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Best Campgrounds near Fort Collins, CO

1,976 Reviews

The Fort Collins area contains multiple camping options ranging from developed campgrounds with amenities to more rustic settings. Horsetooth Reservoir provides several campgrounds including South Bay and Inlet Bay, which offer boat-in access and both tent and RV sites with electric hookups. The Fort Collins Lakeside KOA, located within the city limits, features full amenities including cabin rentals, glamping options, and traditional camping sites. Boyd Lake State Park's Cottonwood Campground sits approximately 10 miles southeast of Fort Collins in Loveland, providing water recreation access with boat-in camping opportunities.

Reservations are strongly recommended for most developed campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer months when facilities regularly reach capacity. The camping season generally runs year-round at several locations including Boyd Lake State Park and Fort Collins Lakeside KOA, though winter brings colder temperatures and reduced services at some facilities. Many campgrounds provide electric hookups, water access, and sanitary dump stations for RVs, while tent sites typically include picnic tables and designated fire rings when fire restrictions allow. Cell service is generally reliable near developed campgrounds but may become spotty in more remote areas. One camper noted, "The sites are level, and the campground is run well. We had one of two RV sites up near the lake. They were incredibly roomy, level, and shaded."

Family-friendly amenities represent a significant feature at several Fort Collins area campgrounds. The Lakeside KOA includes extensive recreational options such as mini golf, swimming pools, fishing, paddle boats, and walking trails around the lake. Many campgrounds offer both waterfront and forested settings, with prices varying based on hookup availability and proximity to water. While some visitors appreciate the abundance of organized activities, others prefer the more natural settings found at places like Horsetooth Reservoir. Several visitors mentioned that sites at popular campgrounds can feel close together, especially during peak season. A visitor commented, "The lake and walking paths were beautiful. The only thing we did not like is the small sites. We felt like we were right on top of one another."

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Best Camping Sites Near Fort Collins, Colorado (266)

    1. Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park

    45 Reviews
    Loveland, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 669-1739

    $36 - $41 / night

    "Boyd Lake State Park is situated near the city of Fort Collins with distant views of the mountains. It has a large lake that is used by boaters, fishermen and sandcastle builders all summer."

    "We stayed at Boyd Lake State Park for one night as we were returning home after visiting in Montana.  This park is convenient to Fort Collins so every need can be met. "

    2. Fort Collins Lakeside KOA

    23 Reviews
    Laporte, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 484-9880

    "We had the good fortune to stay at the Lakeside KOA during our recent trip to Fort Collins. The sites are spacious, and the campground is run well. Talk about luck!"

    "Fort Collins is a nice college town and has restaurants, shopping and a nice downtown.  The campground has a ton of activities for families to do on site.  "

    3. South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir

    19 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $25 - $45 / night

    "This is a great campground if you want to be close to be close to Fort Collins, and/or enjoy the lake."

    "We have camped in Colorado for over 15 years. By far the campsites with the best views! And you can rent cabins too. Just love this place. Lake gets busy In the summer."

    4. Riverview RV Park & Campground

    19 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 667-9910

    "Campground is situated along the Big Thompson River. Big cottonwood trees. Easy accessibility for big rigs. Some items … water valves leak in lakes around entire park and many are leaking."

    "Right next to the river. Close to some easy MTB trails. Would definitely stay here again."

    5. Inlet Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir

    12 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $25 / night

    "Easy access just outside of town, clean toilets and fresh drinking water easily accessible. Stayed for two nights whilst visiting Fort Collins region."

    "Sites are fairly close together strung out along the lake edge. In September, lake level is purposefully lowered about 20 feet from summer levels."

    6. Upper and Lower Ansel Watrous Campgrounds

    25 Reviews
    Livermore, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6700

    $20 / night

    "It is the perfect getaway from Fort Collins being easy to find and not too far. We loved going in the winter and enjoying the sounds of the river lack of cell service for a weekend."

    "The drive along the canyon is a delight.  Directions: Drive 11 miles north of Fort Collins on US Highway 287."

    7. Loveland RV Resort

    8 Reviews
    Loveland, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 667-1204

    "Plenty of shops and restaurants that are within walking distance. Only negative is that we were extremely close to our neighbors.  We would stay here again."

    "We only stayed one night while traveling through Colorado. It was convenient and easy. The grounds were nice and clean, very pretty, they had good amenities."

    8. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    91 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 - $70 / night

    "Took the kids camping in Colorado for the first time and we had a blast. It rained on us a lot but it didn't stop us. Took a great hike up deer mountain....stunning views. Can't wait to go back."

