Best Campgrounds near Fort Collins, CO
The Fort Collins area contains multiple camping options ranging from developed campgrounds with amenities to more rustic settings. Horsetooth Reservoir provides several campgrounds including South Bay and Inlet Bay, which offer boat-in access and both tent and RV sites with electric hookups. The Fort Collins Lakeside KOA, located within the city limits, features full amenities including cabin rentals, glamping options, and traditional camping sites. Boyd Lake State Park's Cottonwood Campground sits approximately 10 miles southeast of Fort Collins in Loveland, providing water recreation access with boat-in camping opportunities.
Reservations are strongly recommended for most developed campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer months when facilities regularly reach capacity. The camping season generally runs year-round at several locations including Boyd Lake State Park and Fort Collins Lakeside KOA, though winter brings colder temperatures and reduced services at some facilities. Many campgrounds provide electric hookups, water access, and sanitary dump stations for RVs, while tent sites typically include picnic tables and designated fire rings when fire restrictions allow. Cell service is generally reliable near developed campgrounds but may become spotty in more remote areas. One camper noted, "The sites are level, and the campground is run well. We had one of two RV sites up near the lake. They were incredibly roomy, level, and shaded."
Family-friendly amenities represent a significant feature at several Fort Collins area campgrounds. The Lakeside KOA includes extensive recreational options such as mini golf, swimming pools, fishing, paddle boats, and walking trails around the lake. Many campgrounds offer both waterfront and forested settings, with prices varying based on hookup availability and proximity to water. While some visitors appreciate the abundance of organized activities, others prefer the more natural settings found at places like Horsetooth Reservoir. Several visitors mentioned that sites at popular campgrounds can feel close together, especially during peak season. A visitor commented, "The lake and walking paths were beautiful. The only thing we did not like is the small sites. We felt like we were right on top of one another."
