Established Camping
Inlet Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir
Horsetooth Reservoir County Park Inlet, near Fort Collins, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a beautiful lake backdrop. This campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, many of which provide stunning waterfront views, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.
The amenities here are solid, with clean toilets, fresh drinking water, and electric hookups available at most sites. Campers have noted the well-spaced sites, which help maintain a sense of privacy, and the peaceful atmosphere, especially during the quieter fall months. One visitor mentioned, “If you are looking to get away and go somewhere quiet and beautiful, this is the place to be!”
For those who love water activities, the campground is conveniently located near a marina and boat ramp, perfect for paddleboarding or kayaking. The surrounding area is also great for hiking and exploring, with scenic drives that showcase the stunning Colorado landscape. As one camper put it, “Make for a nice scenic drive. Best times to go is sunrise or sunset.”
Wildlife is another highlight, with deer often wandering through the campground, adding to the natural charm. Whether you're here for a weekend escape or a longer stay, Horsetooth Reservoir County Park Inlet has plenty to offer for a memorable camping experience.
Description
Horsetooth Reservoir
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.
Location
Inlet Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir is located in Colorado
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
40.523879139484926 N
105.1650820318869 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
