Campsites near Livermore, Colorado offer year-round options across varied elevations from 6,000 to 8,000 feet. The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations with summer days reaching 80°F while nights can drop below 50°F, especially at higher elevations. Winter camping requires preparation for sub-freezing temperatures and potential road closures in certain areas.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Dutch George Campground, the Cache La Poudre River provides excellent trout fishing. "We stayed at site #8 and really enjoyed our view. It had a bear box, fire pit, picnic table, a bench close by and a beautiful view of the river," reports Erica P. The riverside sites are prime spots for anglers.
Hiking trails: The Mountain Park campground connects directly to the Mt. McConnel Trail. According to Wren H., "There is a whole loop of FCFS sites in case you don't get a reservation 6-months in advance. Hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are in the surrounding area, including the Mt. McConnel Trail, William R. Kreutzer National Recreation Trail and Young Gulch Trail."
Paddling activities: Dowdy Lake Campground offers non-motorized water recreation. Alisha R. describes it as a "Perfect Paddle Spot. Clean bathrooms, sites spread out nicely and lake access for paddleboarding. Unique Colorado location." The lake is wakeless, making it ideal for kayaks and canoes.
What campers like
River sounds: Campers consistently praise how the river noise creates natural sound insulation at many Poudre Canyon sites. At Stove Prairie campground, one reviewer noted: "The river is SO close to these spots and it's just gorgeous. It was a great sound barrier at night and was fun to explore since the water level is low this time of year."
Clean facilities: Kelly Flats Campground maintains exceptional cleanliness. Kate H. observed, "I saw the hosts out checking and cleaning sites and bathrooms multiple times a day." Another camper noted, "Bathrooms were available" and the sites were "Clean & quiet."
Star viewing: The Lost Lake Dispersed camping area offers excellent night sky viewing. Henry H. described it as "a beautiful place to disconnect from city lights and relax under the stars. While it is a pretty busy area, there is a good amount of space between sites creating more privacy than a traditional campsite."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the area require reservations during peak season. Becky M. notes about Mountain Park: "There is a whole loop of FCFS sites in case you don't get a reservation 6-months in advance." For Dowdy Lake, she advises: "In the summer, reservations are hard to get, but the lake, the forested sites, and clean bathrooms are worth booking ahead for."
Road conditions: Access to some areas requires high-clearance vehicles. Amanda H. warns about Lost Lake: "The road to lost lake requires high clearance. It is located 30 min away from Red Feather Lakes." Another visitor mentioned needing to drive "pretty far on some dirt roads to get to the location."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. At Dutch George Campground, campers report "No cell service from any of the carriers." At Lost Lake, Sophie B. noted: "Checked to see if there was service before going and said we would on Verizon but not exactly true. There was some service at the site we stayed at, 1 bar, but most of the road/sites there was nothing."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Fort Collins Lakeside KOA offers extensive family activities. Colorado C. describes it as "summer camp for the whole family. It's not your run of the mill KOA by a highway. The lake is beautiful with a walking path all of the way around and paddle boats. The pool is nice. The miniature golf is pretty with mature trees."
Child-friendly water spots: Some riverside sites have safer water access for children. According to D., at Dutch George Campground: "Site 10 is very wide but doesn't have much shade BUT if the river is high this is the best spot for kids as there is a large rock in the middle of the river that creates a gentle pool/gulley right in front of this spot."
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require extra planning with children. Wren H. notes about Stove Prairie: "It was freezing at night but then we realized the inside layer of our comforter was all bunched at the bottom, once we fixed it we were totally fine inside our tent." Fall temperatures can dip into the 40s overnight even when days are warm.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: For RVs at Dutch George, site accessibility varies. "This is a small campground, but that's what makes it so great! Perfect for a stop-along-the-way because it's right off of 14," advises Wren H., who adds that it's "not large group friendly. No hookups."
Power availability: Dowdy Lake Campground offers electrical hookups beneficial even for non-RV campers. Rick P. notes: "Most sites have electric," and Becky M. adds, "The power at the sites is a plus, even for tent camping."
Limited hookup options: While several campgrounds accommodate RVs, full hookups are scarce. At Colorado Cabin Escape RV Park, Beth W. reports: "Quiet, ranchette setting. Ranch was quiet, horses and pronghorn made for excellent neighbors. Verizon 5G service was excellent."
