One of the true jewels of Colorado, Steamboat Lake State Park has something special for everyone. Whatever your preference, well-deserved relaxation and recreation awaits you.
Hahn's Peak frames the breathtaking scenery of this premier park offering family fishing, camping, picnicking, trail and boating recreational opportunities. A full-service Marina and swim beach provide amenities for active water play.
Backcountry camping
Backcountry camping is available on the surrounding Forest Service land and the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness area.
Biking
Mountain biking is available on Steamboat Lake's 7+ miles of established trail. There are additional opportunities on nearby Routt National Forest. Routt County Road 129 is paved and popular for road biking as well.
Birding
Steamboat Lake is very fortunate to be a nesting ground for several pairs of Sandhill Cranes every Spring. We also often have Nesting Bald Eagles and Osprey. Please follow proper wildlife viewing ettiquette to avoid disturbing wildlife. The lake is home to a wide variety of waterfowl and many small migrants use the park as a summer home.
Boating
The 1,053-acre reservoir provides a variety of water-based activities. Some coves and inlets are restricted to wakeless boating and are indicated by buoys. A large portion of the lake is zoned for wake boating, water-skiers and jet-skiers to enjoy. Registrations for motor and wind-powered vessels are available at the Visitor Center.
Ten camper cabins are available year around. For information and reservations, please call Steamboat Lake Marina at (970) 879-7019
Camping
Summer camping facilities include 188 campsites, some along the shore, some in the trees. Winter camping facilities include fourteen electrical hookups in the marina parking lot. Amenities vary; check out the camping information page and the park map. Reservations for 2019 may be made 6 months in advance, with a first reservable date of May 24th and a last reservable date of September 9th. After those dates we are open for walk-in camping until Mother Nature shuts us down.
Cross-country Skiing
Whether as base camp for local races, or on its own, the groomed trails provide refreshing workouts and great scenery. Stay in a camper cabin or camp here for some real ambiance.
Fishing
Steamboat Lake offers excellent opportunities for bait, lure and fly fishing. In winter, ice fishing is available. The bag limit is four trout daily with a possession limit of eight trout total.
Geocaching
We have several geocaches in the park! Here are the Coordinates for one of them: N 40° 48.748 W 106° 57.658.
Hiking
We have three trails in the park:
The outstanding Tombstone Nature Trail, a 1.1 mile loop below the Visitor Center, is a self-guided trail that educates hikers on nature and history of the area.
The Willow Creek Trail connects the Marina and Sage Flats and provides a nice view along the lake.
The Poverty Bar trail connects to the Willow Creek Trail via Forest Service 409 and provides information about the history of mining in the area.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is allowed in undeveloped areas of the park around the southeast corner of the lake. Guided rides available from the Hahn's Peak Roadhouse at (970) 879-4404
Hunting
Properly licensed hunters are welcome during all legal seasons after Labor Day. Hunting is allowed from the Rainbow Ridge day use area to Meadow Point area, and hunters must be 100 yards from any Park facility.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is available during the winter months. Ice conditions can vary, so please use caution. Before going out onto a frozen lake, pond or river, it's important to take safety precautions to reduce the risk of falling through the ice. Knowing how to judge ice conditions will also help you make more informed decisions while enjoying winter activities.
Jet Skiing
Approximately half of the lake is open to wake speed boating, including jet-skis. Please remember to wear your PFD as well as having other safety gear accessible and functional.
OHV Riding
OHV's are not allowed to operate in park; however, there are hundreds of miles of excellent trails on forest service land immediately surrounding the park. OHV registrations and Forest Service Maps and Motor Vehicle Use Maps are available at the Visitor Center.
Paddle Boarding
Over a thousand acres of gorgeous waters beckon both beginners and SUP enthusiasts! Rent paddle boards on site from our Marina as availability permits (the Marina can be reached at (970) 879-7019). Remember to make safety a priority: there must be one PFD on board for each individual, and children under age 13 must wear a PFD at all times. Pay attention to weather, especially winds.
Photography
With foggy mornings in the winter, a diverse array of wildflowers and wildlife, blue skies, plenty of brilliant Aspen trees in the fall and breathtaking sunsets year-round, our valley is one of the most scenic in Colorado. Photographs of our park have been used in numerous major publications.
Picnicking
Picnic tables offering either grills or fire rings are available at the Placer Cove day-use area, Tombstone Nature Trailhead, Sage Flats day-use area and the Dutch Hill Marina area.
Sailboarding
Afternoons are generally more windy. The lake, especially before 10, is calmer in the morning.
Snowmobiling
The park has about 12 miles of groomed trail on the park, and is a gateway to 146 miles of groomed trail in the Routt National Forest! Most of the park is also available for off-trail riding, as are the hundreds of thousands of acres of surrounding National Forest. Grooming depends on weather conditions.
Snowshoeing
Enjoy beautiful views of snow-covered mountains on a marked trail that winds through a forest of aspen and lodgepole pine.
Swimming
With water temperatures in the low 70s in late summer, hardy souls can enjoy the swim area at Dutch Hill.
Water Skiing
Approximately one half of the lake is available for wake speed boating. Please make sure your boat has a dedicated observer with an orange flag in addition to the operator.
Winter Activities
Snowmobiling, cross country skiing, ice fishing, and snowshoeing are all available during the winter season. Please contact the Visitor Center at (970) 879-3922 for more information.
Winter Camping
Fourteen electrical hookups are available in the Marina parking lot for self- contained units. These sites are $24.00/night. You also need a day pass or an annual Colorado State Park pass on your vehicle. Year-round camper cabins are available through the Marina at (970) 879-7019
