South Bay Campground accommodates RVs up to 70 feet with full hookups alongside tent sites and cabins, charging $25-45 per night with reservations available. Located on an inlet of Horsetooth Reservoir near Fort Collins, the campground provides direct water access for some sites while others offer lake views across the open terrain.
Road noise from nearby highways creates a constant backdrop during daylight hours, though several campers note it diminishes after dark. Site spacing varies significantly throughout the campground—some areas pack campers close together while others provide more room between neighbors. The waterfront sites fill quickly and offer the easiest access for launching kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards directly from camp.
Electric hookups function reliably, but water hookups aren't available at individual sites. Campers fill containers at various spigots around the campground or use the dump station for fresh water. The shower facilities operate from 6am to 10pm and require $2 per use, while vault toilets serve the campground though maintenance varies. Adam B. notes "Vault bathrooms are not clean and smell awful" and reminds fellow campers to "do your part to close the lid and clean up afterwards."
The reservoir supports fishing, though success rates appear mixed based on visitor reports. Rock climbing opportunities exist nearby, and Daniel B. mentions "You could find some bike and hike trails too without much effort." Cell service works intermittently with both Verizon and AT&T experiencing occasional drops.
The campground works well for RV campers seeking full hookups with lake access and families planning water-based activities, though those sensitive to road noise should consider sites closer to the entrance or opt for cabin rentals.
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. View the press release, for more info.
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 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
40.50962312 N
105.15564028 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTEGood CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 4/3/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 40 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTEGood CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 4/3/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 40 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 4/3/26
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)
- 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
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 7 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 37 min from Greeley, CO
- 55 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 56 min from Boulder, CO























