North Sterling State Park
- Status
- Status not postedDaily 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- $10 per dayAnnual pass available
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed6-ft leash
- Camping
- Yes
- Official site
- cpw.state.co.us970-522-3657
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Covering about 1,894 acres, North Sterling State Park lies in Logan County, about 12 miles north of Sterling.
Things to do include horseback riding, ice fishing, winter sports, archery, and hunting in season. Its trail network totals roughly 6.5 miles, according to the park. On the water side, there is a boat ramp. For overnight stays there are campsites (RV sites, tent sites, and showers).
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. | — |
| Visitor center | Mon, Tue | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | — |
| Wed, Thu | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | — |
Official wording
Park: Daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office/Visitor Center: Monday-Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday: CLOSED, Friday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Denver).
Fees and passes
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Daily Vehicle Pass | $10 · day |
| Daily Vehicle Pass | $15 · day |
| Daily Vehicle Pass | $4 · day |
Official wording
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10-$15 Individual Daily Pass: $4
Colorado park passes
- Keep Colorado Wild Pass — $29. Annual vehicle entry for Colorado residents, bought with DMV vehicle registration Details
- Individual Annual Pass — $29. Non-vehicle entry (foot, bike, horse) for passholder plus three accompanying visitors; resident or nonresident Details
- Family Annual Pass (hang tag) — $120. One household; transferable between vehicles Details
- Annual Affixed Vehicle Parks Pass — $80. One vehicle; resident or nonresident Details
- Aspen Leaf Pass — $70. Colorado residents 64+, vehicle registered in Colorado; $3/night camping discount Sun–Thu Details
From the Colorado state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- CPWshop (Aspira/Brandt reservation platform)
- Phone
- 1-800-244-5613
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
Dogs allowed · leash up to 6 feet
Animals permitted: Leashed Dogs, Service Animals, Horses Leashed pets are allowed at campsites. All pets must be under control and on a maximum six-foot leash at all times, and not attached to any park signs, trees, shrubs or hydrants. Pets may not be left unattended, and pet owners must promptly clean up after their pets.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
After a day on the reservoir or trail, sit down by the fire at one of North Sterling’s three campgrounds.
Reserve Now
Camping at North Sterling is a great way to extend your outdoor experience and spend more time in nature.
North Sterling campsites are pet friendly and include shaded picnic tables.
Two children posing in front of their tent
An occupied campground
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
ArcheryBikingWildlife viewing and birdingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingHuntingIce fishingWinter sportsCanoeing and kayakingPicnickingSwimming
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overlook Loop Trail | 0.7 mi | — | 0.7 miles, non-paved Hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing ADA accessible Dog friendlyAccessible |
| Sunset Cove Trail | 0.1 mi | — | 0.1 miles, non-paved Hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing Dog friendly |
| Swim Beach Trail | 0.6 mi | — | 0.6 miles, non-paved Hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing ADA accessible Dog friendlyAccessible |
| Chimney View Trail | 0.1 mi | — | 0.1 miles, non-paved Hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing ADA accessible Dog friendlyAccessible |
| Amphitheater Trail | 0.1 mi | — | 0.1 miles, non-paved Hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing ADA accessible Dog friendlyAccessible |
| South Shoreline Trail | 3.6 mi | — | 3.6 miles, non-paved Hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing Dog friendly |
| Old Dam Trail | 1.1 mi | — | 1.1 miles, non-paved Hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing ADA accessible Dog friendlyAccessible |
| Balanced Rock Trail | 0.1 mi | — | 0.1 miles, non-paved Hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing ADA accessible Dog friendly Trail MapAccessible |
Trail descriptions from the park
North Sterling has approximately 6.5 miles of trails for hikers of all ages to enjoy. Short, easy trails lead to scenic views at the top of Balanced Rock and Sunset Point, and connect Inlet Grove Campground to Sunset Point and Cottonwood Cove Swim Beach.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Flush toilets
- Vault or pit toilets
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Playground
- Visitor center
Water
- Boat ramp
- Marina or boat slips
Camping
- Tent camping
- RV camping
Recreation
- Horse trails
Accessibility
- Accessible campsites
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
- Accessible campsites
From basic tent sites to hook-ups for RVs, North Sterling can accommodate everything from the largest motorhomes to the smallest pup tent. There is also one ADA-accessible site. North Sterling is open year-round, though services are limited during the winter months.
Accessible facilities listed: Accessible Campsite
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Rules and permits
When you camp at North Sterling State Park, check-in time is 1 p.m. on the day of arrival and check-out time is 12 p.m. (noon) on the day of departure. Please do not park on the grass or off the roadway. A maximum of six people are allowed per campsite.
Getting there
- Address
- 22527 County Road 33
Sterling, CO 80751 - Nearest town
- Sterling — about 12 mi north (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 40.7894, -103.2656
- Phone
- 970-522-3657
- dnr_park.north.sterling@state.co.us
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
Directions From I-76 From I-76, take exit 125 (Sterling) and turn west on Hwy 6. (Eastbound traffic from Denver: Turn left off the exit ramp; westbound traffic from Julesburg/Nebraska: Turn right off the exit ramp.) Follow Hwy 6 west for two miles over the bridge. Turn right (north) on N 3rd St. Take a slight left onto Sidney Ave and continue north for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto County Road 34 and continue west for one mile. Turn right onto County Road 39 and follow the paved road north for 10 miles. IMPORTANT: If you are using a GPS unit to navigate, be aware that this road changes names several times. Don't turn onto any unpaved roads. After the large S curves, turn left onto County Road 46 and continue for 2 miles west to County Road 33. Turn right on CR-33 and follow the paved road north. The south park entrance (which includes the Visitor Center) will be on the left, or you can continue on CR-33 to the northern Elks Entrance.
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Colorado State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Oct 6, 2026
- CPW website Drupal JSON:API, node type state_park (43 published nodes; same store that renders /state-parks/{slug})
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology