Make reservations. If you are traveling during the high season (mid-May through September), reservations are recommended. It is especially important to reserve a site for weekend and holiday trips or for stays longer than two nights. To make reservations, call the Visitor's Center at (970) 328-2021 or reserve online at Colorado State Parks. The use of one campsite in August 2010 costs around $16 a night. A group site, for up to 60 people, is available during the high season.
Drive to the Sylvan Lake campground by taking Exit 147 (Eagle) off I-70. Proceed south through town. Follow Brush Creek Road south, toward the Sylvan Lake Visitor's Center, for 10 miles. Make sure to arrive well before sunset, leaving plenty of time to get settled before dark.
Check in at the Visitor's Center, where you can pick up maps and activity details, before proceeding to your campsite. Fisherman's Paradise Campground is on the north side of Sylvan Lake, while Elk Run is slightly northwest of the lake.
Set up your tents and other camping equipment. Choose the flattest, driest spot you can find. If possible, position tents so they open out toward the best views. Occupation is limited to two tents, two vehicles and no more than 6 people per site. Pets are allowed, but must be kept on a leash. In order to avoid attracting insects and wild animals, store food in your tent or vehicle overnight.
Use the campground's facilities and amenities. During the summer, flush toilets and hot showers are provided. Plumbing is limited to vault toilets during the off-season (October through mid-May). Many campsites also have picnic tables and fire pits, with firewood available for purchase. During the day, you can pursue a variety of recreational activities including fishing, snowmobiling and skiing, hunting, horseback riding, biking and boating. The Sylvan Lake campground also sponsors educational activities such as wildlife watching and nature study exhibits.