    "Very enjoyable spot, close access to trails and entrance and exit of the park."

    9. Pinewood Reservoir Campground

    16 Reviews
    Drake, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $25 / night

    "This was our second visit to Pinewood Lake and while some things stayed the same others were much the same.  Our first visit last fall was during the final stages of a blizzard. "

    "Even with the snow and us being novices we set up without a hitch and were soon enjoying the magical panorama of the lake below us and the hills and mountain tops around us."

    10. Flatiron Reservoir Campground

    11 Reviews
    Drake, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Ranger Review: Humangear at Flatiron Reservoir Campground Campground Review:

    Flatiron Reservoir Campground is located just outside the city of Loveland, Colorado."

    "Great lakeside spots. A little close together, bu everyone was friendly. 5 minutes to Huge Carter lake, Marina, general store"

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Recent Camping Photos near Fort Collins, CO

704 Photos of 266 Fort Collins Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Fort Collins, CO

1976 Reviews of 266 Fort Collins Campgrounds

  • John C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Crow Valley Campground

    It's fairly nice; but I wouldn't pay to camp here again.

    If fees do not concern you, then this is a nice spot that has fire pits and water. For $17, it's not really worth it for me to tent camp, but it has nice flat back-ins and pull-ins for larger equipment. A lot of noise from the trucks going in and out of the factory across the road, but not too bad at night.

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Spruce Lake RV Park

    Nice location

    There are a few of these campgrounds in estes park. They are all about the same. All close to the park and to restaurants and shops in town. This one, spruce lake rv is a little better because it had a pond you can fish in. But its not amazing just a gravel lot with a pond in the middle. Has a playground for the kids. Verizon 5g signal is good. But you are packed in tight here and overpaying

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Hell Canyon Dispersed

    Good dispersed road

    Good spot for dispersed camping. Maybe 6 spots total going all the way up the road. 4x4 recommended. Fires allowed in established rings only, always check with Roosevelt National Forest website to see if fires are allowed during your stay as this varies by season.

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort

    Nothing special

    This place is right outside the national park. Thats about the main feature. Its a huge open gravel lot where if its busy, 100s of rv are packed in as tight as they can get them. Standard hookups and cabins available. Nice mountain views and full verizon 5g signal. But this is just a sardine can. The plus side is you will probally see or hear elk

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    St. Vrain State Park Campground

    Great Stop Through State Park

    We were surprised how nice this was. Great little walks around ponds with Mountain View’s in the background. Only stayed a night on way to Tetons, but definitely was a surprise of the trip being right off the high. Would definitely use this as a stop again.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Comanche Peak View Campground

    Solitude

    Great spot near Red Feather Lakes and probably the only dispersed spot around that has AT&T service. Nobody else was here while I was camping and hardly anyone drove by, it’s pretty far out here. Good views at the end of the road of the meadow if you can make it up, other wise the lower spots have some cool rock formations to check out.

    Highly recommend for car camping instead of trailers or RVs, though it is do-able. I came up here with a small off-road trailer just fine, and my family made it up with a 25ft RV but did bottom out at the first turn into the campsite as it is really rutted (short tho). If you come in, come in through Red Feather Lakes on 74E, that way you only have 8 miles of dirt road. Otherwise if you come in from the north it’s like 20 miles + of dirt and gravel, not anything bad but it is washboard-y.

    Also go check out Elf Lane (Illy road) in Red Feather if you like weird stuff 🤓

  • L
    Oct. 16, 2025

    LaVern M. Johnson Park

    Downtown Lyons

    Nice campground downtown Lyons and on the river. Full hookups. Tents sites right next to the river. Slow and not reliable wifi but 5G. Showers nearby closed and further showers you need to pay for. Very nice camp host. I will return.

  • Ken B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park

    Nice campground

    The sites are spacious and far enough apart. Not much for views but the place was clean and the staff very welcoming. Close to the park and t-shirt shopping in Estes Park.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Cheyenne RV Resort by RJourney

    Nice clean campground

    Really liked this campground. Had all the amenities needed. Very, very clean. The only 2 negatives are, you are between hwy 25 and train tracks and there are no fire pits for the RV section. Otherwise I would have given it 5 stars.

