Pearl Lake State Park - Colorado

Pearls are a gift of nature and Pearl Lake State Park is just that. Just a few miles off the road, it feels like an escape into the backcountry of Colorado.

Nestled in the mountains north of Steamboat Springs, this peaceful park sits in a quiet forest setting. Surrounded by mountains and trees, visitors camp along the lake and up a gentle hill.

There’s excellent fly and lure fishing for native cutthroat trout as they flash their red throats when pulled from the water. This is a true escape from the day-to-day routine. A trail takes visitors along the shoreline and leads them deep into the forest. Picnicking is picture perfect amongst the big trees that frame the lake.

Camping at Pearl Lake

The campgrounds at Pearl Lake are fully open for camping. After logging beetle-killed trees for safety, the campground is not as dense as it was. However it is a younger, heathier forest with trees around each site. Most sites also have either a view of the lake, surrounding mountains, or both.

Potable water is still unavailable at Pearl Lake, so please bring your own from home or from Steamboat Lake. After some improvements to our system, we are still awating the results of mandatory water quality testing. We will get it going as soon as possible!

Recreation at Pearl Lake

Voted one of America's top 25 canoeing spots for 2008, Pearl Lake offers a serene experience at the base of Farwell Mountain.

Our wildlife viewing deck offers great views, and the chance to either look for critters or just sun yourself in the clean, clear mountain air. A meandering trail accesses thousands of acres of National Forest. The wakeless lake and flies and lures only regulations provide a quiet sporting experience.

Please note that ANS inspections are now mandatory on all trailer-launched vessels. Please click here for more information on boating at both Steamboat Lake and Pearl Lake, including inspection information.