Fort Collins works as a launch point for camping in the Cache la Poudre Canyon corridor, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests to the west, and the lower-elevation sites along the Front Range. Developed campgrounds with water and vault toilets sit within 30-45 minutes of town along the canyon roads. The Dyrt campers logging check-ins here note that canyon sites book out on summer weekends, and the popular spots near the river tend to fill Thursday through Sunday from late June through August. Fort Collins RV camping covers the hookup options if you're running a larger rig and need electrical service.
Loveland is about 15 miles south with overlapping options in the national forest. Red Feather Lakes is about 55 miles northwest and has a concentration of dispersed sites on forest land around Red Feather Lakes that The Dyrt campers rate well for quieter weekends away from the busier canyon campgrounds. Estes Park is about 45 miles west for anyone using Fort Collins as a base for Rocky Mountain National Park access.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$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. "
"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. "
$30 - $115 / 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."
"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."
$45 / 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."
$29 / 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."
"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."
$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."
$25 - $35 / 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."
$30 - $45 / 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"
ScoutThe spots are big enough, but every time we’ve gone there it’s been full- including Sunday afternoon (today) and mid-week. I’m pretty sure quite a few people came up Sunday morning, waited for people to leave, and left their gear there for next weekend.
TravelerA lot of dispersed camping sites can be tricky and yet this one is such a gem. If you're looking for a quick getaway, this is the perfect choice
ScoutThe camping has been great. The lake is super low so fishing is really hard without a boat.
ScoutI arrived on a Thursday and was able to get a campsite early June but it looks like weekends are booked up and later in the summer probably will be too. Very nice campground somewhat primitive but fire pits grills and picnic tables at all sites. Lots of very nice hikes the turtle Rock in particular was a very nice two plus mile hike around huge rockout cropping popular Cliff climbing. Reminds me very much of the Black hills in South Dakota
TravelerThe hosts are great. Very friendly and informative. Everyone here has been a complete joy to engage with. Quiet restful nights. We will return again in the future!
ScoutSo far it’s pretty nice, good lil community and showers and laundry is available
TravelerThis area has several non-marked pull offs and side roads that don't have signs prohibiting camping. Most of the spots are unlevel, though the setting is great and sites are well-dispersed. Those with 22ft+ rigs or trailers should probably avoid, but small camper vans are just fine.
TravelerThis is an awesome spot to camp. It’s dispersed camping for up to 16 days. Beautiful views and quiete
ScoutLooked good on their website. So I booked online for $58, they add $20 booking fee and a $2.57 convenience fee and taxes it’s now $88. Get there and it’s a gravel and dirt lot. Lots of long term campers some of those haven’t moved in a long time. One of them had a dog fence around it and 6 dogs that bark and try to get over the fence when you walk by. Chcked out the bathroom but the door was broken and could only open it a few inches. The WiFi was so weak it was useless. Called the office but they weren’t interested in the issues. $88 is a ripoff for this place!
Dispersed camping near Fort Collins sits at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 85°F during the day and dropping to the 50s at night. Fall brings cooler temperatures and changing aspen colors, while winter camping requires preparation for snow and freezing conditions. Many campers report that the early fall season from late August through early October offers the best combination of mild weather and reduced crowds for Fort Collins camping areas.
Fishing at reservoirs: Horsetooth Reservoir's South Bay Campground offers excellent shoreline fishing for those without boats. "The sites are level, and some are right on the water. We had a great spot right on the water and our kids were able to play in the water right from the campsite," notes one South Bay Campground visitor.
Hiking nearby trails: Located just 30 minutes from town, Ansel Watrous Campground provides easy access to Grey Rock and Hewitt Gulch trails. "This campground is in a great location for hiking with Grey Rock and Hewitt Gulch about a mile or 2 away. This campground is also only about a mile from the Mishiwaka Amphitheater," shares a camper at Ansel Watrous Campground.
Paddle sports: Non-motorized boating is available at several nearby reservoirs. At Pinewood Reservoir, "The lake was great for paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking," according to a recent visitor, who appreciated the easy lake access and quiet setting for water activities.
River sounds: The Cache La Poudre River provides background noise that many campers find appealing. "Right on the river!! You get the sound of the rushing water 24-7. Fun spots for kids to play later in the summer when the water isn't as high!!" notes an Ansel Watrous visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to see local wildlife. At Moraine Park Campground in nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, a visitor mentioned, "Amazing for animal sightings... Beautiful views and big animals." Another reports, "We got to see some beautiful Elk very close by, which was definitely a highlight."
Proximity to town: Campers appreciate locations that balance natural settings with convenience. "We like it while visiting Loveland with good cell coverage and close to town," reports a camper at Boyd Lake State Park, which offers a compromise between developed facilities and access to services.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking, especially during peak season. "We called to make sure fresh water was on for the season and was told it was. Showed up at 5pm and water was NOT on!" reports one camper at Inlet Bay, highlighting the importance of confirming amenities when camping early or late in the season.
Limited cell service: While developed campgrounds typically have good connectivity, more remote sites have spotty coverage. At Flatiron Reservoir Campground, "Advertised as having phone reception but we found very little with both AT&T & Verizon," notes a camper, which can be important for those needing to stay connected.
Fees and permits: Many locations require day-use permits in addition to camping fees. "Entrance permits are also required and the cost is $7 per day per vehicle. Permits can be obtained through the admin office located just a few minutes from the campground," explains a Flatiron Reservoir camper.
Water availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups or water at individual sites. "Electric only on all sites. Water is located near the three restrooms and a spigot in-between sites 29 & 31. There is no water connection at the sites," reports a Flatiron Reservoir visitor.
Kid-friendly amenities: Fort Collins Lakeside KOA offers extensive recreational facilities. "There's LOADS of stuff to do for kids. Bounce house, jumping pillow, inflatable slide, basketball, shuffle board, pickleball, fishing, paddleboats in the shape of a swan/dragon/flamingo, a pool AND splashpad," shares a visitor at Fort Collins Lakeside KOA.
Less crowded options: For families seeking quieter environments, consider camping mid-week. "During week not crowded. Look for a spot with a tree to park in shade. Nice path along lake," advises a Boyd Lake State Park camper who found weekday visits much less busy.
Safety considerations: Wildlife encounters require proper preparation, especially with children. A Moraine Park camper warns, "You ARE in bear country - be bear smart and safe and use your bear box! We had our own bear box in our campsite - I believe each site has its own food locker."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites requiring preparation. "Flatiron is a 'lay of the land' (not level) sites, so some extra bracing is required," notes one RVer, suggesting that blocks and leveling equipment are essential.
Dump station locations: Many campgrounds don't have on-site dump stations. "The dump station is located at the South end of Carter Lake, about 6 miles away, at the Ranger Station booth," advises a Flatiron Reservoir camper, useful information for planning longer stays.
Site selection strategy: When possible, choose sites that balance privacy and views. At Riverview RV Park, a visitor notes, "Those fortunate enough to have sites on its banks" enjoy the soothing background of the Big Thompson river. Another advises, "Sites are very close to each other, but plenty of room for privacy."
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.
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