Boyd Lake State Park was a very appealing place to visit when in the Loveland area.    I had passed through this area and wanted to check out what all the State Park had to offer after visiting the two local sculpture parks in the area.   I was excited after having seen how close it was to my location and so I took the short drive to the area.     

GPS was not friendly when searching for the entrance using AT&T, but after finding the correct road it was relatively easy to find.  I recommend following signs versus GPS.    

January of 2019 the park, like many in the state moved to a reservation only system.  I was unaware of this when pulling up to the park, so though they had open sites I could not reserve them without using the booking system, which consequently charges a service charge for booking.     This to me was incredibly silly if I was speaking to an actual park employee and yet could not book a site when they were the ones telling me there was in fact a site.    This kind of left a bad taste in my mouth about the property so I opted to visit it as a day use property first and then if I was excited enough to trek back into town so I could have better signal for booking online I would do so.

When I visited, mid May, the water level was very low.   Though I was informed that they were higher than other lake properties, it seemed very low in comparison to other places I had visited in the region.     Sandy beaches were very telling of the water level with an abnormal amount of shoreline exposed.   

Lake activities for me were limited as I didn’t have a fishing license or my own boat.    If you had either of these I could see how the property would be a lot more fun.     I enjoyed exploring the property including the Cottonwood Campground which offered pull through sites which were quite large and nice green spaces right near the water.    There are 6 loops you can camp on with a variety of different services offered and a few overflow parking lots for parties which have additional vehicles.    

Sites were $36 which I felt were a bit high, though the camp was nice and well put together.   For the value however and me not wanting to utilize the lake it seemed unreasonable, especially knowing I would have to go back into town and book the site instead of being able to do so in person.   I can see this location being great for a group of friends or a family for a retreat or for those really wanting to capitalize on the lake itself.   However, for myself I found there were other campgrounds in the area which better suited my needs at a much more reasonable rate.

TIPS:

• If you visit this location be sure to check into the visitor center if you need a fishing license or need to register your boat.   They do these type of inspections at the property.
• Visit the community of Loveland if traveling here and see the two amazing sculpture parks, they are known for their art contributions nationwide.
• Be sure to pay for day use at the pay station if no one is at the entry station.   You need a window sign to signify you have paid for your entry otherwise you can be fined.