Pearl Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
Colorado
- Home
- State Parks
- Colorado
- Pearl Lake State Park
When you’re looking for serenity and stunning mountain views, head straight for Pearl Lake State Park. Here, a silent lake sparkles among the peaks, surrounded by lush forests and views of Hahns Peak. And thanks to the park’s no-wake rule, you’re guaranteed a peaceful camping experience. Spend your days hiking and biking in the forest, paddling the lake, or fishing for trout. Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the park in the busy summer season because the heavy winter snows transform the area into a wonderland that’s perfect for ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Located 25 miles north of the ski-resort town of Steamboat Springs and 180 miles from Denver, this park is relatively easy to access, even in a large RV.
Spring 20-60 F
Summer 45-75 F
Fall 21-67 F
Winter 13-36 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Pearl Lake State Park
Given the cool evenings and snowy winters of the high Rockies, an RV offers the ideal way to camp at Pearl Lake State Park. With your motorhome or trailer in camp, you’ll always have a place to rest during summer thunderstorms. If you haven’t committed to a model yet, an RV rental is a great way to try out the one you’ve had in mind.
Pearl Lake State Park Campground
With 36 sites located next to the lake, the Pearl Lake State Park Campground allows full immersion in the wilderness for tents and small RVs. Each spot has a fire ring and a picnic table, and water is available nearby. There aren’t showers or a dump station, but your nightly rate entitles you to use the facilities at Steamboat Lake State Park. If you want the best water views, book a site in the Lower Loop. Keep in mind that this campground is closed from mid-October until the winter snows melt. From May through the end of September, sites are $24 per night; from opening until the beginning of May, they’re $16 per night.
Steamboat Lake State Park Campgrounds
Located less than 8 miles from Pearl Lake, Steamboat Lake State Park Campgrounds offer 188 spots. If you’re in a big rig, this is a great alternative to Pearl Lake. It’s also a good option for winter RV camping; the parking lot of the marina has 14 electric sites that are available year-round. The rest of the park offers picnic tables, fire rings, and tent pads along with access to hot showers, a dump station, bathrooms, and a laundry room. Some spots offer electric hookups. Nearby, you can access the massive Steamboat Lake, which offers swimming, boating, and fishing. Electric sites are $32 in the summer and $24 in the winter; basic sites are $24 in the summer and $16 in the winter.
Steamboat Springs KOA Holiday
Do you want full hookups for your trip to Pearl Lake State Park? Steamboat Springs KOA Holiday, which is located 26 miles south, is the closest option. This park offers 50-amp electricity, Wi-Fi, and Cable TV, and you can buy propane and firewood on-site. If you’re coming with the family, check out the seasonal swimming pool, the fishing area, and the mini-golf course. Bring RVs up to 60 feet long; many sites offer plenty of room for slide-outs. Nightly rates vary, but most sites are more than $50.
What to Do at
Pearl Lake State Park
Inside Pearl Lake State Park
As soon as you set up camp at Pearl Lake State Park, head straight for the water. There, you can hike along the shore, fish for trout, or take a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or another wakeless boat across the glassy surface. If you’re interested in hiking or mountain biking, start at the trail that runs from the boat ramp; it connects to the multi-use Coulton Creek Trail. Winter brings a slew of new activities, including ice fishing. Bring your snowshoes or cross-country skis to explore the mountains, or explore via snowmobile (just be sure to get a registration from the visitor center in Steamboat Springs first).
Outside Pearl Lake State Park
Pearl Lake State Park sits a stone’s throw from some of the most spectacular spots in the Rockies. From hiking to high-elevation fishing, there are plenty of opportunities to get out into the wilderness. If you’re interested in shopping, you’ll find a variety of options to the south in Steamboat Springs.
Restaurants
Hahn's Peak Roadhouse
Sip a hot toddy while you enjoy a hearty bison burger at this restaurant, which is open for lunch and dinner. In the summer, you can also stop in for breakfast.
Type: American
Location: 60880 Co Rd 129, Clark, CO 80428
Hahns Peak Cafe
Enjoy a classic pub sandwich at Hahns Peak Cafe; it sits just a few minutes from the park. If you can, grab a table on the outdoor patio and enjoy the spectacular view while you eat.
Type: American
Location: 670170 Co Rd 129, Clark, CO 80428
The Glen Eden Restaurant
Located 7 miles south of Pearl Lake State Park, this is a family-friendly option for dinner. With a full bar and a variety of pub dishes like fried mushrooms, sandwiches, and burgers, there’s an option for even the pickiest of kids.
