Best Campgrounds near Bellvue, CO

The North-Central Colorado region surrounding Bellvue features multiple camping options ranging from amenity-rich KOAs to backcountry sites in state parks. Fort Collins Lakeside KOA provides tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations with lake access and family-friendly amenities. For those seeking a more natural experience, Lory State Park offers backcountry camping accessible via hiking trails. Other nearby options include several campgrounds along Horsetooth Reservoir and in the Cache la Poudre Canyon, with sites like Ansel Watrous Campground providing access to river activities.

Many campgrounds in the area have seasonal operating schedules, with higher elevation sites typically open from May through September or October. Horsetooth Reservoir campgrounds remain accessible year-round, while mountain locations have more limited seasons due to snow and road conditions. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when Fort Collins area campgrounds fill quickly. Cell service varies significantly by location, with better coverage at developed sites closer to Fort Collins and limited or no service in canyon and backcountry areas. A camper who visited Lory State Park noted, "It's a beautiful meadow with wildflowers in the summer. A relatively short hike in with multiple routes so good for a quick trip or with kids."

Families with children often gravitate toward the Fort Collins Lakeside KOA, which features extensive recreational facilities including a lake with paddle boats, swimming pool, splash pad, mini golf, and playgrounds. "This KOA is like summer camp for the whole family. It's not your run of the mill KOA by a highway. The lake is beautiful with a walking path all of the way around," shared one visitor. More secluded experiences can be found in the backcountry sites at Lory State Park, where campers have the park to themselves after dark when day-use areas close. The campgrounds along Horsetooth Reservoir provide a middle ground, offering water recreation access with more natural surroundings than urban campgrounds. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this region, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months and significant temperature variations between day and night.

Best Camping Sites Near Bellvue, Colorado (269)

    1. Fort Collins Lakeside KOA

    23 Reviews
    Laporte, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 484-9880

    "It’s not your run of the mill KOA by a highway. The lake is beautiful with a walking path all of the way around and paddle boats. The pool is nice. The miniature golf is pretty with mature trees."

    "Lake, boats, water cannon boats, fishing, bikes, peewee golf, jumping thing. Walking path around lake."

    2. Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park

    45 Reviews
    Loveland, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 669-1739

    $36 - $41 / night

    "All sites have great access and close to the ponds. Variety of fish in the ponds. They allow ice fishing as long as the ice is safe."

    "Boyd Lake State Park is situated near the city of Fort Collins with distant views of the mountains. It has a large lake that is used by boaters, fishermen and sandcastle builders all summer."

    3. Upper and Lower Ansel Watrous Campgrounds

    25 Reviews
    Livermore, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6700

    $20 / night

    "There is a hairpin switchback to get into the lower loop and the website states that it is not accessible to trailers longer than 20 feet."

    "Fees: $23.00 standard single $7.00 for 3rd vehicle  Reservations: 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov 

    Out of season: FCFS 

    Firewood for sale by camp host located at Upper Ansel Watrous Campground."

    4. South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir

    19 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $25 - $45 / night

    "We have camped in Colorado for over 15 years. By far the campsites with the best views! And you can rent cabins too. Just love this place. Lake gets busy In the summer."

    "The sites are picked up but not manicured by any means and there is road noise due to the proximity of the roads around the region."

    5. Inlet Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir

    12 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $25 / night

    "Sites are fairly close together strung out along the lake edge. In September, lake level is purposefully lowered about 20 feet from summer levels."

    "Vault toilets with electric lights and a shower facility at each location. Located close to marina/boat ramp."

    6. Riverview RV Park & Campground

    19 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 667-9910

    "Campground is situated along the Big Thompson River. Big cottonwood trees. Easy accessibility for big rigs. Some items … water valves leak in lakes around entire park and many are leaking."

    "Right next to the river. Close to some easy MTB trails. Would definitely stay here again."

    7. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    91 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 - $70 / night

    "Took the kids camping in Colorado for the first time and we had a blast. It rained on us a lot but it didn't stop us. Took a great hike up deer mountain....stunning views. Can't wait to go back."

    "Very enjoyable spot, close access to trails and entrance and exit of the park."

    8. Dutch George Campground

    16 Reviews
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6700

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Beautifully placed right at the curve of the Poudre, there is a short walking trail next to it,a perfect hammock place in a shallow runoff, a spot to tether tubes or paddleboards in an eddy, a picnic table"

    "The drive into the Poudre Canyon is a beautiful one. We camped Thursday to Sunday. Spots are scarce and were full by Friday mid day. Some sights have shade, some do not."

    9. Mountain Park

    15 Reviews
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6700

    $41 - $185 / night

    "There are many places for multiple groups to be near each other, and reservations usually fill up."

    "They have done a lot of work on the sites and surroundings. Family oriented and nice playground for them to play on."

    10. Stove Prairie

    8 Reviews
    Livermore, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6700

    $29 / night

    "Convenient and easy roadside/riverside camping that felt like it was more remote than it actually was."

    "October '22 $25/night, $7 3rd car fee We arrived at 5pm and got the last car spot on a Tuesday, the walk-in tent sites were totally open."

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Recent Reviews near Bellvue, CO

1997 Reviews of 269 Bellvue Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Forest Road 703C

    Secluded Dispersed Camping Site off 80

    There are lots of places to set up camp here with many different fire pits to enjoy. The views at the top are phenomenal!

  • Ken B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park

    Nice campground

    The sites are spacious and far enough apart. Not much for views but the place was clean and the staff very welcoming. Close to the park and t-shirt shopping in Estes Park.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Cheyenne RV Resort by RJourney

    Nice clean campground

    Really liked this campground. Had all the amenities needed. Very, very clean. The only 2 negatives are, you are between hwy 25 and train tracks and there are no fire pits for the RV section. Otherwise I would have given it 5 stars.

  • A
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Manor RV Park

    Location Excellent - Campground and showers OK

    The campground is extremely conveniently located and in a pretty area. The campground itself is just ok. Super close together spaces and zero privacy at sites. Nice concrete pads to park beside to help with mud and tracking so that was nice. Each site has its own picnic table. The shower house was centrally located within the grounds. The women's side entrance wasn't very well lit at night. There are no private changing areas in the shower house, except the handicap stall, which I am not a fan of. Water wasn't very hot even on straight hot.

    Men's side was even less private my husband said.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Last Chance Camp, Cheyenne

    Quick, easy, and beautiful

    I was coming in late and only staying the night before hitting the road again in the morn. I called ahead and she gave me a quick rundown—find an empty space with a picnic table and I’m good to go. It was so simple! Also owners have a very sweet black and white pup that comes around to say good morning. Might’ve been the best part, aside from the Wyoming sunrise.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Forest Service Road 700 Designated Dispersed Camping

    Amazing First Time in WY!

    Coming from CO, I was able to cross off another US state in only a 2 hour drive. This spot is great for groups! I was by myself and it’s early October so I figured I could get a spot at 4pm on Friday. Plenty were available, road goes forever with (I heard over 90+ dispersed spots) and easily accessible for RVs and trailers, just gotta go slow, not rocky just washboardy in spots. Many sweet rock formations, a little creek for water for the fire, and plenty of dead wood (just make sure u get a permit online I think if u wana take any home right?) - I cleaned up a good amount of small trash left in my area from previous campers like nails and glass, but other than a couple things it was very clean and every spot looked like it was respected!! (Just things I think got blown into the rocks at night and campers didn’t see it the next morning) - would go back, every spot is far from others and the rocks def help with the wind and noise. Far from highway but right off it so it’s easy to get to road if needed. One gas station about 15 mins down the road between Cheyenne. Pack in and pack out! Will be going back one day!

  • Vinny D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot

    Great spot, quiet

    Good spot, this is my second time staying here. You have to drive through a neighborhood to get to the serving road. Follow the directions on Google and you’ll be fine. The best spots are a little further back. The road will come to a Y go left. Once you go left down be hill you’ll go back up a hill and go around the curve to the right. There’s a creek on the left and great spots.

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping

    Easy access

    This was a great spot for a quick stop for smaller rvs. Close proximity to trailhead and rest stop for bathroom access.


Guide to Bellvue

Camping near Bellvue, Colorado, offers a fantastic mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. One camper mentioned, “The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters. We saw a weasel and a flock of turkeys” at Glacier Basin Campground.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Aspenglen Campground shared, “We had two moose come through our site last week, as well as deer, and LOVED it.”
  • Fishing: Try your luck at catching some trout. One camper at St. Vrain State Park Campground said, “Fishing was a blast; caught about ten rainbow trout in a couple of hours.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Moraine Park Campground noted, “Just beautiful and in the park so don’t deal with timed entry.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake mentioned, “Common bathroom, shower, dish and clothes washing facilities centrally located, clean and well maintained.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment. One reviewer at East Portal Campground said, “Quiet, no generators heard as big rigs won’t fit!”

What you should know:

  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during specific months. For example, Glacier Basin Campground is open from May 23 to September 11.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Cottonwood Campground noted, “Showers are a little bit cold,” so be prepared for basic facilities.
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can get busy. A visitor at Estes Park KOA mentioned, “Neighbors are so close with about 10’ between trailers.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. One reviewer at East Portal Campground said, “Big playground and not crazy expensive.”
  • Wildlife Encounters: Kids will love seeing animals. A camper at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake shared, “Every day I had mule deer visitors.”
  • Space for Activities: Choose campgrounds with open areas for games. A visitor at Cottonwood Campground noted, “Multiple clean flushing toilets bathrooms and nice coin showers.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Glacier Basin Campground mentioned, “Sites are reasonably well separated.”
  • Reservations: Book your spot early, especially during peak season. A camper at Moraine Park Campground advised, “Just a note from Campendium - Closed for construction from May 23 to June 24 so check website.”
  • Connectivity: Be aware that cell service can be spotty. A visitor at Aspenglen Campground noted, “Cell Service: Verizon was spotty.”

Camping near Bellvue, Colorado, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some unforgettable memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Bellvue, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Bellvue, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 269 campgrounds and RV parks near Bellvue, CO and 87 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Bellvue, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bellvue, CO is Fort Collins Lakeside KOA with a 4.1-star rating from 23 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bellvue, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 87 free dispersed camping spots near Bellvue, CO.

What parks are near Bellvue, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Bellvue, CO that allow camping, notably Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG and Rocky Mountain National Park.