The best camping in Pearl Lake State Park, CO

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.

• 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.

1. You can reserve a campsite or yurt through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife online reservation system or over the phone.

2. Reservations can be made up from six months in advance up to your day of arrival.
3. Yurts are available year-round, but campsites close in the winter due to snow.
4. 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.

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.

• 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).