Type: American
Location: 54737 Co Rd 129, Clark, CO 80428
Brooklynn's Pizzeria
When you’re craving pizza, it’s hard to beat Brooklynn’s. Choose from classic toppings or try a hot hoagie or stromboli.
Type: Pizza
Location: 57 10th St, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477
Ore House at the Pine Grove
Go all-in on the Wild West vibe at this relaxed eatery, which is built in a former barn and decorated with a charming rustic flair. Go with a classic steak or try one of the many seafood and rib options.
Type: Steakhouse
Location: 1465 Pine Grove Rd, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Shopping
Steamboat Art Company
Remember your Colorado vacation forever with a piece of art or a locally-made craft from this beautifully curated store. It also sells home decor, gifts, and jewelry.
Location: 903 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Steamboat Trading Co
With its eclectic selection of clothing, ornaments, decor, and gifts, Steamboat Trading Co is fun for the whole family.
Location: 810 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Bluml's Chocolates
Bluml’s Chocolates sells artisan chocolates that are handmade on-site. With a selection that includes everything from caramel turtles to chocolate truffles, you’ll find plenty of sweet treats for your trip.
Location: 817 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
For Bare Feet Sock Shop
With its fun stock of colorful, printed socks, For Bare Feet Sock Shop is the perfect place to grab gifts or souvenirs.
Location: 729 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Steamboat Shoe Market Inc
This store might be tiny, but it offers an impressive collection of shoes. Whether you need a casual but stylish option or a pair of hiking boots, you’ll find it here.
Location: 908 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Sightseeing
Steamboat Lake Marina
Just a few miles up the road from Pearl Lake State Park near Clark, this marina offers a range of boat rentals. Book a pontoon, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and spend the day relaxing on Steamboat Lake. Rentals are available from June through August. Advance reservations are a good idea, especially on weekends.
Location: Steamboat Springs, CO
Hike Hahns Peak
The trail to Hahns Peak is short but challenging, making it a fun morning activity. Plus, since the trailhead is located near Clark, it’s a quick drive from your campsite. From the summit, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding peaks and forests; be sure to look out for Pearl Lake. At the top, there’s a fire tower that offers a bit of shelter from the wind on the exposed peak.
Location: Clark, CO
Mountain Bike the Fish Creek Falls Trail
If you’re looking for a gentle, beginner-friendly biking trail, head straight for this gorgeous trail near Steamboat Springs. Take the chairlift to the top and enjoy a relaxing ride down. Along the way, you’ll get a spectacular view of Fish Creek Falls as it thunders over the rocky cliffs. The trail is also open for hiking.
Location: Steamboat Springs, CO
Old Town Hot Springs
Part water park and part hot springs, this Steamboat Springs spot is a must-visit for families. Let the kids enjoy the water slides while you relax in the naturally heated pools, or get a workout in at the fitness center. You can even book a massage if your muscles are sore from the outdoor fun.
Location: Steamboat Springs, CO
Ride Horses or ATVs through the Rockies
Book a guided horseback or ATV tour with Hahns Roadhouse and explore the mountains in style. In the winter, you can join a guided snowmobile tour.
How to Get to
Pearl Lake State Park
To get to Pearl Lake State Park from Steamboat Springs, take Highway 129 north. You can also take Highway 129 south from Highway 70 as it runs through southern Wyoming.
Entering Pearl Lake State Park
Pearl Lake State Park is open all year. Making reservations prior to your visit is always a good idea.
Pearl Lake State Park Per vehicle : $9.0
Pearl Lake State Park Individual : $4.0
If you want a relaxing camping trip, Pearl Lake State Park is the perfect retreat. When you head to the park, be sure to tag RVshare in your social media posts so that our team can follow along with your adventures. You can also email photos and tips to [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions About Pearl Lake State Park
Pearl Lake State Park typically experiences moderate summers, but the winters are very harsh. It can be as cold as 13 degrees from November through February, with lots of snow. The summers range from 43 to 78 degrees.
Winter is a great time to visit Pearl Lake State Park if you enjoy ice fishing, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. Otherwise, you'll experience the warmest, most pleasant weather during summer.
You're allowed to have pets with you at Pearl Lake State Park, but they must remain on leashes of six feet or less. Additionally, all dogs must be licensed, tagged, and vaccinated to enter the park.
The park is home to a campground with 36 sites, all of which can accommodate RVs. However, the sites are all primitive, so none of them feature hookups. The campground is closed from mid-October until the snow melts.
Pearl Lake State Park is home to a diverse selection of wildlife. The area is inhabited by red foxes, porcupines, mule deer, beavers, American martens, weasels, salamanders, frogs, great blue herons, owls, and various other species.