Camping sites near Berthoud, Colorado offer diverse experiences in the foothills of the northern Front Range at elevations averaging 5,000 feet. Most campgrounds in this region remain open from April through October, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 50-85°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The area sits at the intersection of prairie and mountain ecosystems, creating unique camping environments with varying terrain and wildlife.
What to do
Fishing at Carter Lake: Carter Lake's South Shore Campground provides excellent catch-and-release fishing opportunities with easy lake access. "My husband enjoyed the catch & release fishing. Fishing was good according to him. I liked the hiking trail around the pond," notes one visitor at Fort Collins Lakeside KOA.
Hiking to scenic viewpoints: The area features trails with mountain panoramas. "We took the 3 mile hike behind campground which is beautiful but rocky - wear shoes that can withstand rocks. Must return the same way so 6 miles total," explains a camper at South Shore Campground at Carter Lake.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings offer prime wildlife viewing. "Occasional deer will Roam In the camp," mentions a reviewer at Horsetooth Reservoir. Another camper at Hermits Hollow notes, "We enjoyed seeing the kids playing in the playground and riding around the park on their bikes. Nearly every day a deer would come munch on the greenery right behind our rig."
Paddle sports: Several lakes allow kayaking and paddleboarding. "The lake was great for paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking," writes a visitor at South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir.
What campers like
Water access sites: Waterfront sites are highly sought after. "We had a great spot right on the water and our kids were able to play in the water right from the campsite," shares a camper at South Bay Campground. Another notes, "Nice sites, right on the Big Thompson. Sites are very close to each other, but plenty of room for privacy."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms and amenities receive praise. "The showerhouse was cleaned twice daily and the shower stalls were VERY roomy," reports a guest at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Estes Park.
Proximity to attractions: Convenient location near Rocky Mountain National Park is valued. "Great starting point for visiting Rocky Mountain national park," says a camper at Estes Park KOA. Another visitor notes it's "Close to town and RMNP. Beautiful views. Elk in the area."
Spacious sites: Some campgrounds offer roomier spots with privacy. "The tent sites were well spaced for privacy, and even on a busy weekend, we felt like we had our own space to enjoy nature," mentions a reviewer at Carter Lake.
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Many campgrounds have limited availability. "Some sites have shade. The drive to the site was slightly adventurous and our site in particular had a large ditch we had to drive over to park and several large rocks we had to avoid," explains a camper at Eagle Campground.
Extra fees to consider: Some parks charge day-use fees beyond camping rates. A visitor at Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park notes, "You have to pay for the nights you plan to stay and you have to pay for your vehicle to have a permit to be there. I think we spent around $30 for 3 or 4 days."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies greatly. "Very limited cell service, but better on top of the hill by the bath house," reports a camper at Eagle Campground at Carter Lake.
Wind exposure: Some sites lack adequate windbreaks. "The sites are dirt, and a little messy after a rain storm. It can be suddenly and very windy here, so most campers did not use awnings," reports a visitor at Riverview RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Reserve kid-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with dedicated family activities. "Kid friendly campground with pool, mini golf, jump pad, camp store and golf cart rentals," explains a visitor at Jellystone Park. Another shares, "The facility offered tons of activities for the kids and they wore themselves out daily to the point of falling asleep while eating dinner."
Pack for all weather: Mountain weather changes quickly, especially in afternoon. "It is beautiful. Plenty of sites with electric hook-ups, tent sites, nice bathrooms (showers are coin operated & out of order), 1 water spout," reports a camper at Eagle Campground, highlighting the need to be prepared for variable conditions.
Secure food properly: Wildlife interactions require preparation. "The park provides every spot with a table, fire ring and bear box. The bear box is for more than just food. If you have anything that smells good, the animals (not just bears) WILL try to get into your vehicle to steal it. Sprays, lotions, deodorants… etc," advises a camper at Hermits Hollow.
Consider glamping in Berthoud, Colorado area: Luxury camping options provide comfort. "Some spots have shade. Nice tables and fire pits with grill," reports a visitor to Eagle Campground, which offers upgraded glamping experiences near Berthoud.
Tips from RVers
Watch leveling requirements: Many sites require significant adjustment. "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," shares an RVer at Eagle Campground.
Size restrictions apply: Larger RVs face challenges at some sites. "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. 34 ft 5th on a slope was tight and will not pull through due to trees," notes a camper at Eagle Campground.
Dump station access varies: Not all campgrounds offer convenient dump stations. "The dumping sites were closed and that made for problems. They are re-doing them, which is good, but it meant we had no options for getting rid of gray or black water," reports an RVer at Eagle Campground.
Electrical hookups only: Many sites offer electric but no water at site. "Electric hookups (we used 50amp at our site) but no water hook up. Drinkable water close by at various locations within the campground," notes a visitor at South Bay Campground.
