Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park
Always a favorite
We had to get away after several tough days of moving. So easy to book and get a great easy pull through site. We come here many times for the simplicity
Camping options in the Greeley, Colorado area range from full-service RV resorts to state park facilities with varied amenities. Nearby destinations include Cottonwood Campground at Boyd Lake State Park in Loveland, St. Vrain State Park in Firestone, and Evans RV Park, which lies closest to Greeley proper. Most established campgrounds support both tent and RV camping, with many facilities offering electric hookups, water connections, and dump stations. These developed sites generally provide picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms, creating accessible outdoor experiences within 30 miles of Greeley.
Reservations are required at most state park campgrounds, with Colorado switching to a reservation-only system in recent years. Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though amenities and water availability may be limited during winter months. Sites at Boyd Lake State Park cost approximately $36 per night plus reservation fees, while private RV parks may charge $50-65 nightly depending on hookup levels and amenities. Access roads to developed campgrounds are generally well-maintained for standard vehicles. One visitor noted, "We like it while visiting Loveland with good cell coverage and close to town."
Campers seeking budget-friendly options should note that Missile Site Park, once available for camping, is currently day-use only according to multiple reviewers. The Evans RV Park receives praise for its amenities and proximity to Greeley, with one reviewer mentioning, "Great extended stay pricing...and downtown greeley is good if you look around for some fun things to do!" Boyd Lake State Park campgrounds offer water recreation opportunities with boat launches and fishing access. Sites at most established campgrounds tend to be relatively close together, though state parks typically provide more spacing than private facilities. Several visitors commented on the cleanliness of facilities at Boyd Lake and the convenient location for accessing both urban amenities and outdoor recreation.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$36 - $41 / night
"All sites have great access and close to the ponds. Variety of fish in the ponds. They allow ice fishing as long as the ice is safe."
"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."
$36 - $41 / night
"Very convenient campground with great access to North Denver/Boulder area. Only downside is proximity to I-25 and traffic noise. But there are many nice trails and lakes to fish from."
"It is near I-25 highway so there is road traffic noise but becomes background noise after a day or so. But if that bothers you you won’t like it."
"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."
"It’s not your run of the mill KOA by a highway. The lake is beautiful with a walking path all of the way around and paddle boats. The pool is nice. The miniature golf is pretty with mature trees."
"Lake, boats, water cannon boats, fishing, bikes, peewee golf, jumping thing. Walking path around lake."
$50 - $750 / night
"Evans was a huge change from being in the rockies, but its still near estes park and fort collins which have great offerings, and downtown greeley is good if you look around for some fun things to do!"
$30 - $115 / night
"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."
"The sites are picked up but not manicured by any means and there is road noise due to the proximity of the roads around the region."
"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
"Sites are fairly close together strung out along the lake edge. In September, lake level is purposefully lowered about 20 feet from summer levels."
"Vault toilets with electric lights and a shower facility at each location. Located close to marina/boat ramp."
$35 / night
"Arrived in Colorado little after midnight, got a spot right away plenty of availability and close enough to some good hiking areas"
"We couldn’t find anything near family in Highlands Ranch in July, but ran across this place- Tight spots for our 38 ft fifth wheel but, we made it."
$30 - $60 / 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."












We had to get away after several tough days of moving. So easy to book and get a great easy pull through site. We come here many times for the simplicity
Very clean, nice park! Very strict rules. Read their policies and rules carefully before you rent a space.
We are staying at this campsite tonight, 5/12/26. The sites are very nice and large, but there are people partying all through the night. I can’t see them, but I can hear them through the woods.
Carter lake is a staple visit in our family. We love kayaking on the lake, hiking the Sundance trail, and even enjoying a picnic at the day use areas every so often… so it seemed like a no brainer that this would be the location for our maiden voyage in our new (to us) Class C Motor Home.
The campsite was well maintained, the power box worked well, and our neighbors were friendly.
