Sylvan Lake State Park

With non-motorized boating and non-electric camping, Sylvan Lake State Park seems to be preparing you for entry into the Holy Cross Wilderness (which is only a few miles to the east). Sylvan Lake State Park is about nothing but boating (non-motorized or electric trolling motors only), picnicking, camping, fishing, hiking and nature study through the spring, summer and fall. That nice winter blanket of snow brings out the ice fishermen, snowshoers, cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. There are cabins and yurts available for the camping-challenged, too.

The daily vehicle park pass costs $7, unless you already have a $70 annual Colorado State Parks pass. The campsites run $18 per night from May to September (from October to April it's $16 per night). The smaller camper cabins run $70 per night plus a $10 non-refundable reservation fee. Pets are allowed in cabins #2 and #8 only for an extra $10 per night. There is a deluxe 3-bedroom cabin with kitchen and bathroom for $170 per night plus that same $10 non-refundable reservation fee, but no pets allowed. The yurts cost $70 per night with a $10 non-refundable reservation fee and for an extra $10 per night, dogs are allowed in yurt #3. Boat rentals run $25 for the first 4 hours, $40 for the day. Snow shoes rent for $12 per day. You can also rent the conference room for $50 per half day or $100 for the whole day.

Sylvan Lake State Park area map