Horsetooth Reservoir is nearly six and half miles long when full. The park is surrounded by 1,900 acres of public lands, in the foothills west of Fort Collins.
It’s managed by Larimer County and open year round. You can find loads of things to do at this northern Colorado park. Multi-use trails surround the lake. The fishing and boating is outstanding. And the campsites are as scenic as they come convenient.
Additional hiking opportunities can be found at Lory State Park, located on the other side of the lake. It’s only a few minutes drive from the park.

Activities at Horsetooth Reservoir
Biking: Several miles of multi-use trails exit for mountain bikers.
Boating: Open to power boats of all types including jet and water skis. Capacity is usually reached during summer weekends.
- Boat rentals available at the Inlet Bay Marina. 4314 South Shoreline Dr, Fort Collins, inletbaymarina.com
Camping: Both electric and non-electric campsites are open year round, nightly fee. Waterfront camper cabins for nightly rentals too.
Fishing: Shore and boat fishing; flies, lure and bait permitted. Walleye, Small-mouth bass, perch and trout are common.
Hiking: There are a number of trails along the foothills in Larimer County, open to hiking, biking and horseback riding. You can access Horsetooth Mountain Open Space and its 29 miles of multi-use trails.
Horseback Riding: Permitted.
Rock Climbing: Permitted.
Swimming: Permitted at swim beaches only.
Details
Address: Fort Collins, CO
Phone: 970-679-4570
Season: Year round
Pets: Yes, on-leash
Fees: $6-7/vehicle entry, + $7 boat trailer
Map: Horsetooth Reservoir | Trail Map (PDF)
Campground: Reservations
Website: co.larimer.co.us/…
Latest in Horsetooth Reservoir

Cozy Cabins to Rent near Fort Collins, Red Feather Lakes and Estes Park
Fort Collins is a northern Colorado gateway to the great outdoors, with numerous comfortable cabins nearby…
Cozy Cabins to Rent near Fort Collins, Red Feather Lakes and Estes ParkRead More

11 Fishing Spots Close to Fort Collins
You might not realize it without looking at a map, but Fort Collins is surrounded by…

Colorado’s 15 Biggest Bodies of Water
Colorado boasts some pretty big lakes and reservoirs within its state lines. From the eastern plains…

7 Fun Places to Stand Up Paddle Board in Colorado
Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is becoming an increasingly popular water based activity, especially in coastal…

Camping near Fort Collins and Loveland, around Larimer County
Nestled close to nature, the northern front range cities of Loveland and Fort Collins make an…
Camping near Fort Collins and Loveland, around Larimer CountyRead More

8 Best Day Hikes in Fort Collins
Fort Collins is Colorado’s fourth largest city, nestled in the northern foothills of the Front Range.…

Rent a Kayak and Go Kayaking in Fort Collins
Living in a landlocked state, water sports aren’t on everybody’s radar. Destinations like Fort Collins though…