Camper submitted image from Boat In Sites — Horsetooth Reservoir - 1

View Photos

Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Boat In Sites — Horsetooth Reservoir

Description

Located in the foothills west of Fort Collins at an elevation of 5,430 feet, Horsetooth Reservoir is 1,900 acres of water surrounded by 2,000 acres of public land. It is popular for fishing, boating, water-skiing, and camping. This 6.5-mile reservoir is open year round and is a part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project operated by the Bureau of Reclamation and the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District. The purpose of this water project is to divert water from the west slope to the east slope for drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower generation. The Bureau of Reclamation is solely responsible for power generation. The agencies jointly manage water levels for irrigation, municipal, and industry use. Recreation is managed by Larimer County Natural Resources. Park Entrance Permits and Camping Fees are required.

Please check the Season Dates tab for annual updates on site availability.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Boat In Sites — Horsetooth Reservoir is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Denver: Take I-25 north to the Harmony Road/Timnath exit (#265). Turn left (west) continuing on Harmony Road for 7 miles where it becomes County Road 38E at the Taft Hill Road intersection. Continue west on County Road 38E approximately 4 more miles to the entrance at the south end of the Reservoir. The entrance to South Bay (including campground, group use area, and swim beach) is at the south end of the reservoir. Watch for signs. To get to Inlet Bay (including Inlet Bay Marina and Inlet Bay Campground), continue west on 38E 1 3/4 miles past the South Bay entrance. Watch for signs and turn right on Shoreline Drive.

Address

4200 West C.R. 38E
Fort Collins, CO 80526

Coordinates

40.54312384631782 N
105.16321612014318 W

Open in Google Maps

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
50%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 8, 2021

Lovely when the water cooperates and the yahoos stay home

We do the boat-in camping 2-3 times a season for the past 7 years or so. The coves are great but it's a bit of a gamble as sound travels so well and yahoos are prevalent. If you get one party boat who plays music medium-loud until 1am you are going to be grumpy and your kids will be super fun the following day.

The water also will go from so far above the trees that there is no shade to so far below that you're hoofing your gear 100 yards from the boat in the mud up to your campsite. Just be flexible and you'll have fun.

Kids have a blast swimming, kayaking and just goofing off. Adults chill and drink and fish. Most spots do not have bathrooms (bring a shovel, bag/remove your solid waste and keep it clean) or any other facilities except a fire ring.

SiteB3
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Boat In Sites — Horsetooth Reservoir by D. , September 8, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 8, 2021

Boat-in camping

We took up 3 spots for a large family. It was the best time we had all in 2020 during the pandemic. There was a toilet of sorts, but due to the pandemic and it being boat-in spots, was not well maintained. We had a camping toilet and we're fine for 7 days. It was our own island paradise.

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Boat In Sites — Horsetooth Reservoir have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Boat In Sites — Horsetooth Reservoir has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

Are fires allowed at Boat In Sites — Horsetooth Reservoir?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Boat In Sites — Horsetooth Reservoir, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Boat In Sites — Horsetooth Reservoir?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Boat In Sites — Horsetooth Reservoir. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Boat In Sites — Horsetooth Reservoir, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Boat In Sites — Horsetooth Reservoir?

There are 10 campsites at Boat In Sites — Horsetooth Reservoir and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts