Steamboat Lake State Park

Sep 2, 2016
Sep 2, 2016 Updated Jun 23, 2020
0

1 of 10

Steamboat Lake has superb snowpack for winter sporting. Photo Credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Fisherman at dusk. Photo Credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Fall colors view of Steamboat Lake with cloudy sky. Photo Credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

A cross country skier. Photo Credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Photo Credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Get Directions Visit Website Call

Things To Do

Birding Camping Canoeing Fishing Fly-fishing Hiking Kayaking Motorcycle-riding Off-road-vehicles Road-biking Running Stand-up-paddleboarding Stargazing Swimming Water-activities Wildlife

The most popular activities at 2,820-acre Steamboat Lake State Park are fishing in the scenic 1,053-acre lake and camping on its open lakeshore. Conical-shaped Hahns Peak, a local landmark, towers north of the park north of Steamboat Springs. The lake is an excellent trout fishery, with little fluctuation in its level. Toss a line out for brook, cutthroat, and brown trout. Park visitors also enjoy hiking, waterskiing, swimming in summer, windsurfing, and sailing. Steamboat Lake State Park also attracts winter sports enthusiasts, with ice fishing, snowmobiling, sled-dog racing, and cross-country skiing. Many state park users rank Steamboat Lake as their favorite park.

MAPS

State Park Maps

State Park Area | Winter Recreation Map | Winter Recreation Map 2 | Winter Trail Map

Campgrounds

Dutch Hill Campground | Sunrise Vista Campground

Pro Tips

Take a hike up 10,839-foot Hahns Peak, a relatively easy climb, for spectacular views across Colorado’s northern Rockies.

Lakeside campsites are in prime demand. Get there on Friday to grab your favorite site before the weekend crowds arrive.

Head down to Steamboat Springs to soak in one of its many hot springs. Strawberry Hot Springs is a favorite, with hot pools along a rushing creek.

Steamboat Lake State Park offers fun easy hiking on three trails. The 1.1-mile Tombstone Nature Trails makes a loop near the visitor center; the Willow Creek Trail runs between Marina and Sage Flats, and Poverty Bar Trail connects Willow Creek Trail With Forest Road 409. Leashed dogs are welcome.

The lake is one of the best paddle boarding sites in the Colorado Rockies, but watch the weather and wind. Remember to always were a personal flotation device for safety. Rent a paddle board at the Marina to give it a try

Recommended season(s): Year-round. Summers are best with warm weather and lots of wildflowers.

—Stewart M. Green