North Sterling State Park — Attraction in Sterling

I haven't been to the park in years and was incredibly disappointed with an experience today. While walking the dog, I let him off leash as there were no other people, dogs, or cars in sight. When I saw the Park Ranger truck approaching, I put the dog on the leash because I always leash him when cars or people are approaching. Officer Mills pulled up and without any introduction or greeting, rudely told me the dog had to be on a leash and stated, "And because you put him on the leash, I assume you already knew that. I will write you a ticket if I see you again." I have no problem being asked to have the dog on the leash as this is the rule. However, I do expect Park Rangers to be appropriate and professional when approaching paying guests and not rude and unfriendly. Officer Mills was not wearing a mask, as all essential workers are required to do during this pandemic when dealing with the public, and did not maintain 6 feet of distance. When we called the office after leaving the park, Officer Mills refused to provide her full name and stated, "I'm Officer Mills to you." The park and trails were well maintained so it's unfortunate that an otherwise great day was interrupted by a rude and unprofessional...

Nice place for a spring camping trip (when we were there), but could be hot in summer. If you're here for the boating that wouldn't be as much of an issue. We were here in April, so the park was only about half-opened (e.g., the marina was closed).

The campsites are nicely separated so you don't feel like you're right on top of your neighbors. The shaded picnic tables at each site would be nice to get out of the sun in summer. Two of the three campgrounds have 30A electrical hookups.

The restrooms are good; clean and well maintained, but there are relatively few of them and so it's a bit of a walk from some campsites and they might get crowded when the campground is full.

The dump station is good, with two drains and water for flushing out your see hose. There's also potable water there and in the campgrounds, but the water tastes TERRIBLE.

There are a couple of short hiking trails that are good for getting out and stretching you legs.

There were lots of birds in April, so this would be a good place for birders.

So, this is a good park for boaters and fishermen, as well as birders an other wildlife watchers. It's also a nice place to go to just get away for civilization...

The park is pretty. There's a few different campgrounds within the park I stayed at Chimney View. I stayed on site 59 which was near the vault toilets and had a great distant view of the reservoir. The sites are very clean and well maintained as well as the facilities. There are pay showers, 3 quarters gets you 3 minutes and the water temperatures options are freezing or cold. It was 88 degrees by 9 am so that was great for me but be warned. There is a change machine in the bathroom if you don't have coins. I had the whole campground to myself. There was one other couple that was there for a little while but the wind was relentless the day I was there and then there was a storm that came through in the middle of the night so I think they bailed.

There is zero natural cover. Like, not a single tree. The little wind, sun shades permanent fixtures are somewhat helpful but the day I was there the wind was blowing straight out of the East into the East facing cover... I would stay again when passing through. The...