The best camping near Stagecoach State Park

Set on the banks of an 820-acre reservoir, Stagecoach State Park offers a mix of camping options, with electric and non-electric sites plus a couple of group campgrounds. The park is popular for fishing, due to its solid population of large rainbow trout and northern pike, and while summertime sees the most anglers, plenty of people come here in the winter to try their luck at ice fishing, too. Stagecoach is also a good place to try new things, and the park office operates a loaner program offering free loaner rods and tackle, horseshoes, fat tire bikes, snowshoes, and even GPS units.

• Best for winter camping: Pinnacle Campground is open throughout the year and offers 20, 30 and 50 amp electricity.
• Best for families: sandwiched between two day-use areas, Junction City Campground has plenty of amenities, with electrical sites, multiple water hydrants, and easy access to the park office.
• Best for quiet tent camping: Harding Spur Campground features non-electric sites right by the water.

1. You can reserve a camping site through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife online reservation system or over the phone.
2. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance and up until the day of your arrival.
3. Some first-come, first-served sites are available in Pinnacle during the winter months. If you can’t get an online reservation, simply show up.  
4. Of the two group camping areas, one can accommodate 18 people, while the other has room for 36. Both can be reserved online or over the phone.

The best time to visit the park is between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when the weather is at its warmest, though the reservoir is open to boaters from the beginning of May through the end of October. Early September is a good alternative if you want pleasant weather without the crowds, but temperatures tend to drop significantly by the end of the month, particularly at night. Snowy winters are also popular here, particularly among cross-country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts.

• The small city of Oak Creek is less than a 15-minute drive away.
• While Pinnacle is open year-round, water facilities (showers, drinking water, and the dump station) are closed from the beginning of October through mid-May.
• Parking is not included in the price of camping reservations. All visitors must display a daily or annual Colorado State Park pass in their vehicles.
• Boat trailer parking is available in the marina parking lot.
• Fire bans are common during the summer months, when the risk of wildfire is high.