Pearl Lake State Park - Clark, CO
Pearl Lake State Park: A Dog-Friendly Adventure in Clark, Colorado
Nestled in the picturesque mountains outside Clark, Pearl Lake State Park is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts and pet owners alike. The park features a tranquil, non-motorized lake that’s perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding—many visitors even bring their dogs along to enjoy the ride. Pet-friendly trails wind around the beautiful lakeshore, offering easy hiking with gorgeous mountain views and opportunities to spot local wildlife such as deer and eagles. The campground welcomes dogs and families, with options for traditional campsites or unique yurt accommodations that make every stay special.
Amenities at Pearl Lake State Park include picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms with flush toilets, and accessible facilities for those with mobility needs. The park is well-maintained and less crowded than other Colorado destinations, offering a peaceful retreat where pups can relax on the yurt deck or hike alongside their family. While there’s no designated off-leash dog park, leashed dogs are welcomed throughout, and SUP (stand up paddleboarding) with your pet is a local favorite. Pearl Lake State Park is the perfect spot for anyone looking for dog-friendly hiking and camping in the Clark, Colorado area.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at Pearl Lake State Park? Yes, dogs are welcome in the park, on trails, campsites, and even on paddleboards or kayaks (with supervision).
- What are the park’s leash requirements? All dogs must remain leashed when exploring the park and trails.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, there are wheelchair accessible entrances and parking lots available.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, public restrooms with flush toilets and sinks are provided.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, there are picnic areas with tables and shade, and the yurts feature sheltered decks.
- Are picnics and BBQs allowed? Yes, there are barbecue grills and picnic tables available throughout the park.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are easy, pet-friendly trails around the lake with scenic views.
- Where is the best place to park? Parking is available with accessible options located close to amenities and trailheads.
- Are there staff or rangers present at the park? Yes, friendly staff are present, especially at the equipment rental stand.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, the park is open in all seasons, offering beautiful views year-round.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? Yes, a state park admission fee or a Keep Colorado Wild annual pass is required for entry.
Reviews
Beautiful lake to visit. Easy trail around the lake.
I think this state park is totally underrated. The place offers really amazing views and plenty of picnic and camping spots. There’s also a stand that rents out paddle board, canoes, kayaks (price inclusive of safety jacket rental). They also sell snacks and drinks 🍺 also big shout-out for the really friendly staff to assist everyone with the rentals.
We rented a 1 hour canoe with a beer for about 46-50 dollars as of 2025 June. You can also rent for 2 hours or longer as long as you agree to add time to it. Restrooms available at parking lot. There’s a couple of bench to sit. The lake can get really windy sometimes.
Remember to pay your state park admission fee or use a Keep Colorado Wild annual pass upon entering! This spot makes Rocky Mountain National Park admission seemed like a rip-off.
Stayed in a yurt, family of 4 and 2 dogs- loved it! Bathroom with flush toilets, sink and electricity directly across from yurt. Raised deck surrounding the yurt so the pups could watch wildlife from a safe, contained environment. Nice having electricity in the yurt and the metal grate outside to put our camp stove on. Went SUP’ing on the lake- serene! Be sure to bring your own firewood, they don’t sell it at Pearl Lake.
One of my favorite SP in Colorado. The lake is peaceful and serene with no motorized boats. Lots of birds, wildflowers, and deer. I saw an eagle on my hike around the lake. The campground is beautiful if you can score a reservation. Very good Verizon signal. You can rent paddle boards or kayaks there.
Pearl Lake State Park is a hidden gem, or at least it seemed like it when I was there. Very quiet, beautiful, and not busy at all. We went just to check out the lake and see what was there. We now want to come back as soon as possible to stay here. They have kayaks to rent right on the water’s edge. There were a few people paddle boarding, some even had their dogs. I love it when people paddle board with their dogs!
There are campsites at the park as well, there are even a couple of yurts.
We will be back with paddle boards and dogs in hand! 🤣
UPDATE:
We stayed at campsite #5 over Memorial Day ’24 weekend and it was glorious! Cannot wait to come back. I want to experience these views in all seasons!