Guide to Fort Collins

Camping near Fort Collins, Colorado, offers a fantastic mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Wildlife Watching: Rocky Mountain National Park is just a short drive away. Campers love the access to trails and the chance to see wildlife. One reviewer mentioned, "Camping at Moraine Park Campground also gives you a time+ entry permit good for Bear Lake Road."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake, are near lakes where you can fish. A visitor shared, "We enjoyed the easy access to the Rocky Mountain National Park and downtown Estes from Mary's Lake."
  • Star Gazing: The clear skies in the area make for great star gazing. One camper at Glacier Basin Campground noted, "Star watching was excellent (near a new moon)."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. A review for Aspenglen Campground said, "Absolutely incredible. Scenery was amazing."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A visitor at Cottonwood Campground mentioned, "Clean flushing toilets and nice coin showers."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Campers enjoy seeing wildlife up close. One reviewer at East Portal Campground shared, "We saw elk and mule deer in the campground on multiple occasions."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can get busy, especially during peak season. A camper at Moraine Park Campground noted, "It's a bit overcrowded."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have showers or electric hookups. A visitor at Glacier Basin Campground mentioned, "Restrooms were clean, but no showers."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Glacier Basin Campground is open from May 23 to September 11.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. One reviewer at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake said, "Big playground and not crazy expensive."
  • Wildlife Watching: Kids love spotting animals. A camper at East Portal Campground shared, "We saw elk and mule deer in the campground."
  • Easy Access to Attractions: Choose campgrounds close to attractions. A visitor at Cottonwood Campground noted, "Only about half full on a Sunday night in September."

Tips from RVers:

  • Space and Privacy: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A reviewer at Estes Park KOA mentioned, "Neighbors are so close with about 10’ between trailers."
  • Hookups Availability: Check for electric and water hookups. A camper at St. Vrain State Park noted, "Electric hook ups on North campground and some full hookups on the south one."
  • Road Noise: Be prepared for some noise from nearby roads. A visitor at St. Vrain State Park said, "There is road traffic noise but becomes background noise after a day or so."

Camping near Fort Collins has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Fort Collins, CO?

Fort Collins offers several excellent campgrounds within an hour's drive. Upper and Lower Ansel Watrous Campgrounds provide a perfect getaway with river sounds, no cell service, and nearby hiking and mountain biking trails. Dutch George Campground offers peaceful riverside camping with clean facilities and accommodating hosts. For those seeking proximity to town, Horsetooth Reservoir campgrounds provide easy access with beautiful views. Other highly-rated options include Dowdy Lake Campground for non-motorized boating and CanyonSide Campground for those seeking a cannabis-friendly environment with stunning views. Most campgrounds in the area are busiest on summer weekends, so consider weekday visits or reservations well in advance.

What are the different types of camping sites available in Fort Collins?

Fort Collins offers diverse camping options to suit every preference. For developed camping, Fort Collins Lakeside KOA provides spacious, well-maintained RV sites with lake access and walking trails. Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park offers established sites with mature trees and lake activities. For those seeking a more rustic experience, the area has abundant dispersed camping in Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest, with designated sites requiring no facilities or reservations. Specialty camping includes riverside sites at Dutch George and Ansel Watrous campgrounds. Both public and private campgrounds are available, with state parks typically offering more amenities than national forest sites. Most developed campgrounds accept reservations, while dispersed sites are first-come, first-served.

Is there camping available at lakes around Fort Collins?

Dowdy Lake Campground offers lakeside camping about an hour from Fort Collins with facilities for non-motorized boats like SUPs and kayaks. The lake gets busy on weekends with day-use visitors. Inlet Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir provides clean facilities with fresh drinking water and easy access just outside town. Horsetooth Reservoir is a long lake perfect for boating with gorgeous inlets to explore. South Bay Campground on the same reservoir is another option for those wanting to stay near Fort Collins while enjoying lake activities. Most lake campgrounds in the area offer swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. Reservations are highly recommended during summer months as these water-adjacent sites are among the most popular in the region.

What tent camping options are available near Fort Collins?

Tent campers have numerous options around Fort Collins. Deadman Road - Dispersed Site offers free primitive camping about an hour from town with stunning sunsets and spectacular stargazing, though it can be windy due to exposure. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Dispersed Camping provides beautiful views just over an hour west of Fort Collins with plenty of space between sites. For those wanting more amenities, several developed campgrounds welcome tent campers, including sites at Horsetooth Reservoir. Most tent sites in developed campgrounds include a picnic table and fire ring. During peak summer months, arrive early at first-come, first-served sites or make reservations where accepted. National forest dispersed camping typically has a 14-day stay limit.

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