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North Sterling State Park adventures

North Sterling State Park Adventures

North Sterling State Park is a popular reservoir and recreation area in northeastern Colorado offering fishing, boating, camping, and hiking opportunities amid wide-open plains and dryland terrain.

5,700
Acres Protected
7
Miles of Trails
Approximately 100,000
Annual Visitors
1965
Year Established

About North Sterling State Park

 

North Sterling State Park is located in Logan County in northeastern Colorado, centered around the North Sterling Reservoir, which covers approximately 2,500 acres of water. The reservoir was originally constructed as a water storage project for agriculture but now serves as a major recreational hub in the region. The park's landscape is characteristic of the High Plains, featuring flat to gently rolling terrain dominated by shortgrass prairie vegetation with pockets of cottonwoods and willows near the water's edge. Wildlife such as mule deer, coyotes, waterfowl, and various songbirds are commonly seen here, making it a favored destination for birdwatchers and anglers. Established in 1965, North Sterling State Park offers key recreational activities including boating, fishing (notably for walleye, northern pike, wipers, and catfish), camping in developed campgrounds with lakefront sites, hiking along trails that provide scenic views of the reservoir, and winter activities such as ice fishing. The park appeals to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a less crowded alternative to mountain parks, with its wide-open skies and tranquil water-based recreation. The combination of water-based activities and prairie ecosystem makes North Sterling State Park a unique and accessible outdoor destination in Colorado's northeastern plains.

Highlights

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North Sterling Reservoir – a large 2,500-acre lake ideal for boating and fishing

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Diverse fishing opportunities including walleye, northern pike, and catfish

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Seven miles of mixed-use trails offering scenic views of the water and prairie

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Quiet camping areas with lakefront views and access to water recreation

Notable Natural Features

North Sterling Reservoir

A large man-made lake at the heart of the park, providing extensive boating and fishing opportunities.

Prairie Trail Loop

A 7-mile multi-use trail around portions of the park offering wide views of prairie landscapes and water.

Campgrounds with Waterfront Sites

Developed campsites that provide direct access to the reservoir shoreline for fishing and kayaking.