Best Campgrounds near Berthoud, CO

Berthoud, Colorado provides access to diverse camping environments ranging from developed state parks to dispersed sites in nearby national forests. Established campgrounds like Boyd Lake State Park's Cottonwood Campground and St. Vrain State Park offer year-round camping with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and reservable sites. Several campgrounds in the area feature both tent and RV accommodations, with South Shore Campground at Carter Lake and Riverview RV Park providing cabin options for those seeking more comfort. The proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest creates opportunities for both front-country and backcountry experiences within a short drive.

Road conditions and access requirements vary significantly across the region's campgrounds and dispersed areas. Many developed campgrounds near Berthoud remain open year-round, though seasonal considerations affect water availability and facility operations during winter months. Dispersed camping in nearby national forest areas typically requires high-clearance vehicles, with some routes presenting challenging terrain. Reservations are strongly recommended for established campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends when facilities reach capacity quickly. Elevation changes influence weather patterns, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months and cooler temperatures at higher elevations. A camper noted, "Location good for Rocky Mountain National Park & brewery nirvana: Longmont, Berthoud, Loveland, & Ft Collins."

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the region, with several highly-rated sites offering lake or reservoir access. Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir campgrounds provide water recreation opportunities alongside camping, with reviews highlighting the scenic mountain backdrops. Mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, from tent sites to full RV hookups, making the area suitable for different preferences and equipment. Reviews indicate that sites with mountain views and water access tend to fill quickly during peak season. Dispersed camping areas in the surrounding national forests offer more solitude but fewer amenities. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers particularly value the combination of mountain scenery and water access found at several campgrounds in the region, with one visitor describing South Bay Campground at Horsetooth Reservoir as having "the best view" after camping in Colorado for over 15 years.

Best Camping Sites Near Berthoud, Colorado (322)

    1. Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park

    45 Reviews
    Loveland, CO
    8 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."

    2. St. Vrain State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Firestone, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 678-9402

    $36 - $41 / night

    "Very convenient campground with great access to North Denver/Boulder area. Only downside is proximity to I-25 and traffic noise. But there are many nice trails and lakes to fish from."

    "It is near I-25 highway so there is road traffic noise but becomes background noise after a day or so. But if that bothers you you won’t like it."

    3. Riverview RV Park & Campground

    19 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    11 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."

    4. Boulder County Fairgrounds

    20 Reviews
    Longmont, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 682-6762

    $35 / night

    "Arrived in Colorado little after midnight, got a spot right away plenty of availability and close enough to some good hiking areas"

    "We couldn’t find anything near family in Highlands Ranch in July, but ran across this place- Tight spots for our 38 ft fifth wheel but, we made it."

    5. Pinewood Reservoir Campground

    16 Reviews
    Drake, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $25 - $35 / night

    "This was our second visit to Pinewood Lake and while some things stayed the same others were much the same.  Our first visit last fall was during the final stages of a blizzard. "

    "Even with the snow and us being novices we set up without a hitch and were soon enjoying the magical panorama of the lake below us and the hills and mountain tops around us."

    6. South Shore Campground at Carter Lake

    10 Reviews
    Lyons, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Location good for rocky mountain national park & brewery nirvana: Longmont, berthoud, loveland, & ft Collins. $$$36/nite+$9/day entry. Electric only, vault toilets."

    "Tucked away at the South Marina. You're close to paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Wildlife walks thru usually daily, shaded spots go quickly!!"

    7. South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir

    18 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $25 - $90 / 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."

    8. Loveland RV Resort

    8 Reviews
    Loveland, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 667-1204

    "Plenty of shops and restaurants that are within walking distance. Only negative is that we were extremely close to our neighbors.  We would stay here again."

    "We only stayed one night while traveling through Colorado. It was convenient and easy. The grounds were nice and clean, very pretty, they had good amenities."

    9. Flatiron Reservoir Campground

    11 Reviews
    Drake, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Ranger Review: Humangear at Flatiron Reservoir Campground

    Campground Review:

    Flatiron Reservoir Campground is located just outside the city of Loveland, Colorado."

    "Great lakeside spots. A little close together, bu everyone was friendly. 5 minutes to Huge Carter lake, Marina, general store"

    10. Eagle Campground at Carter Lake

    9 Reviews
    Drake, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $35 / night

    "However, it was also right next to residential housing. Everything was quiet, but it is still a far cry from secluded- and neighbor campers were very close as well."

    "This was our first time to Carter Lake. We really enjoyed the area. This particular campground was clean and the camp hosts were great."

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Recent Reviews near Berthoud, CO

2296 Reviews of 322 Berthoud Campgrounds


  • B S.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Idlewild Campground

    Fall stay

    Stayed two nights with my sons. Grabbed one of the walk-in sites Friday at 1pm.

