Even in the early week, Steamboat Locals are thinking about their next weekend endeavor. Dreams of casting a line, strapping on our hiking boots, or pitching a tent, dance in our head all work week long until Friday finally rolls around. The best part about summer in the Boat is outdoor hobbies are at our fingertips. Any sport we want to engage in, we can do so within just miles of our home. Steamboat Springs and Routt County have so much natural beauty just waiting to be explored. Grab your family, your tents and your hot dogs and head just a bit out of town to immerse in a secluded, peaceful, and stunning landscape.
Camping is a local favorite because it is so easily accessible. There are many beautiful spots in and around Steamboat that you can head out to. Being so close to this amenity means you can head out for just one quick night, or shoot for a full week if you have the time to spend! When camping in these gorgeous local areas, many other activities are accessible like hiking, fishing, grilling ‘dogs or just hanging around the campfire. Below you’ll find three awesome locally recommended spots -- all state parks and all less than a half hour drive from Steamboat.
Stagecoach State Park
Stagecoach State Park - Located 17 miles south of Steamboat Springs; US 40 east 4 miles, Colorado 131 south 8 miles, Routt County Road 14 south 7 miles. At 7,250 feet with 92 campsites, priced between $7-18 a night and with amenities like drinking water, electric hook-ups, hiking trails, showers, stores, and a trailer dump station this is a must-try campground. This is the perfect spot to ease into camping if you’re new to the idea. You still have all of the things you could want and need if you’re not fully ready to grub it for a few days. In this area, you’ll have access to the gorgeous lake as you can camp right on the bank. Spend your days kayaking, hiking around the lake, or up in the tailwaters casting your fly line.
Steamboat Lake State Park
Steamboat Lake State Park - Located 27 miles north of Steamboat Springs; Routt County Road 129 north to the Visitor Center. At 8,000 feet with 193 campsites, priced between $14-18 a night and with amenities like drinking water, electric hook-ups, laundry, showers, stores and a trailer dump station this campground is on our go-to list. This area is perfect for those ready to transition out of “glamping” and more into the nitty-gritty. You have the option to “choose your own adventure” by picking your campsite and the amenities you have access to. With this park, you have the ability to make reservations online to score your campsite for the busiest weekends. Bring your boat and your bike, because the surrounding areas provide the perfect environment for both!
Pearl Lake State Park
Pearl Lake State Park - Located 22 miles north of Steamboat Springs; Routt County Road 129 north, east on Routt County Road 209. At 8,065 feet with 38 campsites, priced at $14 a night and with amenities like drinking water, these campsites are, more private and secluded than the previous options. Located at the base of Hahn’s Peak, this is a beautiful camping area surrounded by the forest. Here, the wakeless lake is perfect for an early morning paddleboard and an afternoon picnic view. There are even yurts available for rent year-round, and offer incomparable views.
There are so many more great areas to camp in the area; the list could go on and on. Taking advantage of all of our great outdoor amenities is the perfect way to load up your weekends in the Boat. When camping, immerse yourself in the beautiful natural landscape and explore all the great scenic areas Routt County has to offer!
