Stagecoach State Park – Oak Creek, CO

Stagecoach is a wonderful state park situated in the beautiful Yampa River Valley, south of Steamboat Springs. Stagecoach Reservoir is the highlight of the park, offering outstanding fishing and boating. The park is popular for fishing year-round, with ice fishing common in the winter. Campgrounds overlook the lake, creating an unforgettable place to spend the night.

Activities

Stagecoach State Park Fishing Oak Creek CO — Fisherman on Stagecoach Reservoir, Oak Creek. Photo: Cyndi and Dave

Biking: There are 8 miles of trails in the park. The Elk Run Trail and Lakeside Trails are popular in the summer and they can be combined with county roads for an 11-mile loop around the lake.

Boating: The reservoir is divided into wakeless and non-wakeless areas. It’s open to jet skis, water skis, pontoons, sailboats, and fishing boats during the summer months.

Camping: There are 92 sites across 4 campgrounds open year-round and reservations recommended from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Coin-operated showers are available at the marina and there is a small shop with some fishing supplies and food items. Junction City and Pinnacle campgrounds offer electric hookups while McKindley can be reserved for groups of up to 45 people.

Read about the camping near Steamboat Springs, Clark, and Oak Creek.

Fishing: The reservoir has a reputation for great rainbow trout and northern pike fishing. It’s encouraged to keep any pikes caught to maintain the trout population. Some pikes are marked with an orange tag for study, report any of these caught. Additionally, the Yampa River offers great fishing behind the dam.

Hiking: The Wetlands and Pinnacle Peak Trails are limited to hiking and pets are permitted on these trails.

Horseback Riding: The Lakeview and Elk Run Trails are open to horses. There are no stables or horse rentals in the immediate area.

Hunting: Waterfowl and small game hunting permitted from the Tuesday after Labor Day through the legal season.

Swimming: Allowed at the swim beach. There is also a sand volleyball court.

Winter Recreation: Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing are popular. Free snowshoe rentals are available at the park office. Snowmobiling is allowed only on the lake for ice fishing access to and from your trailer.