Road noise from the adjacent highway creates a steady backdrop at Inlet Bay Campground, though several campers note it quiets significantly during off-season months. The campground stretches along Horsetooth Reservoir's edge in two loops, with roughly half the sites offering direct waterfront access and the remainder providing water views from slightly elevated positions.
Sites accommodate RVs up to 60 feet with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections. "Sites are fairly close together strung out along the lake edge," observes Michael, noting the linear layout that maximizes water access. A marina sits between the two camping loops, and campers can launch canoes directly from waterfront sites or walk down to the water's edge when reservoir levels drop in fall.
The campground provides vault toilets with electric lighting throughout, plus flush toilets and coin-operated showers at the boat inspection station about a third of a mile away. Potable water spigots appear at multiple points, and the dump station outside the campground offers good water pressure. Fall brings changing leaves on the scattered trees, while deer regularly wander through campsites and along the access road.
Reservations require a Larimer County park pass plus camping fees, with October visits offering cooler temperatures suitable for paddleboarding and kayaking before winter boat removals begin. The campground sits 30 minutes from Fort Collins and provides access to fishing directly from many sites. Cell coverage proves spotty, with T-Mobile showing minimal signal strength except near the visitor center.
Campers wanting additional space between sites might consider South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir, located along the same reservoir system.
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.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Fire Restrictions are currently in place for portions of Larimer County. Note, this is NOT a ban. For more info, view the press release,.
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 CampgroundInlet 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
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/27/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 4/27/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/27/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 4/27/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
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
Drive Time
- 14 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 39 min from Greeley, CO
- 56 min from Boulder, CO
- 57 min from Cheyenne, WY
















