North Sterling State Park

North Sterling State Park
IUCN category III (natural monument or feature)
The park entrance sign.
Location in Colorado
Location	Logan County, Colorado, USA
Nearest city	Sterling, CO
Coordinates	40°47′21″N103°15′55″W / 40.78917°N 103.26528°W / 40.78917; -103.26528
Area	5,022 acres (2,032 hectares) [1]
Established	1992
Visitors	222,735(in 2021) [2]
Governing body	Colorado Parks and Wildlife

North Sterling State Park is a state park in northeastern Colorado, located approximately 11 miles north of Sterling, Colorado in Logan County. The park encompasses 5,022 acres (2,032 hectares) of land and water, centered around the North Sterling Reservoir.

History

The reservoir was constructed in 1911 by the North Sterling Irrigation District to provide agricultural water storage. The surrounding land remained largely undeveloped until 1992, when the area was designated as a state park managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. ^[3]

Recreation

Recreational opportunities include fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and wildlife observation. The reservoir covers approximately 2,880 acres (1,170 ha) and supports warm-water fish species such as walleye, wiper, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and yellow perch. ^[4] The park contains three boat ramps and a designated swim beach during summer months. There are over 100 campsites spread across three campgrounds, with a mix of electric and non-electric sites. ^[5]

Several short trails totaling about 6 miles (9.7 km) are available for walking or wildlife viewing. Common wildlife includes deer, waterfowl, and raptors, especially during spring and fall migration.

Facilities

Facilities include a visitor center, picnic areas, restrooms, a dump station, and parking areas. Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) inspections are conducted seasonally at boat ramps.

Ecology

The park lies in the western High Plains and consists primarily of shortgrass prairie. Vegetation includes blue grama, buffalo grass, yucca, and rabbitbrush. The reservoir and its adjacent wetlands provide habitat for migratory birds and are part of the South Platte River corridor.

Access

North Sterling State Park is open year-round. A valid Colorado State Parks pass is required for entry. Campsites may be reserved in advance through the state parks reservation system.

References

1. "North Sterling State Park". Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
2. "Colorado State Parks Region Annual Visitation Report" (PDF). Colorado Counties, Inc. 2023.
3. "North Sterling State Park Management Plan" (PDF). Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
4. "Fishing North Sterling Reservoir". Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
5. "Camping Information - North Sterling State Park". Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Retrieved October 23, 2024.

External links

• Official website