Tent camping near Loveland, Colorado offers elevation changes from 5,000 to 8,000 feet across available campsites. Temperatures drop significantly after sunset, even in summer months, with nighttime temperatures averaging 45-55°F. Most dispersed camping areas around Loveland require campers to pack out all trash and provide their own water supply.
What to do
Mountain hiking access: Hermits Hollow Campground serves as a strategic base for accessing multiple trails. "The Kruger Rock Trailhead is inside the campground, and it is a nice hike with an amazing view of the Rockies and Estes at the top. Bring your crayons - there are two trailmarkers on the trail that you can do rubbings of," reports Erin K.
Canyon views: For campers seeking dramatic landscapes, Dream Canyon Campsites offers both camping and climbing options. "Site is beautiful," notes Mike S., while Raymond H. adds, "The trailhead parking lot has one giant rut that you must be careful to navigate around. Parking lot is a short walk to some beautiful views of the canyon!"
Wildlife observation: Many campsites near Loveland offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "Moose visitors at dawn and evening, and hungry bears scavenging for food at night is a common occurrence," warns Amanda V. about Gordon Gulch. Bringing binoculars increases chances of spotting animals from a safe distance.
What campers like
Water features: Several tent camping areas near Loveland CO feature creek or reservoir access. "Right next to a creek, nice to have a water feature," Danielle S. says about Allenspark Dispersed Camping. Many campers appreciate the ambient sound of flowing water that masks road noise.
Night sky viewing: The area's minimal light pollution creates ideal star-gazing conditions. "Stars were beautiful too very little light pollution," says Ryan B. about Canyon Lakes Ranger District. Most higher-elevation campsites provide clearer astronomical viewing when weather permits.
Remote feel with nearby conveniences: Hermits Hollow Campground offers wilderness immersion with town access. "Not far outside of Estes Park, but far enough up the side of a mountain to enjoy the wilderness. Sites spaced nicely apart, very well maintained, great fire pits with an attached grill grate," notes Wade R., highlighting the balance between isolation and accessibility.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Many camping areas implement seasonal fire bans. "This campground is located right next to the Longs Peak Trailhead, making it a great place to stay if you're planning to do one of the long hikes. Facilities include: vault toilets, fire pits, water (water is turned off during winter months though)," explains Eric K. about Longs Peak Campground.
Variable road conditions: Access to dispersed sites often requires appropriate vehicles. "Road gets tougher the further back you go, but my low clearance vehicle made it by driving slow," shares Dian G. about Gordon Gulch, though many campers recommend higher clearance vehicles for comfort.
Bear safety requirements: Bear boxes are provided at some established campgrounds. "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," explains Daisee Mae S.
Tips for camping with families
Short backpacking options: Lory State Park Backcountry offers introductory backpacking experiences. "We did a quick overnight backpacking trip to one of the backcountry sites at the top of the Timber trail. 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," shares Becky M.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from recreational vehicles or neighboring properties. "Lots of families with screaming children," notes Haley K., while other reviewers mention ATVs and dirt bikes at certain locations during daytime hours.
First-timer friendly sites: Some backcountry options near Loveland work well for novice campers. "This would be a perfect first backpacking trip for beginners! Once you park, you sign in to the backpacking log to the right of the main entrance by the kiosk," explains Miranda K. about Backcountry Campground at Horsetooth Mountain.
Tips from RVers
Limited large vehicle access: Most dispersed camping areas have significant size restrictions. "We took our car and tent camped. We didn't take our camper as the switchbacks are very tight and the road is very steep," explains Daisee Mae about Hermits Hollow, noting the challenges for larger vehicles.
Boat-in alternatives: Boat In Sites at Horsetooth Reservoir provides a unique camping option. "We do the boat-in camping 2-3 times a season for the past 7 years or so. The coves are great but it's a bit of a gamble as sound travels so well," explains D., highlighting both the appeal and challenges of waterside camping.
Water level fluctuations: Reservoir sites experience significant seasonal changes. "The water also will go from so far above the trees that there is no shade to so far below that you're hoofing your gear 100 yards from the boat in the mud up to your campsite," warns D., emphasizing the need for flexibility when camping at reservoir locations.
