Best Campgrounds near Sterling, CO
Northeastern Colorado's Sterling area features a mix of state park campgrounds, reservoir-based camping, and dispersed sites on public lands. North Sterling State Park Campground offers year-round access with full hookup sites, boat-in camping options, and amenities including showers and laundry facilities. Several RV-focused options exist within city limits, including Sterling RV Park and Buffalo Hills Campground, while more primitive experiences can be found at Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area about 30 miles southwest of Sterling. The region serves as a convenient stopover for travelers along I-76 and those exploring the eastern Colorado plains.
Weather conditions significantly impact camping experiences, with persistent winds common across the open plains landscape. As one camper noted, North Sterling State Park can be "very windy with little cover," making shade structures essential during summer months. Gravel roads lead to many dispersed camping areas, particularly around Pawnee Buttes northwest of Sterling. According to a visitor, "The roads are all gravel, so just take your time. They were pretty well maintained due to industry traffic." Most state park campgrounds require advance online reservations and entrance fees, while wildlife areas often require fishing or hunting licenses for visitors aged 19-64. Winter travelers should be prepared for sudden snowstorms that can make travel hazardous.
Reservoir-based camping receives consistently positive reviews for fishing access and water recreation. North Sterling State Park's Inlet Grove campground features "lots of water spigots throughout the campground" and sites that are "decently level" with soil that "doesn't get muddy in the rain." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers reporting encounters with antelope, badgers, and various bird species, particularly at Pawnee Buttes. Many campgrounds serve primarily as convenient overnight stops rather than destination camping, with one reviewer noting that Brush Memorial Park Campground is "10 minutes off the highway - a perfect overnighter." Limited shade is a common concern across most sites in the region, with few mature trees available for natural shelter.
