Steamboat Lake State Park

Located at the foot of Hahn's Peak in north-central Colorado and surrounded by Routt National Forest, Steamboat Lake State Park is centered, of course, around Steamboat Lake, a 1,053-acre reservoir. In addition to the breath-taking scenery, this premier Colorado State Park offers picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, boating, fishing and camping opportunities galore. In the winter that 300" of annual snowfall attracts a lot of snowshoers, cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. Normally, camping is available year-round but the lake is open for boating only from May 1 through November 1 of each year. About half the lake is open to wake speed boating, including jet skis. There is a swim beach available but the water tends to be quite chilly and there are no lifeguards on duty. Swimming is allowed only between the markers at the swim beach.

The daily vehicle park pass is $7, unless you've already bought a $70 annual Colorado State Parks pass. The camper cabins will hold 4 to 6 people per night and cost $80 per night. The 110 non-electric campsites run $18 per night from May 1 through September 30 (and $16 per night the rest of the year) while the 77 electrified sites run $22 per night from May 1 through September 30 (and $20 per night the rest of the year). Steamboat Lake Marina owns several cabins at the state park and they rent for $80 per night, 4-to-6 people per cabin.

To get there from Steamboat Springs: Go two miles west of town on US Highway 40 to the intersection with County Road 129 (also known as Elk River Road). Turn north, go 25 miles until you come to the State Park visitor center on the left side of the road.