The best camping near Pearl Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Pearl Lake State Park adventure.

100% (3 reviews)

Fish to your heart’s content at this laidback alternative to Steamboat Lake State Park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Pearl Lake State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Pearl Lake State Park

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(2)

Yurts

2 sites In Pearl Lake State Park

Upper Loop

19 sites · RVs, Tents In Pearl Lake State Park

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(1)

Lower Loop

15 sites · RVs, Tents In Pearl Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Pearl Lake State Park

87%

(23)

Mountain Top Views

4 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Oak Creek, CO

Views for Miles all the way to Hans peak. Beautiful open space with tons of areas to spread out in. The beautiful property is located only 13 minutes to the Mount Werner and 16 minutes to downtown, but you feel so much further than that from town when you are sitting next to the fire roasting smores.

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(63)

Mountain Meadows

1 site · Lodging160 acres · Oak Creek, CO

Our 160 acre property is surrounded on all four sides by miles of National Forest. We recently built our cabin/house adjacent to Trout creek which runs through the property. This property was originally homesteaded in the 1800’s. An original two story cabin built in the 1890s still stands on the property. The logs in that cabin are said to have come from “The Meeker Massacre” (one of the last Indian uprisings in the west). We still hay the 60 acre meadow that has fed cows for many years on the property. Campers can expect to see all kinds of wildlife, from large moose to small chipmunks on the property. Hiking around the meadow is a favorite activity of campers, or just relaxing in a rocking chair looking at the beautiful views.

85%

(10)

Buffalo Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent35 acres · Steamboat Springs, CO

35 acres with access off highway 40, 14 miles to Steamboat Springs and the ski resort. Property is directly across from yampa river and the nature conservatory land. Large flat meadows in the front with wolf creek and trails on the west side of the property. Just a short 7 mile drive to Hayden and the Yampa Valley Airport

The best camping near Pearl Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

Just outside of Steamboat Springs, this snug state park provides a quieter alternative to the better known Steamboat Lake State Park, a 10-minute drive down the road. Pearl Lake attracts anglers and water-sports enthusiasts with its wakeless lake in the summer, while the wintertime draws in folks looking for a laid-back spot to snowshoe, cross-country ski, snowmobile, and ice fish. There are 33 seasonal campsites and two year-round yurts at the park plus flush and vault toilets, and while you won’t find hookups or showers at the park, those camping at Pearl Lake are welcome to use the robust facilities at Steamboat Lake.

Notable campgrounds

Best for glamping: Upper Loop has two yurts, one of which is ADA accessible
Best for quick trips to the lake: Lower Loop offers a prime location, and all sites are within 10 to 50 yards of Pearl Lake.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve a campsite or yurt through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife online reservation system or over the phone. 
Reservations can be made up from six months in advance up to your day of arrival.
Yurts are available year-round, but campsites close in the winter due to snow.
If you can’t find a site in the park, you may want to see what’s available at Steamboat Lake State Park, a 10-minute drive west of Pearl Lake. Privately owned Hipcamps in the area are also worth considering.

When to go

Pearl Lake State Park is open throughout the year, and is at its busiest in July and August, when the weather is ideal for watersports and camping. The best times to fish are in mid-to-late May and again in the autumn. Note that the campgrounds close during the snowy season (usually around the middle of October) and don’t usually reopen until the end of May.

Know before you go

Hahns Peak Village, about a 10-minute drive from the park, is the closest place to get supplies and groceries or fill up on gas.
Pets are allowed at campsites and elsewhere in the park, but must be kept leashed. Pets are allowed in yurt #16 for a small daily fee.
Swimming is prohibited in Pearl Lake.
You can leave your boat along the shore or in the boat ramp parking lot.
Parking passes are required for all guests and are not included in the price of camping or yurt reservations.
The park offers one accessible yurt (#6) and one accessible campsite (#35).