    Pros: Availability (one of the only sites in Winter Park), beautiful surroundings

    Cons: Right next to the highway so traffic (trains at times) can be heard at all hours of the night, most walk-in sites don't have a tent pad

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite

    Great view of the Lake + porta-potty

    We took a left at the fork and found a site with the best view and a porta-john at the end of the driveway. The site appears to have been freshly cleared. There were lots of twigs and rocks and no grass, so it became a muddy mess as soon as the rain began. Site had plenty of space and a good amount was flat. No fire ring, but there was a burn ban anyways. Nice and secluded but could still hear the neighbors a bit but it wasn’t bothersome. Gunfire and ATVs were much louder but stopped around sundown. Would go back to this site.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    Camp camp camp

    Went on a bit of a rainy weekend so it got super cold at night. The roads are super rocky as you get up to the reservoir and with the rain there were some large puddles but with the right vehicle should be all good. The views were amazing and the hike up is so pretty. So many great sites all the way up to the reservoir as well.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great spot, right on the water

    High clearance 4x4 recommended but could be doable without if you’re an experienced driver. Beautiful lakes and some campsites are right on the water. Only one other person camping on a Wednesday night. There is currently a fire ban so be sure to respect our forests and be updated.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Chief Hosa Campground

    I-70 off-ramp camping

    The campground is unfortunately too close to the highway and the noise makes it difficult to sleep or relax. Nice parking spot if you need to see the sights for a day or two.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

    Camping near Rocky Mtn NP

    What a wonderful campground! Friendly hosts, full hookups offered, beautiful scenery and right outside the entrance to the national park!

  • Trish M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Absolutely beautiful

    My husband and I are addicted to dispersed camping 🏕 and every weekend, we try to go somewhere different. This place was beautiful beyond words! The road getting there really wasn't bad, but you do need a little ground clearance. We got in around 9 pm, so it was dark, and we didn't know where we were, so there was a spot open right as you get to the top that we parked in. The moon was so bright we could see the mountains around us and could even see the like big of snow up there. Woke up the next morning and fell in love with our spot, so we stayed. We decided to take a walk around the lake and check out the upper lake. Definitely loved it here. Will be back for sure.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Nice view of Gold Lake

    Overlook of Gold Lake

    Beautiful camp site setup. Huge Rock fire pit. Piled firewood. At a high point with views of gold's Lake roads to site have been deactivated so it would be necessary to walk in. AT&t cell service a little bit spotty. Nice open areas up there. Roads in sight. Very secluded


Guide to Berthoud

Camping near Berthoud, Colorado, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby. For example, at Moraine Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "The hiking trails are amazing, and the views are breathtaking."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Glacier Basin Campground shared, "We saw a moose and a flock of turkeys during our stay!"
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, head to Cottonwood Campground. One reviewer noted, "The lake is great for fishing, and the beach areas are perfect for relaxing."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. A review for Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake highlights, "Each site has beautiful views, and I loved the deer that visited daily."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A camper at Reverend's Ridge Campground said, "The bathrooms were clean, and the staff was friendly."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment. One visitor at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area mentioned, "It was quiet and serene, perfect for a getaway."

What you should know:

  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds, like Glacier Basin Campground, are only open from late May to early September. A reviewer advised, "Check the website for seasonal closures before planning your trip."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area lacks drinking water and toilets, so come prepared.
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can get busy. A camper at Moraine Park Campground noted, "It can be overcrowded, especially in summer, so book early."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with playgrounds and activities. A parent at East Portal Campground said, "The kids loved the playground, and it was a safe area for them to play."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals. One family at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake mentioned, "Cooking together was a highlight of our trip."
  • Pack Games and Activities: Keep the kids entertained. A camper at Cottonwood Campground suggested, "Bring board games or outdoor games for family fun."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Reverend's Ridge Campground noted, "Some sites are tight, so check the dimensions before booking."
  • Use Electric Hookups: If available, take advantage of electric hookups. One RV camper at East Portal Campground said, "The electric hookups made our stay much more comfortable."
  • Plan for Waste Disposal: Know where to dump waste. A visitor at Cottonwood Campground mentioned, "The dump station was easy to access, which was a big plus."

Camping near Berthoud, Colorado, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping spots in Berthoud, Colorado?

The Berthoud area offers excellent camping options within a short drive. South Shore Campground at Carter Lake provides some of the best views in Colorado with electric hookups and vault toilets. It's conveniently located for accessing Rocky Mountain National Park. For a more rugged experience, Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area features both numbered sites and more secluded unnumbered spots further down Forest Road 233.1, some offering spectacular views. The area around Horsetooth Reservoir and Flatiron Reservoir also provides scenic camping within easy reach of Berthoud.

What family-friendly campgrounds are near Berthoud?

Winding River Resort is a fantastic family destination with numerous kid-friendly activities and direct access to the Colorado River headwaters, perfect for fishing adventures. Similarly, Moraine Park Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park offers a great introduction to camping for families with children, featuring stunning views and accessible hiking trails like Deer Mountain with its spectacular vistas. Both locations provide the authentic Colorado outdoor experience while maintaining amenities that make family camping comfortable and enjoyable.

What camping is available near Berthoud, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Berthoud, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 322 campgrounds and RV parks near Berthoud, CO and 101 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Berthoud, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Berthoud, CO is Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 45 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 101 free dispersed camping spots near Berthoud, CO.

What parks are near Berthoud, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Berthoud, CO that allow camping, notably Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG and Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland.