Best Campgrounds near Fort Collins, CO

Camping around Fort Collins ranges from established campgrounds to more remote sites in the surrounding hills. Boyd Lake State Park's Cottonwood Campground gives you water access with decent facilities. If you want something more basic, head to Upper and Lower Ansel Watrous Campgrounds where you'll find quieter spots and good trails nearby. Many campers also drive up to Moraine Park Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park, which sits close to the Colorado River with mountains all around. Make sure you check the current fire rules and length-of-stay limits before setting up. You'll see plenty of wildlife, so hang your food properly to keep bears away. Trees are sparse at many sites, so pack hats and canopies for shade. Some camping spots feel private while others put you closer to neighbors. During summer and fall weekends, you'll want reservations to guarantee a spot. The weather changes quickly here - warm days often turn into afternoon thunderstorms and chilly nights. Fort Collins makes a good base for camping trips whether you're bringing kids or looking for some quiet time outdoors.

Best Camping Sites Near Fort Collins, Colorado (254)

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Recent Reviews near Fort Collins, CO

1800 Reviews of 254 Fort Collins Campgrounds



Guide to Fort Collins

Camping near Fort Collins, Colorado, offers a fantastic mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Wildlife Watching: Rocky Mountain National Park is just a short drive away. Campers love the access to trails and the chance to see wildlife. One reviewer mentioned, "Camping at Moraine Park Campground also gives you a time+ entry permit good for Bear Lake Road."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake, are near lakes where you can fish. A visitor shared, "We enjoyed the easy access to the Rocky Mountain National Park and downtown Estes from Mary's Lake."
  • Star Gazing: The clear skies in the area make for great star gazing. One camper at Glacier Basin Campground noted, "Star watching was excellent (near a new moon)."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. A review for Aspenglen Campground said, "Absolutely incredible. Scenery was amazing."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A visitor at Cottonwood Campground mentioned, "Clean flushing toilets and nice coin showers."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Campers enjoy seeing wildlife up close. One reviewer at East Portal Campground shared, "We saw elk and mule deer in the campground on multiple occasions."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can get busy, especially during peak season. A camper at Moraine Park Campground noted, "It's a bit overcrowded."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have showers or electric hookups. A visitor at Glacier Basin Campground mentioned, "Restrooms were clean, but no showers."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Glacier Basin Campground is open from May 23 to September 11.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. One reviewer at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake said, "Big playground and not crazy expensive."
  • Wildlife Watching: Kids love spotting animals. A camper at East Portal Campground shared, "We saw elk and mule deer in the campground."
  • Easy Access to Attractions: Choose campgrounds close to attractions. A visitor at Cottonwood Campground noted, "Only about half full on a Sunday night in September."

Tips from RVers:

  • Space and Privacy: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A reviewer at Estes Park KOA mentioned, "Neighbors are so close with about 10’ between trailers."
  • Hookups Availability: Check for electric and water hookups. A camper at St. Vrain State Park noted, "Electric hook ups on North campground and some full hookups on the south one."
  • Road Noise: Be prepared for some noise from nearby roads. A visitor at St. Vrain State Park said, "There is road traffic noise but becomes background noise after a day or so."

Camping near Fort Collins has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Fort Collins, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Fort Collins, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 254 campgrounds and RV parks near Fort Collins, CO and 74 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Fort Collins, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fort Collins, CO is Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 43 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fort Collins, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 74 free dispersed camping spots near Fort Collins, CO.

What parks are near Fort Collins, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Fort Collins, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.