Camping near Loveland and Fort Collins

Nestled close to nature, the northern front range cities of Loveland and Fort Collins make an exceptional basecamp. There are a myriad of 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 any of the amenities you could possibly 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 their own facilities. Close 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
• Amenities: Recreation room, showers, store, conference room
• Recreation: Mini-golf, bumper boats, paddle boats
• Reservations: Yes, at koa.com
• Address: 1910 Lakeside Resort Lane, Fort Collins, CO 80524 (Map)
• Directions: From Ft. Collins, go north on South Sherwood St .3 miles. Turn left on Laporte Avenue, go .6 miles, turn right on North Shields Street, go .5 miles. At the traffic circle, take the third exit onto West Vine Drive, go 1 mile. At the traffic circle, take the first exit onto North Taft Road, go 1.3 miles. Turn right on Lakeside Resort Lane, go .2 miles to the campground.

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, Lost 24-25 up to 34’ length, lots 8-23 up to 30’ length,
• Amenities: Store, fuel, propane, playground
• Recreation: Hiking, fishing, boating, bike riding, horseback riding
• Reservations: Yes, at horsetoothinnandrvpark.com   or (970)646-5377
• Address: 4737 Shoreline Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80526 (Map)
• Directions: From Fort Collins go south on South Sherwood Street .3 miles. Turn right on West Mulberry Street, go 1.5 miles. Turn left on South Taft Hill Road, go 3.5 miles. Turn right on West County Road 38 East, go 5.7 miles. Turn right onto Shoreline Drive, go .3 miles to the campground.

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 totals campsites including 15 boat-in sites, 110 standard electric sites, 17 standard full hookup,  water, toilet, open year-round
• Amenities:  Marina, boat ramp, handicapped accessible
• Reservations: Yes, at larimercamping.com (April – October) first-come, first-serve November – March
• Address: 4200 West County Road 38 East, Fort Collins, CO 80526 (Map)
• Directions: From Ft. Collins go .3 miles south on South Sherwood Street. Take a slight right on West Mulberry Street, go 2.5 miles. Turn left on South Overland Trail, go 1.7 miles. Turn right on Dixon Canyon Road, go 1.2 miles. Continue onto Centennial Drive 2.3 miles to the campground.

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 spectacular scenic vistas and wildlife in their native habitat rewarding the hiker. This campground has just six primitive sites and is a great training site for young campers. It is at least a 2-mile hike from the parking area to reach this campground. Located in Bellvue nearby 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
• Amenities: None
• Reservations:  Yes, at cpwshop.com
• Address: 708 North County Road 25G, Bellvue, CO 80512 (Map)
• Directions: From Ft. Collins go north .3 miles on South Sherwood Street. Take North Taft Hill Road (U.S. Highway 287B) 8.8 miles. Turn right on North County Road 25G, go 1.6 miles to the park. Hike 2 miles to the campground.

Campground Laporte (Fort Collins / Poudre Canyon KOA)

Formerly a KOA campground this site has all the amenities for an RV camper. Close access to the Big Thompson canyon with outdoor action originating right at the campground on the nearby trails and river, this is luxury camping at its finest, while still in proximity to the wonders of the Colorado outdoors.

• Closest town: Fort Collins (10mi)
• Specs: Full hookup drive-through RV sites, water, flush toilets, open year-round
• Amenities: Swimming pool, basketball court, game room, Wi-Fi, cable-TV, laundry
• Recreation: Hiking, whitewater rafting, fishing, biking, off-road vehicles, horseback riding
• Reservations: Yes, at campnative.com
• Address: 6670 North U.S. Highway 287, Laporte, CO 80535 (Map)
• Directions: From Fort Collins take North Shields Street 3.4 miles to U.S. Highway 287. Turn left, go 6.8 miles to the campground.

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
• 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, horse shoes, volleyball, playground, archery range
• Reservations: Yes, at koa.com, 800-562-8142
• Address: 4821 E Co Rd 70, Wellington, CO 80549 (Map)
• Directions: Take I-25 north from Fort Collins for approximately 12 miles to exit 281 East CR 70/Owl Canyon Rd. Follow that east for 0.4 miles to the KOA campground.

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 the world renowned 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), include 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 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
• 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
• Reservations: Yes, at cpwshop.com
• Address: 3720 North Colorado Road 11C, Loveland, CO 80538 (Map)
• Directions: From Loveland go .1 east on East 6^th Street. Turn left at North Lincoln Avenue, go .7 miles. Turn right on East Eisenhower Blvd, go 1 mile. Turn left on North Boise Avenue, go 1.6 miles. Turn right on East 37^th Street / Colorado Road 24 East. Continue on North Colorado Road 11C .2 miles to the campground.

