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 (266)

    1. Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park

    45 Reviews
    Loveland, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 669-1739

    $36 - $41 / night

    "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."

    "We stayed at Boyd Lake State Park for one night as we were returning home after visiting in Montana.  This park is convenient to Fort Collins so every need can be met. "

    2. Fort Collins Lakeside KOA

    23 Reviews
    Laporte, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 484-9880

    "We had the good fortune to stay at the Lakeside KOA during our recent trip to Fort Collins. The sites are spacious, and the campground is run well.

    Talk about luck!"

    "Fort Collins is a nice college town and has restaurants, shopping and a nice downtown.  The campground has a ton of activities for families to do on site.  "

    3. South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir

    19 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $25 - $45 / night

    "This is a great campground if you want to be close to be close to Fort Collins, and/or enjoy the lake."

    "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."

    4. Riverview RV Park & Campground

    19 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    12 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."

    5. Inlet Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir

    12 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $25 / night

    "Easy access just outside of town, clean toilets and fresh drinking water easily accessible. Stayed for two nights whilst visiting Fort Collins region."

    "Sites are fairly close together strung out along the lake edge. In September, lake level is purposefully lowered about 20 feet from summer levels."

    6. Upper and Lower Ansel Watrous Campgrounds

    25 Reviews
    Livermore, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6700

    $20 / night

    "It is the perfect getaway from Fort Collins being easy to find and not too far. We loved going in the winter and enjoying the sounds of the river lack of cell service for a weekend."

    "The drive along the canyon is a delight. 

    Directions: Drive 11 miles north of Fort Collins on US Highway 287."

    7. Loveland RV Resort

    8 Reviews
    Loveland, CO
    11 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."

    8. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    91 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 - $70 / night

    "Took the kids camping in Colorado for the first time and we had a blast. It rained on us a lot but it didn't stop us. Took a great hike up deer mountain....stunning views. Can't wait to go back."

    "Very enjoyable spot, close access to trails and entrance and exit of the park."

    9. Pinewood Reservoir Campground

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

    $25 / 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."

    10. Flatiron Reservoir Campground

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

    $25 - $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"

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Recent Reviews near Fort Collins, CO

1962 Reviews of 266 Fort Collins Campgrounds


  • Lani R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Curt Gowdy State Park Campground

    10/10 State Park camping

    We loved this place so much we stayed two extra nights! The sites themselves are level and nice, no campground shower facilities but beautiful and well maintained quarter operated showers at the visitor center. The trails are beautiful, fun and abundant. We couldn't have had a better time hiking and wildlife watching.

  • Adam  B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir

    Eh… it’s ok

    For what you’re paying for it could be better. Vault bathrooms are not clean and smell awful. Look I know they smell and are dirty but people do your part to close the lid and clean up afterwards. Showers are good but you have to pay $2 per shower Dump is $15 too! Good cycling around here Cell service is ok. Sometimes drops. Verizon and att People working here are very friendly and helpful. Leave it better than you found it.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    ESTES PARK / ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK KOA HOLIDAY

    Great Views

    This is a really nice KOA. It doesn't seem like there are any bad sites, but there are a few premium sites that would totally be worth the extra money if you are here a few days and spending evenings at camp. Amazing views from a private deck. We were next to these, and still had great views and a nice fire pit and table area.

  • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    N Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping

    2x winner

    Have now camped here twice, in June & late September, both on Friday nights, and it has been perfect. Loads of well spaced spots, secluded, gorgeous views.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    Good overnight spot

    Stayed here overnight and car camped before going into Estes Park. There are some more private wooded spots on the way in, but these were full so we stayed in an open area further down the road where there was not much/any privacy from neighbors. Super windy in early August. Pretty good views. Moderately busy. Road in was not too bad.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Gold Lake Area Dispersed

    Great dispersed camping

    I stayed at a small spot maybe a mile further down the road from where these coordinates lead you to. There was a fire ring and it was right on the lake. My spot was just before the large spot with the uphill drive that overlooks the lake. Perfect balance of solitude and presence of distant neighbors. Road to get in is a little rough but not the worst and I even saw some sedans doing fine. Easy one hour drive into RMNP in the morning.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Vedauwoo Wagon Road

    Great site, bumpy road

    We arrived at night in a Ram Pro master campervan. It has official signs at the entrance showing you where the sites are. The site has pull ins for each user and they are spread out. Each site has a lot of space. We arrived late so had to drive a way down to reach a free one. It is quite a bumpy road so it was a bit unnerving in our rented vehicle but it was fine in the end. We woke up to a lovely site surrounding by interesting rocks. There are vault toilets near the entrance but you cannot camp here. It was sunny and windy for our visit in September.

  • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    North Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping

    Gorgeous, spacious

    Surprising amount of availability for a Friday night after work, big well spaced sites, beautiful views, quiet, and private!

  • Tom D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Fort Collins Lakeside KOA

    Central to Fort Collins and the Northern Denver Area

    I had a medical emergency and had to stay in the area for a few days. After one night in the hospitals parking lot we found this KOA nearby. The camp ground staff were impressive in their help and understanding. They said they would make sure we had a site for our 45’ bus. Once in the site they continued to show care for how I was doing to the point of holding our site in case we needed to stay longer. I could not ask for better customer service. I give Mandi and Mark solid 10’s!

    Now the bad. Many sites, like ours lack grass or weeds to keep down the dirt and mud. Tree stumps are left protruding inches above the soil level leading to a tripping hazard on the way to the restrooms and shower house. We had exposed roots in our site. I cannot imagine that the owners would not see these hazards and want to remove them for safety. Our elderly dog tripped and fell on one such stump. Sites are fairly close together.

    For the price, I expect nice grassy areas not just at the sites but other larger expanses of areas around the park. I think the owner can do much better ascetically.

    We would stay again but only for the customer service.


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

Where are the best campgrounds near Fort Collins, CO?

Fort Collins offers several excellent campgrounds within an hour's drive. Upper and Lower Ansel Watrous Campgrounds provide a perfect getaway with river sounds, no cell service, and nearby hiking and mountain biking trails. Dutch George Campground offers peaceful riverside camping with clean facilities and accommodating hosts. For those seeking proximity to town, Horsetooth Reservoir campgrounds provide easy access with beautiful views. Other highly-rated options include Dowdy Lake Campground for non-motorized boating and CanyonSide Campground for those seeking a cannabis-friendly environment with stunning views. Most campgrounds in the area are busiest on summer weekends, so consider weekday visits or reservations well in advance.

What are the different types of camping sites available in Fort Collins?

Fort Collins offers diverse camping options to suit every preference. For developed camping, Fort Collins Lakeside KOA provides spacious, well-maintained RV sites with lake access and walking trails. Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park offers established sites with mature trees and lake activities. For those seeking a more rustic experience, the area has abundant dispersed camping in Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest, with designated sites requiring no facilities or reservations. Specialty camping includes riverside sites at Dutch George and Ansel Watrous campgrounds. Both public and private campgrounds are available, with state parks typically offering more amenities than national forest sites. Most developed campgrounds accept reservations, while dispersed sites are first-come, first-served.

Is there camping available at lakes around Fort Collins?

Dowdy Lake Campground offers lakeside camping about an hour from Fort Collins with facilities for non-motorized boats like SUPs and kayaks. The lake gets busy on weekends with day-use visitors. Inlet Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir provides clean facilities with fresh drinking water and easy access just outside town. Horsetooth Reservoir is a long lake perfect for boating with gorgeous inlets to explore. South Bay Campground on the same reservoir is another option for those wanting to stay near Fort Collins while enjoying lake activities. Most lake campgrounds in the area offer swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. Reservations are highly recommended during summer months as these water-adjacent sites are among the most popular in the region.

What tent camping options are available near Fort Collins?

Tent campers have numerous options around Fort Collins. Deadman Road - Dispersed Site offers free primitive camping about an hour from town with stunning sunsets and spectacular stargazing, though it can be windy due to exposure. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Dispersed Camping provides beautiful views just over an hour west of Fort Collins with plenty of space between sites. For those wanting more amenities, several developed campgrounds welcome tent campers, including sites at Horsetooth Reservoir. Most tent sites in developed campgrounds include a picnic table and fire ring. During peak summer months, arrive early at first-come, first-served sites or make reservations where accepted. National forest dispersed camping typically has a 14-day stay limit.