Camping near Loveland and Fort Collins

Nestled close to nature, the northern front range cities of Loveland and Fort Collins make great places to camp. There are a lot of terrific campgrounds located both in town and to the west along the forested foothills.

There are numerous lakeside camping opportunities in this region of Larimer County. From the secluded shores of Carter Lake west of Berthoud to the ever-popular Horsetooth Reservoir in Bellvue, fishermen, boaters, and water lovers will find recreation here. To the west of these northern Colorado cities lies a vast wilderness within the Roosevelt National Forest, too, so pretty much any kind of alpine activities are available.

List of camping by Fort Collins and Loveland, CO, in order of proximity:

Campgrounds near Fort Collins

The college town of Fort Collins is home to more than 165,000 people, so you’ll find all of the amenities you could need within town. The Old Town of Fort Collins is the downtown area, one of the most strollable, beautiful historic districts in the state. It’s so nice that it was used as inspiration for Disneyland’s “Main Street USA” (along with Marceline, Missouri).  Hiking, biking, boating, and camping are commonplace just minutes from town.

Fort Collins / Lakeside KOA Holiday

A traditional KOA campground near the city limits of Fort Collins. A wide range of recreational activities awaits at the campground with its own facilities. Proximity to the wonders of the Colorado outdoors is just a short drive away.

• Closest town: Fort Collins (4mi)
• Specs: 70+ RV sites, full hookups, drive-through available, water, restrooms, open Memorial Day to Labor Day; reservable
• Amenities: Recreation room, showers, store, conference room
• Recreation: Mini-golf, bumper boats, paddle boats
• Address: 1910 Lakeside Resort Lane, Fort Collins, CO 80524 (Map)

Horsetooth Inn and RV Park

This RV park is designed for long-term camping, 30 days or more.  A convenient location with a fully equipped store, fuel and supplies makes it the perfect standalone location for someone spending a few weeks or more in the area. Located on a west inlet to Horsetooth Reservoir.

• Closest town: Fort Collins (11mi)
• Specs: 45 RV Lots, full hookups. Lots 1-7 up to 45’ length, Lots 24-25 up to 34’ length, Lots 8-23 up to 30’ length, reservable
• Amenities: Store, fuel, propane, playground
• Recreation: Hiking, fishing, boating, bike riding, horseback riding
• Address: 4737 Shoreline Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80526 (Map)

Horsetooth Reservoir South Bay Campground

This popular lake campground has a little bit of everything for the outdoor enthusiasts, with outstanding water recreation available. You can swim, water ski, boat, fish, or scuba dive on the 6.5-mile Horsetooth Reservoir.  Entrance and camping fees are both required. A note to travelers when entering the area, rotary spikes have been installed at the south entrance and the north exit. Travel through the area is one-way only, and driving the wrong way can cause serious tire damage.

• Closest town: Fort Collins (8mi)
• Specs: 154 total campsites, including 15 boat-in sites, 110 standard electric sites, 17 standard full hookup,  water, toilet, open year-round; reservable April – October; first-come, first-served November – March
• Amenities:  Marina, boat ramp, handicapped accessible
• Address: 4200 West County Road 38 East, Fort Collins, CO 80526 (Map)

Hike-In – Lory State Park Backcountry Campground

A haven for hikers, Lory State Park is intertwined with 13 different trails. Trails for horseback, mountain biking, and traditional hiking vary in degree from easy to difficult, with vistas and wildlife in their native habitat rewarding the hiker. This campground has just six primitive sites. It is at least a 2-mile hike from the parking area to reach this campground. Located in Bellvue near Fort Collins, it’s a very popular area for wilderness camping, and reservations should be made well in advance.

• Closest town: Bellvue (3mi), Fort Collins (10mi)
• Specs: 6 backcountry campsites, primitive camping, no water, no toilet, open March to December 31; reservable
• Address: 708 North County Road 25G, Bellvue, CO 80512 (Map)

Fort Collins North / Wellington KOA Journey

If you’re looking to explore both Cheyenne, Wyoming and the northern Colorado front range, this campground in Wellington is a perfect compromise. Tucked between Fort Collins and the Wyoming border, the Wellington KOA Journey provides easy highway access and breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. With massive 80-foot pull throughs on select sites, even the largest RVs will be accommodated here.

• Closest town: Wellington (4mi), Fort Collins (17mi)
• Specs: RV sites, some with 50/30/20 amp and 80′ max length pull-throughs; premium tent sites, open year-round; reservable
• Amenities: Wifi, cable TV, restrooms, bike rentals, camping kitchen, pavilion, camping cabins, pet walk, corral, and pasture
• Recreation: Swimming pool, basketball, bicycle, recreation room, hiking trails, horseshoes, volleyball, playground, archery range
• Address: 4821 E Co Rd 70, Wellington, CO 80549 (Map)

Campgrounds near Loveland

With over 77,000 residents, Loveland is another one of the largest cities along the northern Front Range Urban Corridor. It boasts quick access to the western front range mountains, including Rocky Mountain National Park. You can be at the eastern entrance in 45 minutes. There are numerous options for camping around Loveland (not to be confused with the ski area located elsewhere), including the year-round Boyd Lake State Park. Downtown Loveland is great for shopping and grabbing a bite to eat.

Boyd Lake State Park Campground

A very popular state park located on the shore of Boyd Lake, this gem has a little bit of everything when it comes to outdoor recreation. Summer months offer action on and near the lake while winter activities extend throughout the area after the freeze.

