Berthoud, Colorado camping experiences range from 4,600 to 5,400 feet in elevation, creating varied camping conditions within a compact area. Most campgrounds near Berthoud remain open year-round, though water systems shut down during winter months when nighttime temperatures frequently drop below freezing. Sites with lake or reservoir views typically require reservations 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Pinewood Reservoir Campground offers a more secluded fishing experience than the larger lakes in the area. "The reservoir is pretty and visible from most sites, and the facilities are well maintained," notes one camper, while another mentions "There are 16 RV sites and 9 walk-in tent sites. Non-motorized small boats allowed and there is an easy hiking trail around the lake."
**Wildlife watching: Flatiron Reservoir Campground provides habitat for various wildlife. "Heard many different wild animal noise at night in the distance, saw elk, and eagles. They do allow fishing but no swimming," reports one visitor. Another camper notes, "We saw a deer, an eagle and many geese."
**Water activities: At South Bay Campground at Horsetooth Reservoir, the elongated lake offers numerous recreation options. "Horsetooth Reservoir is a very long lake great for boating, and with some gorgeous inlets to explore," explains one visitor. Another adds, "The lake was great for paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking."
What campers like
Modern bathroom facilities: St. Vrain State Park Campground offers clean facilities. "Very clean, well kept sites. Stayed on the sandpiper loop which was close to potable water source as well as electric hookup for RVs," writes one camper. Another notes the "Clean bathrooms and full hook ups available."
Spacious sites: Carter Lake's South Shore Campground provides well-spaced camping areas. "Walk-to site was well spaced from other sites and had some nice shade," mentions one visitor. Another camper appreciated that their "site was 28 which was on the end which made it very big."
Water views: Many campers highlight the scenic reservoir views at many campgrounds. "Sites were well maintained and level. Good separation. Close proximity to lake and easy access," reports one camper about Eagle Campground at Carter Lake. Another visitor shares, "This site is serene and a bit tight. One side is trees and spacious camps, the other is the parking lot and bath house but still has a view so it doesn't bother me."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance planning. At Boyd Lake State Park's Cottonwood Campground, "January of 2019 the park, like many in the state moved to a reservation only system." Another camper notes, "Great location, was able to reserve a spot the day we needed it with no issues."
Weather considerations: Summer brings afternoon storms while winter camping requires preparation. At Pinewood Reservoir, one camper reported, "My wife and I took our inaugural trip in our small camper to Pinewood Reservoir last weekend during the front range's first snowfall for 2019...Even with the snow and us being novices we set up without a hitch."
Road noise varies: Some campgrounds experience significant traffic sounds. At St. Vrain State Park, a camper warns, "I-25. The interstate is so close as I type this I can hear in my travel trailer every truck, motorcycle, and car." Boulder County Fairgrounds campers report a different experience: "Well kept area to park with access to electricity. You are only allowed to stay 14 days in a calendar year, so not a long term place."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated facilities for children. At Riverview RV Park & Campground, "Huge park with playground for kids. Most are tree covered sites and not packed in." Another visitor notes, "We enjoyed seeing the kids playing in the playground and riding around the park on their bikes."
Swimming locations: While not all reservoirs allow swimming, several provide designated areas. At Boyd Lake, one camper notes the campground has a "nice walking/biking path to the beach. Perfect for families." Another visitor mentioned the campground is a "Great spot for families to camp, swim and fish."
Wildlife encounters: Many families enjoy animal sightings during their stay. At Riverview RV Park, "Nearly every day a deer would come munch on the greenery right behind our rig." At Carter Lake, a camper reports, "Wildlife walks thru usually daily, shaded spots go quickly!!"
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookups: Most campgrounds offer electrical connections but may have limited water hookups. At Flatiron Reservoir, a camper warns, "This is not a full hookup site. You're paying over $50 per night (after the additional $10 vehicle charge) for electricity only, with the nearest dump station 7 miles away."
Leveling challenges: Many sites require adjustments for RVs. "The pull-through site is very rough and difficult to get your trailer level. We finally just did as good as we could and called it done," notes one camper at Eagle Campground. Another visitor at Loveland RV Resort reports, "Premium sites are much larger with additional width for more space btw sites."
Seasonal considerations: Water systems shut down during colder months at many campgrounds. At Boulder County Fairgrounds, "We stayed in Nov so water and bathrooms were closed. But it's a safe place to hook up to electricity so we enjoyed it." The same campground has stay limits: "You are only allowed to stay 14 days in a calendar year, so not a long term place."
