23 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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 campgrounds.
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.
"North Sterling State Park is completely open and the reservoir is full and the fish are jumping."
"We were in site #140 - on the outer edge and away from the reservoir. For a Friday night in July, it was surprisingly quiet."
from $36 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability"It was very busy and took a lot of driving around to find a potential spot. But I eventually found a very good spot that was away from many of the other campers."
"Must have a valid fishing license or hunting license in Colorado to access. There were vault toilets available. CPW consistently drove around. This is a big place for RVs."
"The downtown Sterling was nice. Jane was very helpful with directions and things to do and see. Jane was wonderful in helping us to stay for 2 nights. You're the bomb, Jane, as my kids would say."
from $22 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Right next to the Cabela’s store, within walking distance to food, coffee, Walmart. It is, however, right next to a major highway, so it is very loud."
"Tired of driving-take a break here. We stumbled across this campground when returning from Colorado and needing a place to stay over."
"Nice for a stay while traveling through Colorado. 1/2 to a few places to eat. Quiet and next to park and across the street from fishing pond. Easy to find, gravel sites and level."
"The city is using a new automated system and it is located at the entrance to the campground. There's a city park, pool and a very cool little museum adjacent to the campground."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"We stopped in Sterling, CO to fill up gas. If you are taking road 14, just know that it is at least 60 miles before the next gas station, so plan accordingly."
"Stopped on my way east through NE Colorado for the night and watched the sun set over the buttes. Absolutely lovely. Can see the windmills in the distance but I don’t mind that."
GuideGreat rv park in western Nebraska. Long pull though rv sites with full hooks, to pull through electric only to tent with 110. Full dump station nice restrooms and shower facilities. Well maintained. Huge Cabela with tons of well trained animals on display. Lots of overnighters even in late September. I imagine it fills up fast in peak season. We felt I80 noise was minimal. Visit Brooke’s cafe in town for a great breakfast.
GuideFull hook up, 30/50 amp, pretty level sites at fairgrounds. No showers that I saw, bathrooms clean. Self pay station. Had alot of open sites, able to pull thru a site, as not to busy last night
GuideThe management is nice enough. $30 cash or check. Clean bathrooms, and showers, loads of hot water. However, the train runs all night and is loud!!
ScoutGreat ridge spot overlooking the trailhead, as well as the buttes and surrounding area. Relatively easy to get in with a truck and a 15ft camper. Did use 4x4 high in the process, but less necessary if you have a pop up or are otherwise self contained.
RangerWe spent two wonderful days at this lovely park! The rate was only $25.00 per night for electricity and water. The park is nestled in a large, green area, which was perfect for relaxing. There’s even a swimming pool to cool off in. Plus, there’s a small museum that highlights the town’s history, which we really enjoyed exploring. Overall, it was a great getaway!
RangerThere is a small city-owned RV park located in Brush, CO. The cost is $25.00 per night, which includes electricity and water. The showers and restrooms are well-maintained and kept clean. You will be surrounded by a pleasant green city park that features a museum dedicated to the town.
TravelerThere is a very long way between campgrounds in NE! The prairie seemed unending and finally found a spot to hook up. The sites are small.. but it worked. I would hardly think it would need to be a huge park on the sandhills of Nebraska!
GuideNice staff, clean facilities. Basically a dirt parking lot with hookups. Very unpleasant “campground” but served its purpose when not any other options but to drive further. I hardly got out of my camper after arriving. I will plan around it.
GuideMostly flat, pull through spots with full hookups for $30 (cash preferred). Super friendly host. Extremely clean bathrooms and showers. A perfect spot for an overnight just off the interstate and walking distance to downtown. No frills but just what we needed.
Sterling, Colorado camping areas sit on the high plains at 3,937 feet elevation. The region's semi-arid climate averages 16 inches of rainfall annually, creating a drought-resistant landscape dominated by shortgrass prairie. Camping options range from reservoir-based parks to city campgrounds, with many sites offering minimal natural shade due to the treeless plains ecosystem.
Birdwatching opportunities: At Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area, campers can observe numerous bird species in this wetland habitat. "Birding is good here most of the year even during goose season which opens the first Saturday in October (Herons, grebes, white pelicans, ducks and peeps)," notes Robert C. The reservoir attracts diverse waterfowl throughout the seasons.
Hiking the buttes: The trails at Pawnee Buttes - Dispersed Camping offer moderate terrain with unique geological formations. "We did the hikes to both of the 'buttes'. From the second one you can get nice areal views if you climb a bit. It took us 3h in a very easy pace, lots of photo and views stops. It can probably be done in and 1h to 1.30h," shares Wild Berries B.
Stargazing sessions: The high plains provide excellent night sky visibility with minimal light pollution. "This area is also a 'dark site,' so on clear, moonless nights the stars / Milky Way are phenomenal," reports J A. from Pawnee Buttes. The open landscape creates unobstructed viewing in all directions.