• Closest town: Loveland (4mi)
• Specs: 148 paved, pull-through RV sites, full hookup, 20/30/50 amp service, water, restrooms, open year-round; reservable
• Amenities: Playground, horseshoe pits, summer laundry, showers
• Recreation: Biking, boating, hiking, volleyball, water skiing, jet skiing, fishing, swimming, geocaching, off-road vehicles, ice skating, hunting
• Address: 3720 North Colorado Road 11C, Loveland, CO 80538 (Map)

Falcons Landing RV Park

Under new management, this venerable RV park is undergoing a facelift. New features are added each summer, with local attractions available for campers. Various rates for overnight, weekly, and longer stays are available.

• Closest town: Loveland (6mi)
• Specs: 84 RV sites, full hookup, 30/50 amp service, water, restrooms, open year-round; reservable
• Amenities: Showers, laundry, propane, convenience store, fishing pond
• Recreation: Hiking, fishing
• Address: 648 NE Frontage Road, Johnstown, CO 80534 (Map)

Riverview RV Park & Campground

A fully equipped modern RV park with recreation and the family in mind. This park is near the Big Thompson Canyon entrance and centrally located for all the summer activities within Loveland, Fort Collins, Cheyenne and Denver. A home away from home for the vacationing family or an extended location for people working in the area.

• Closest town:  Loveland (7mi)
• Specs: 137 RV sites, 39 extended stay sites, water, restrooms, full hookups, open year-round; reservable
• Amenities: Laundry, store, showers, playground, WI-Fi
• Recreation: Fishing at the site, fishing nearby the Big Thompson River, close proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park
• Address: 2444 River Rim Road, Loveland, CO 80537 (Map)

Big Thompson Campground

This tent-only campground is the place to be for water sports enthusiasts. Located on the shore of Carter Lake near Berthoud, it is a haven for swimming, water skiing, and fishing. The afternoon breeze also makes it a perfect location for sailing or sailboarding.

• Closest town: Loveland (12mi)
• Specs: 8 Tent sites, water, restrooms, open; reservable
• Amenities: On the shoreline of Carter Lake
• Recreation: Hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, scuba diving, rock climbing, sailing, water skiing
• Address: 4321-5005 South County Road 31, Loveland, CO 80537 (Map)

Carter Lake South Shore Campground

Carter Lake was built to provide drinking water, irrigation, and hydroelectric power to the surrounding area, but it has evolved into one of the best recreational lakes in Colorado. Popular with water enthusiasts from powerboats to windsurfers this large campground can accommodate all types of campers. The outdoor activities have something for everyone in the family.

• Closest town: Berthoud (9mi)
• Specs: 51 sites, water, restrooms, open year-round; reservable
• Amenities: Marina store, pavilion, boat ramp, boat fueling station
• Recreation: Biking, hiking, scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing, sailboarding, horseback riding, fishing, boating
• Address: 971 North County Road 31, Berthoud, CO 80513 (Map)

Carter Knolls Campground

One of four campgrounds on popular Carter Lake, this campground is in the center of the east shore of the reservoir. Scuba diving, sailboarding, and windsurfing are recreational activities that grow in popularity each summer.

• Closest town: Berthoud (9mi)
• Specs: 7 sites, restrooms, no water, open year-round; reservable
• Amenities: Picnic shelters, on the shoreline of Carter Lake
• Recreation: Biking, hiking, scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing, sailboarding, horseback riding, fishing, boating
• Address: 5209-5599 South County Road 31, Loveland, CO 80537 (Map)

Carter Lake Eagle Campground

This popular campground is on the north end of Carter Lake. Popular activities center on the water with fishing, boating, water skiing, sailing, and sailboarding all popular. Park entrance permits are required for both vehicles and boats.  The swim beach is an active summer destination.

• Closest town: Loveland (11mi)
• Specs: 48 pull-through RV sites, full hookup, 50 amp service, water, restrooms, 62’ maximum length, open year-round; reservable
• Amenities: Shower, boat ramp, convenience store
• Address: County Road 31, Loveland, CO 80537 (Map)

North Pines Campground

This small, secluded campground on the northwest corner of Carter Lake has all the attractions of the larger campgrounds with a quieter atmosphere.  Its location along the west shoreline aids fishermen in the afternoon when the prevailing winds come in from the west.

• Closest town: Berthoud (9mi)
• Specs: 4 sites, water, toilet, open year-round; reservable
• Amenities: 3 back-in and 1 50’ pull-through RV site
• Recreation: Biking, hiking, scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing, sailboarding, horseback riding, fishing, boating
• Address: 1800 South County Road 31 Loveland, CO 80537 (Map)

Pinewood Reservoir Campground

The 100-acre surface of Pinewood Reservoir is surrounded by over 300 acres of public land. Canoeing, non-motorized boating, hiking, fishing, and an amazing array of birds.  Handicapped accessible shelters, picnic areas, and toilets make it a haven for everyone.

• Closest town: Loveland (13mi)
• Specs: 15 RV sites, 12 walk-in tent sites, vault toilet, water, open year-round; reservable
• Amenities: Playscape, lake access, handicapped accessible facilities
• Address: Pole Hill Rd, Loveland, CO 80537 (Map)

Consider Estes Park or Red Feather Lakes

Thirty miles west of downtown Loveland on US-34 leads you to the charming alpine town of Estes Park. It’s the eastern gateway and headquarters to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). As the most visited national park in the state, it attracts a mass of visitors throughout the warmer summer and fall months. There’s camping near Estes Park and RMNP, suitable for RVs, tents, and anybody looking to get away from the urban sprawl of the front range plains.

To the northwest of Fort Collins lies the hidden lakeside community of Red Feather Lakes. This is a great place to go to escape the bustle. There are some excellent campgrounds by Red Feather Lakes, as well as some riverside sites south of town by the Cache La Poudre River. Red Feather Lakes has only a population of around 350. There are some general stores and a few rustic restaurants.

That’s a round-up of the best camping surrounding Loveland and Fort Collins, Colorado. Have fun exploring these two northern Colorado gems.