Fishing and hiking opportunities draw campers to South Shore Campground at Carter Lake, where gravel pull-through sites provide direct lake access near Loveland. The campground sits on Carter Lake's southern shore, offering both RV sites with electric hookups and tent camping areas. Sites range from shaded spots with pine trees to more open areas on upper levels that can get hot during summer months.
Most sites feature gravel surfaces with picnic tables and fire pits, though foliage between campsites varies by location. Carol J. notes that "upper level sites have few trees so could be hot in summer," while lower sites closer to the water tend to have better shade coverage. The campground maintains vault toilets that reviewers consistently describe as clean and well-maintained. A three-mile hiking trail begins behind the campground, though the rocky terrain requires sturdy footwear for the six-mile round trip.
Wildlife sightings include eagles, wild turkeys, and frogs around the shoreline areas. Campers can fish directly from shore or access the nearby boat ramp and designated swimming area. The campground requires both nightly fees and daily park passes, with reservations available for advance planning. For additional camping options in the region, explore places to camp around Carter Lake.
Description
Larimer County Natural Resources has over 400 campsites in a variety of beautiful locations in northern Colorado. Our campsites vary from electric and full-hookup sites for your RV to walk-in and standard sites perfect for tent camping. Information about what types of sites are available at each campground, including the maximum RV length of a site, is available on our reservations website. Please keep in mind that our campgrounds fill spring, summer and fall weekends, so plan ahead – or come during the week! We hope you have a wonderful camping trip in Larimer County!
March 1 - October 31: Sites can be reserved from 180 days to 1 day in advance of the arrival date at www.larimercamping.com or by calling the reservation call center at 1-800-397-7795. Sites that are not reserved in advance become available that day as first-come, first-served for people who are physically present at the parks. Same day reservations will ONLY be accepted at park visitor centers during regular business hours. These sites cannot be held over the phone, nor can their availability be guaranteed prior to arrival in-person.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Ongoing site improvements and road construction are currently in progress. For more info, see **_"Alerts and Important Information"_** below or check COTREX for the latest updates on trail and area conditions.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSouth Shore Campground at Carter Lake is located in Colorado
Directions
(Park address: 1800 S.C.R. 31; Loveland, CO 80537) Take I-25 to the Berthoud Exit (Exit 250). Turn left (west) onto Highway 56 and continue for 9 1/2 miles, passing through the town of Berthoud. At the foothills, the road will curve sharply to the right (north). Turn left (west) onto County Road 8E and continue for 3 miles to the entrance station where you can purchase permits.
Address
1800 SOUTH COUNTY ROAD 31
Loveland, CO 80537
Coordinates
40.31413101864623 N
105.22269340940062 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/16/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/16/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/16/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/16/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 33 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 34 min from Boulder, CO
- 36 min from Greeley, CO
- 53 min from Denver, CO















