagles. Some of the birds are just passing through while others choose to stay for the winter. If you want to get your best glimpse of these beauties, you need to get up early in the morning as that is the best time for wildlife watching.
The Town of Sterling is Worth a Visit
If you have some extra time, head into the town of Sterling. It is tucked into the northeast corner of Colorado. It is not a big town; it has about 15,000 people living there. Golfers will enjoy the nearby Riverview Golf Course offering a par 71. What was once the Sterling’s Cadillac dealership is now the Parts & Labor Brewing Company. While walking around town, stop by for a brew and some tasty grub. If you want a cup of coffee and a pastry, then the Brew Grit Coffee will satisfy your needs. If you enjoy museums, try the Overland Trail Museum or visit the Fort Morgan Museum.
The Three Campgrounds Offer Something for Everybody
Elks Campground is located at the north end of the park. It is the first of the three campgrounds at North Sterling. It offers 50 developed campsites providing 30-amp electrical hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, and shade shelters. There is also a centrally located camper services building which provides a meeting room, coin-operated showers, laundry facilities, and flush toilets. You can make your reservations from April to October.
Although the campground is open year-round, the water systems are winterized from October to April to prevent freezing. If you are a winter camper, a vault restroom is located in the southwest corner of the large boat ramp parking lot.
Just inside the South Entrance, you will find the Inlet Grove Campground. This site offers 50-amp electrical hookups, shade shelters, picnic tables, fire pits, and all sites have a high-use tent pad. In the campground center, you will find flush toilets, and also a camper services building that sits on the hill when you first enter the campground. It provides a meeting room, flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and laundry facilities from April to October. The campground is closed seasonally from October 1st to May 1st.
The third location is the Chimney View Campground. This site offers the basics and non-electric campsites. You will find a pull-through driveway, a shade shelter, picnic table, fire pit, and a high-use tent pad. In the center of the site, you will find a vault restroom and a camper services building located at the east end of the campground. It provides flush toilets, coin-operated showers, laundry facilities, and a meeting room. You are permitted to have a generator at Chimney View; however, you must turn it off from 10 pm to 6 am.
Campers should be aware that Chimney View is located at the top of a ridge. It is exposed to the wind and other weather limitations. You should be prepared for changing weather conditions. It is a good idea to have heavy-duty tent stakes.
Most people thoroughly enjoy Sterling. The campsites are nicely spaced. The restrooms are very clean, as are the pay showers. The convenience store is well stocked. It is a great place to get away for a weekend or your vacation. Overall, the park is well cared for and clean. Sterling will definitely offer you a unique camping experience.