Carter Lake's South Shore Campground sits directly on the water at this popular recreation area managed by Larimer County Parks. The campground provides drive-in access with pull-through gravel sites accommodating RVs up to 40 feet, plus walk-in tent sites scattered along the shoreline. Electric, water, and sewer hookups serve RV campers, while vault toilets and a dump station handle basic needs.
Sites vary significantly in shade coverage, with upper-level spots offering lake views but limited tree cover that can make summer stays hot. Lower sites near the water feature more pine trees and natural screening between camping spots. Carol J. notes the campground has "nice view of lake though up one level" and observes that "upper level sites have few trees so could be hot in summer." The boat ramp sits adjacent to the camping area, providing direct water access for fishing and paddling.
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 that emerge near the water at night. The campground operates seasonally with reservations available, and a $9 daily park entry fee applies in addition to camping costs.
This lakefront location works well for RV campers seeking full hookups with water access, though tent campers should request shaded sites during summer months. For additional camping choices in the region, see campsites near 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 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 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 4/3/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 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)
- 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














