Camping and Hiking – Steamboat and Pearl Lake

Jun 2nd Camping and Hiking – Steamboat and Pearl Lake

I think for the next few weeks, I’ll discuss the campgrounds that we’ve visited and the hiking trails around the area. First one, as you probably have surmised will be Steamboat Lake, a Colorado State Park. It’s one of my family’s favorites. We camp in a 30-foot fifth wheel with all the comforts of home.

Right Side View from Camp Site at Steamboat Lake

Left side View From Steamboat Lake Campsite

In fact, Steamboat Lake is the location for my first Cozy Mystery due out the end of 2016. The story revolves around friends who vacation together, picking a different spot each year and this year they are at Steamboat Lake. Just happens that the site Amber and Malic reserved has a trailer already in it when their friends, Jake and Tamberlyn arrive. The rangers are notified, only to discover that the trailer with Nevada license plates apparently has been abandoned with an unwelcome occupant. Upon closer inspection, all is not what it seems and Tamberlyn’s security background and computer talents are put to the test. Ok, that’s enough about my current novel in progress.

Dawn Mist Over Steamboat Lake

Steamboat Lake is a little piece of heaven on the western slope, about 27 miles northwest from the Town of Steamboat. Hahns Peak frames the breath taking scenery of this spectacular park.

Kayaking at Steamboat Lake

It offers non-electric and electric camp sites for RV’s or tents. Reservations are strongly suggested from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are some sites shaded by aspen or evergreen trees and others are near the shoreline.

We enjoy the sites lakeside as it easier and closer to get our kayaks in the water. The lake is perfect for kayaking, especially early morning and at twilight, when the aquatic wildlife is out and about in the crisp mountain air. It’s also a wonderful lake for boats, water skiing and seadoos. The swim beach is perfect for a day of swimming or a family picnic.

Great Blue Heron, Steamboat Lake

The RV’s are not packed in like sardines and most sites offer at tent pad and campfire ring. There are several trails for biking or hiking and your canine friend can accompany you on the trails. There is a little camp store at the full service marina and the visitor’s center is just a bike ride away.

Flora at Steamboat Lake’s Edge

The information and campsite map is available on their website .

A little about Pearl Lake, it’s campsites are all non-electric and the lake doesn’t allow motorized vehicles, so it’s a very tranquil place. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, it’s just a couple of miles down the road from Steamboat Lake.

You don’t have to say goodbye to Steamboat Lake as winter approaches. There are ten camper cabins available year around. Also available are 14 electrical hookups at the marina parking lot. Just load up your snowmobiles and ice fishing gear or snowshoes and cross county ski’s and get out there.