Overnight convenience: Many travelers appreciate the accessibility of Brush Memorial Park Campground as a stopover point. "This city park campground is 10 minutes off the highway - a perfect overnighter. We had W & E with a picnic table on a gravel lot surrounded by the municipal park," writes Beverly W.
Peace and solitude: The dispersed camping areas provide quiet escapes from crowded campgrounds. "This is an unexpected gem very close to our house where you can't see a tree for miles. It's peaceful and not crowded," says Larry H. about Pawnee Buttes. The open spaces create natural separation between camping areas.
Water recreation access: North Sterling State Park Campground receives praise for its lake-based activities. "There are two campgrounds at this state park — Inlet Cove and Elks. Elks is next to the marina and feels made for rvs and campers (though you could rent camp too)," explains Laura S. The reservoir provides fishing and boating opportunities throughout the camping season.
Wind exposure considerations: The open plains landscape provides little natural shelter from prevailing winds. "Very windy with little cover" reports Erin T. about North Sterling State Park, while another camper at Pawnee Buttes notes "It was very windy, especially at night (the wind rocked the car most of the night). It wasn't an issue for us sleeping in the car, but I wouldn't tent camp."
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires additional preparation as temperatures can drop significantly. "We were here in mid April and there was one other RV there. The campground allows views in all directions, that seem to go on for a hundred miles," shares Michael G. Spring and fall typically offer the most moderate weather conditions.
Road conditions: Access to some of the best places to camp near Sterling involves gravel roads. "You have to drive for several miles on some bumpy roads, but my Ford transit handled it fine," reports Kelda C. about reaching Pawnee Buttes dispersed sites. During winter months, snow drifts can accumulate on less-maintained routes.
Playground access: Buffalo Hills Campground & RV Park offers amenities for children. "We stopped here for the night on our way to the Mountains. (Tent Camping!) The manager was very friendly. Reserving was easy, it is place quiet and open. There's a small play area for kids," notes Danielle F.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe diverse plains animals during their stay. "We saw encounters with antelope, badgers," one camper reported, while at North Sterling State Park, a ranger "found a bull snake. That was huge. Non poisonous. But surprise. Ha ha," according to Jenn H.
Swimming options: During summer months, community pools near campgrounds provide relief from the heat. "We enjoyed the community pool and the clean playground. Very safe area for my brood," shares Crystal R. about Brush Memorial Park Campground.
Site selection strategy: RVers suggest specific sites at certain campgrounds for optimal experiences. At North Sterling State Park, one camper advises: "Best sites waterfront IMHO are 117, 119, and 121 and 123. If you fish, you can do it right from your campsite in a few of these."
Hookup availability: Many campgrounds near Sterling offer partial or full hookups. "Like all Colorado State Parks there is an entrance fee to pay at the gate. AND to camp you must make reservations online. They do not assign camp spaces or take camping payments at the Visitors Center," explains David L. about North Sterling State Park.
Utility management: Water access varies significantly between campgrounds. "Inlet Grove campground has lots of water spigots throughout the campground (every four or five sites) and a dump station with water at the entrance," notes Lori E. RVers should plan accordingly for locations with limited resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Sterling, Colorado?
Sterling, Colorado offers several excellent camping options. North Sterling State Park Campground is highly rated for its panoramic views and waterfront location. The reservoir is perfect for fishing, with reports of fish jumping and full water levels. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Pawnee Buttes - Dispersed Camping offers beautiful sunset views over the buttes, though it's about 60 miles west of Sterling (remember to fuel up before heading out). Both locations provide peaceful settings with plenty of space between campsites. The area also features wildlife areas like Prewitt Reservoir and Jumbo Reservoir that offer camping opportunities, though these tend to be more primitive and can get busy during peak seasons.
Are there RV parks with full hookups near Sterling, Colorado?
Sterling RV Park - The Landing is a newer, well-maintained RV park in the Sterling area with helpful staff who can provide information on local attractions and activities. The park is clean and conveniently located near downtown Sterling. For travelers passing through the region, Brush Memorial Park Campground offers easy automated check-in with credit card payment and provides water/electric hookups as well as electric-only sites. It includes a dump station and is conveniently located near restaurants and a fishing pond. The campground features level, gravel sites and is situated close to town amenities, making it a practical option for RVers needing full services while traveling through northeastern Colorado.
What camping facilities are available at North Sterling State Park?
North Sterling State Park Campground offers extensive facilities for campers. The Inlet Grove campground area features numerous water spigots distributed throughout (approximately every four to five sites) and a convenient dump station with water at the entrance. A camp host is available daily and sells firewood for campers. The park provides spectacular wide-open views that seem to stretch for miles in all directions. During off-peak seasons like mid-April, the campground can be nearly empty, offering a peaceful experience. The reservoir is a major draw, with excellent fishing opportunities when water levels are high. The park maintains clean facilities and provides a perfect balance of accessibility and natural beauty for both tent campers and RVers.
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