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
• Amenities: Showers, laundry, propane, convenience store, fishing pond
• Recreation: Hiking, fishing
• Reservations: Yes, at 970-800-1569
• Address: 648 NE Frontage Road, Johnstown, CO 80534 (Map)
• Directions: From Loveland take East 6^th Street east .1 mile. Turn left onto North Lincoln Avenue, go .7 miles. Turn right on U.S. Highway 34 go 4.6 miles. Turn right onto Thompson Parkway, go .2 miles. At the traffic circle continue on Thompson Parkway .1 miles. Turn right on Ronald Reagan Blvd, go .5 miles. Reagan becomes SE Frontage Road, continue .2 miles to the campground.

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, Ft. 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, restroom, full hookups, open year-round
• Amenities: Laundry, store, showers, playground, WI-Fi
• Recreation: Fishing at the site, fishing nearby Big Thompson River, close proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park
• Reservations: at bookingsus.newbook.cloud
• Address: 2444 River Rim Road, Loveland, CO 80537 (Map)
• Directions: From Loveland take U.S. Highway 34 West / West Eisenhower Blvd 6.4 miles. Turn left on Riverton Rim Road, go .2 miles to the campground.

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
• Amenities: On the shoreline of Carter Lake
• Recreation: Hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, scuba diving, rock climbing, sailing, water skiing
• Reservations: Yes, at larimercamping.com
• Address: 4321-5005 South County Road 31, Loveland, CO 80537 (Map)
• Directions: From Loveland Take North Cleveland Avenue .3 miles. Turn right on East 1^st Street, go 6.5 miles. Turn left on South County Road 29, go .3 miles. Turn right onto West Country Road 18E / Pole Hill Road, go 2 miles. Turn left on South County Road 31, go 2.4 miles. The campground will be on the right.

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
• Amenities: Marina store, pavillion, boat ramp, boat fueling stating
• Recreation: Biking, hiking, scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing, sailboarding, horseback riding, fishing, boating
• Reservations: Yes, at larmimercamping.com
• Address: 971 North County Road 31, Berthoud, CO 80513 (Map)
• Directions: From Berthoud go .2 miles on North 4^th Street. Turn right at the 3^rd cross street onto Colorado Highway 56, go 1.4 miles. Continue onto West County Road 8 2.3 miles. Continue on North County Road 23 .5 miles. Turn left on West County Road 8E, go 3.5 miles. Continue straight on North County Road 31 .9 miles to the campground.

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
• Amenities: Picnic shelters, on the shoreline of Carter Lake
• Recreation: Biking, hiking, scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing, sailboarding, horseback riding, fishing, boating
• Reservations: Yes, at larimercamping.com
• Address: 5209-5599 South County Road 31, Loveland, CO 80537 (Map)
• Directions: From Berthoud, take North 4^th Street .2 miles. Turn right at the third cross street onto Colorado Highway 56, go 1.4 miles. Continue on West County Road 8 2.3 miles. Continue on North County Road 23 .5 miles. Turn left on West County Road 8e, go 3.5 miles. Turn right on County Road 31 go 1.4 miles. The campground will be on the left.

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 sail boarding 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
• Amenities: Shower, boat ramp, convenience store
• Reservations: Yes, at laramiercamping.com 
• Address: County Road 31, Loveland, CO 80537 (Map)
• Directions: From Loveland turn right at the first cross street onto North Cleveland Avenue, go .3 miles. Turn right on 1^st Street go 6.5 miles. Turn left on South County Road 29, go .3 miles. Turn right on West County Road 18E, go 2 miles. Turn left on County Road 31, go 2 miles to the campground.

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
• Amenities: 3 back-in and 1 50’ pull-through RV site
• Recreation: Biking, hiking, scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing, sailboarding, horseback riding, fishing, boating
• Reservations: Yes, at larimercamping.com
• Address: 1800 South County Road 31 Loveland, CO 80537 (Map)
• Directions: From Berthoud take Colorado Highway 56 1.4 miles, continue on West County Road 8 2.3 miles, continue on North County Road 23 .5 miles. Turn left on West County Road 8e, go 3.5 miles. Turn right on South County Road 31, go 1.4 miles to the reservoir.

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
• Amenities: Playscape, lake access, handicapped accessible facilities,
• Reservations: Yes, at larmiercamping.com
• Address: Pole Hill Rd, Loveland, CO 80537 (Map)
• Directions: From Loveland take 1^st cross street onto North Cleveland Avenue, go .3 miles. Turn right on East 1^st Street, go 6.5 miles. Turn left onto South County Road 29, go .3 miles. Turn right on Pole Hill Road, go 6.4 miles to the campground.

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 front range bustle. There are some excellent campgrounds by Red Feather Lakes, as well as some riverside 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!