Fort Collins sits at an elevation of 5,003 feet where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, creating a transitional zone with temperature fluctuations that affect camping conditions. Winter nights often drop below freezing while summer daytime temperatures average 85°F. This climate pattern makes spring and fall particularly popular for glamping close to Fort Collins, Colorado, when moderate temperatures allow for comfortable outdoor experiences.
What to do
Fishing at Carter Lake: South Shore Campground at Carter Lake offers multiple fishing spots along its shoreline, just 45 minutes from Fort Collins. "I enjoyed the catch and release fishing. Fishing was good according to him. I liked the hiking trail around the pond," notes a camper at Riverview RV Park & Campground.
Hiking Kruger Rock Trail: Located within Hermit Park Open Space, this moderate 4-mile round trip trail provides panoramic views of the Continental Divide. "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," shares a visitor at Hermits Hollow Campground.
Paddleboarding at Horsetooth Reservoir: Rent equipment at the marina or bring your own to enjoy the clear waters. "The lake was great for paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking," explains a camper who stayed at South Bay Campground.
What campers like
Easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park: Multiple glamping options provide convenient base camps for park exploration. "The location serves as an ideal base camp for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, just a short drive away," says a visitor at Estes Park KOA.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds report regular deer, elk, and other wildlife sightings. "Woke up to elk outside of the tent! Such a cool experience. The campsite is close to town, which is very nice too!" reports a camper at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are frequently mentioned in reviews. "The facilities are excellent. There are combo shower/bathroom stations throughout the campground so you never have to walk far to clean up. These stations also have dish washing sinks, and the campground provided free dish soap and one of those nice soaping-dispensing sponges," notes a visitor at Estes Park KOA.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular glamping sites near Fort Collins book months in advance, particularly for summer weekends. "Make a reservation, it fills up quick. Has waterfront spots available and even if you can't get waterfront almost all spots have at least a view!" advises a camper at South Bay Campground.
Extra fees at some locations: Many campgrounds charge additional entrance or vehicle fees beyond the site rental. "Excessive road noise during the day, it did quiet down each night. If we stay here again we will stay nearer to the entrance or get a cabin. There is a fee upon entry. 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," explains a camper at Hermits Hollow Campground.
Bear safety protocols: Several campgrounds require food storage in bear boxes. "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," warns a visitor at Glacier Basin Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for activity-rich campgrounds: Some locations offer numerous kid-friendly amenities. "Kid friendly campground with pool, mini golf, jump pad, camp store and golf cart rentals. Also has nice laundry facilities. Some sites would be a fairly long walk to the activities, but it is a very nice campground," shares a visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
Reserve shower tokens: At certain campgrounds, showers require tokens or quarters. "Eagle campground has beautiful shower house, get shower tokens before you go in!!!" advises a camper at South Shore Campground at Carter Lake.
Select sites away from roads: Traffic noise affects some perimeter campsites. "The tent sites were rather close together but in a lovely location right along the lake. The sites cost $45/night on weekdays and $50/night on weekends for one or two people with a single vehicle, additional guests cost $10/night, additional car $5/night and fire ring rentals are $5/night," notes a camper describing Fort Collins Lakeside KOA.
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness: Many campgrounds in the foothills have uneven sites. "Our site was somewhat level. Had to raise the front a bit but wasn't that drastic. Notice-hammocks are not allowed at eagle campground. Understandable, they want to protect the pine trees," shares an RVer at Eagle Campground at Carter Lake.
Measure access roads carefully: Some campgrounds have narrow, winding roads unsuitable for larger rigs. "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," warns a visitor at South Shore Campground at Carter Lake.
Verify hookup availability: Water and electric access varies significantly among glamping options close to Fort Collins. "Electric hookups worked, but no water at the site, and 'public water' in the area was a broken water fountain. We filled up at the dump station," explains an RVer at South Bay Campground at Horsetooth Reservoir.
