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Biking
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5/14/2013 |
The 3.5-mile South Shoreline Trail is recommended for a quiet prairie trail ride along the reservoir's shoreline, but dress for the weather! All of North Sterling's trails are for non-motorized access only.
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Birding
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5/14/2013 |
Eagle Update: By mid May we still had 6 eagles at the park with one pair confirmed to be nesting. A complete Bird Species List can be found on this website or at the Visitor Center. Let us know if you would like to join a guided bird walk at (970) 522-3657, or volunteer to become a Raptor Monitor throughout the fall and winter!
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Boating
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5/14/2013 |
The reservoir is open to boating! Please see Boat Ramps in the Conditions section for ramp information.
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Camping
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5/14/2013 |
Inlet Grove Campground with 50 amp elecrtical service and Chimney View campground are open for the season. Elks Campground, with 30-amp electricity, is open year-round. All sites have a picnic table, shade shelter & campfire ring. Please see the Camping page for more details.
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Education Programs
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5/14/2013 |
Education programs for school classes, clubs, and other interested groups may be scheduled with our park staff both off-site and on-site by calling (970)522-3657. We will return voice mail messages. Summer evening campfire programs are presented May through September on most Saturday nights. May is a great time for school groups to explore the swimbeach and park with their teachers. Call the park to let us know your plans. Check out wildlife displays, information and brochures in the Visitor Center north of the dam. Ask about our new Visitor Center retail store. Check current calendar events on our home page.
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Equipment Rental
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5/14/2013 |
The Visitor Center at North Sterling State Park offers several free equipment-borrowing programs, including life jackets of all sizes, family activity backpacks with binoculars and field guides, a handheld GPS unit for geocaching and other activities, and laminated nature activities and park-specific field guides for beginners. See the Visitor Center page or call us for details!
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Fishing
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5/14/2013 |
Some keeper walleye being caught in early morning hours. Several large catfish have been caught in the inlet on cut bait. Water temperatures were in the low 60's on May 14th. Several fish stockings have already occured and more to come this spring. Several truck loads of trout as well as one stocking of walleye and catfish have already taken place.
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Group Camping
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5/14/2013 |
Sorry we have no "group camping" area, but please call 1-800-678-2267 or (303) 470-1144 and reserve several campsites adjacent to each other. Park phone # is (970)522-3657. We will return voice mail messages.
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Group Picnicking
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5/14/2013 |
Two picnic pavilions are available for groups. Marina Point Pavilion, north of the dam, can be reserved for up to 100 people and is located near Elks Campground and boat ramp. Please call (970) 522-3657. Cottonwood Cove Picnic Pavilion at the swim beach, south of the dam, is now open for reservations. A playground is also nearby.
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Hiking
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5/14/2013 |
Point-to-point, natural surface trails extend over 3 miles from the Inlet Canal southwest along the shoreline to a trailhead on County Road 29. Dogs are required to be on a maximum six foot leash.
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Horseback Riding
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5/14/2013 |
Horses are allowed along the South Shoreline trail, south of the Inlet Canal and footbridge. Park at the East Trailhead parking lot, just south of the Inlet on CR-33. Sorry, we do not have a stable or horses for rent.
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Hunting
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5/14/2013 |
The park will close to hunting for the season on May 24th. See the new Hunting page under Park Activities for more information on designated hunting areas and suggestions. Hunting is permitted during legal seasons for small game, waterfowl, and archery deer, using shotgun and archery methods in designated hunting areas only.
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Jet Skiing
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4/11/2013 |
The reservoir is open to boating for the season. Please check condition page for more information.
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Picnicking
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5/14/2013 |
There are 38 picnic sites throughout the park. Picnic tables with shade shelters are available at the Balanced Rock area, while tables with grills can be found at the South Boat Ramp, Cottonwood Cove and Sunset Cove areas.
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Sailboarding
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5/14/2013 |
Well, we always have wind - are you up for it?
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Swimming
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5/14/2013 |
The Cottonwood Cove Swim Beach will for the season on May 23rd. The Pavillion and playground is open. Located at the south end of the park, the swim beach area provides flush restrooms, a large public picnic pavilion and a playground. It’s a great place for family fun! Sorry, pets are NOT PERMITTED on the swim beach or ski beach. Please use caution; there are no lifeguards.
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Water Skiing
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5/14/2013 |
The reservoir is open to boating! water temperatures are in the low 60's as of May 13th.
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Winter Activities
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5/14/2013 |
We offer winter camping in Elks Campground, open year round north of the dam. Hunting takes place south of the dam. Why not hike along any part of our six mile trail system? Photography, stargazing, wildlife observation and birding are great fun. Browse in the Visitor Center & retail store north of dam. Depending on conditions, ice fishing may also be available at your own risk, use caution.
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Winter Camping
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5/14/2013 |
Elks Campground north of the dam with 50 electric sites is open year-round. The Elks Camper Services Building is now open for the summer season, and vault restrooms are available year-round throughout the park. A trailer dump station is located at Elks Campground.
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