Clark, Colorado sits at roughly 7,000 feet elevation near the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, creating distinct camping seasons with cool summers and heavy winter snowfall. Several campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October, with temperatures often dropping into the 40s even during summer nights. Cell reception varies dramatically throughout the area, from strong connections to complete dead zones depending on location.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Pearl Lake State Park Campground offers excellent shoreline fishing with one visitor catching "a 16" rainbow which provided supper one night." The lake is ideal for anglers seeking quiet waters, as motorized boats are prohibited.
Hiking trails: Multiple trails are accessible directly from Steamboat Lake State Park. "There are nice hiking trails in the park and the lake looks like an awesome place for paddle boarding and canoes if you're into that sort of thing. A nice little beach for the kids, too," notes a visitor who appreciated the trail system.
Mountain biking: The Seedhouse Campground area features numerous mountain biking routes. According to a camper, it's an "Awesome place with mountain biking trails. Rustic, quiet campground and friendly rangers." Many trails through the area accommodate both hikers and cyclists.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Visitors often encounter wildlife at Dutch Hill Campground. One camper mentioned, "The local deer migrate into the campground. A site on lake's edge is usually available. Fall's morning fog greet you in the morning."
Quiet off-season camping: Early fall can provide exceptional camping experiences with fewer crowds. A camper noted, "We make a habit of visiting the week after Labor Day. The crowds are gone and the campground is peaceful. Amenities as small boat rentals remain open."
Natural sounds: The sound of the Elk River creates a peaceful atmosphere at Seedhouse Campground. "The best part of the camp was without a doubt the Elk River. It was beautiful and you could hear it throughout much of the camp. We were even able to fall asleep to the sound of the river," shared one visitor.
What you should know
Winter closures: Most RV parks near Clark, Colorado close during winter months. The Yampa River Headquarters Campground operates "mid April to November 30," making it one of the longer-season options in the region.
Limited facilities: While most campgrounds have basic amenities, services vary widely. At Sentinel Mountain RV & Quick Stop, "The sewer receptacle is not threaded, so you'll need to otherwise secure your sewer hose."
Variable cell service: Connectivity changes dramatically by location and provider. One visitor reported, "AT&T coverage is a little complicated; on the South side of the RV service ranged from 1-2 Bars of 4G/LTE with service up to 8 MB/s up, but on the North side service ranged from no service to 4 bars of 3G, with speeds up to 2.5 MB/s."
Tips for camping with families
Pack for cold nights: Even summer camping requires warm clothing at Sunrise Vista Campground. A visitor warned, "Weather is always changing. We had snow, rain, sun, and some wind. Be prepared to have temperatures in the 20's at the end of May at night."
Use of bear lockers: Many campgrounds provide bear-resistant storage for food. At Dry Lake Campground, a visitor noted, "Tables, fire pits, bear lockers all seem new," indicating recent upgrades to the facility's safety features.
Playground access: Families with young children might prefer campsites with play facilities. One camper at Yampa River Headquarters Campground mentioned the campground has a "Playground" among its amenities, making it suitable for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: The routes to some RV parks in Clark, Colorado require careful navigation. For Summit Lake, a visitor advised, "Google maps will tell you it is a 20 min drive from Steamboat... It does not take into account driving slow due to the road condition. The drive time is actually about 45 min to an hour."
Site leveling: Some campgrounds offer better leveling than others. At Eagle Soaring RV Park, a reviewer found "Sites are gravel for the RV, very level, and very well maintained. All sites are pull through. Hookups are in very good condition."
Size limitations: Despite size restrictions posted for some campgrounds, reality may differ. At Dry Lake Campground, a camper noted, "It's hard to find information on this campground, but if you see 20' trailer limit, don't buy it. The host is in a 36' trailer."