If you choose S16 you get an area to park your rig and a platform with a picnic table and a space for a tent. With the exception of 2 hike in spots behind you this feels like a very private spot with ideal access to a restroom.
If you choose S16 you are less secluded but get a better view in my opinion. Sure some of the view is of the lower loop but I had better sunrise over the lake views which felt like magic. This spot is in the middle of the loop and you have people next to you behind you and in front of you, recommended if you are a social camper.
Wherever you stay at Carter lake south shore campsite you won’t go wrong!
We will be back soon!
Full hookup RV beautiful outdoor amentities, dog park and kid friendly with playground for children Nicest Friendly staff
Public park and campground. Tent sites by the river but you have to park and carry your gear in. Tents sites 1-8 are “car camping” sites, but those are adjacent to the rec field so lots of people walking by in the daytime. The park is in town so easy access to stores restaurants and an arcade!
This is a great place to start car camping or backpack camping. The roads for my truck were easy to traverse and navigate. Saw some hatchbacks, SUV’s, and other lower clearance vehicles. They did just fine so if you have that you can do it if you take your time. But stay on the main road to the lake some side roads are extremely hard even for my truck. But there is plenty of sites to disperse camp. Pretty much if you explore around you’ll find a nice place to set up with a made campfire already. Also please take care of the fire, pet and alcohol restrictions. They had a fire restriction and they gave out tickets to those who had them, just be aware. Have a great time, it’s beautiful country out there
We just stopped in for a quick and easy dump. $20 to dump, $10 to fill.
This is a great small camp with an excellent host. Quite, and great for dogs.
Camping sites near Greeley, Colorado generally offer easy access to both mountain recreation and urban conveniences. Located at approximately 4,700 feet elevation in the Colorado Front Range, the Greeley area experiences warm summers with highs averaging 90°F and cold winters with lows around 14°F. Many campgrounds remain accessible year-round with reduced winter services, though summer reservations should be made 3-6 months in advance due to high demand.
Water recreation options: Horsetooth Reservoir near Fort Collins provides multiple camping areas with water access. "The lake was great for paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking," notes a visitor to South Bay Campground, which sits directly on the water. St. Vrain State Park offers several fishing ponds stocked with various species across its grounds.
Hiking and biking: Trails around Horsetooth Reservoir offer scenic views and wildlife viewing opportunities. Inlet Bay Campground provides direct access to these trails. "Deer wanderer in and out of the campgrounds and were always on the road. Beware," advises one camper who stayed in October.
Urban exploration: Many campgrounds provide easy access to nearby towns. "About 30 min to Ft Collins, 40 min to Loveland and 1 hr to Estes Park driving through a beautiful canyon," notes a camper about Horsetooth Reservoir's location. Downtown Greeley itself offers cultural attractions approximately 15-20 minutes from Evans RV Park.
Mountain views: The Front Range setting provides scenic backdrops at many campgrounds. At St. Vrain State Park, campers appreciate the "numerous ponds, stocked ponds, trails, biking, birds, paddle boarding. The view of the mountains is to die for!"
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds report regular wildlife sightings. At Horsetooth Reservoir's campgrounds, deer frequently visit sites. St. Vrain even features "a nest of eagles" according to one reviewer who enjoyed the natural setting.
Spacious sites: Some campgrounds offer more room between sites than others. South Bay Campground at Horsetooth has sites that are "well spaced from our neighbors, but other areas were fairly dense," according to a recent visitor. St. Vrain also earns praise for its "large spacious sites with a shade shelter and a fire pit."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Greeley require advance booking. Fort Collins Lakeside KOA fills quickly during peak season and offers both RV and tent sites. Moraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park typically requires reservations months in advance during summer.
Road noise: Several campgrounds report highway noise that can affect the camping experience. St. Vrain State Park sits close to I-25, with one camper noting, "I-25. The interstate is so close as I type this I can hear in my travel trailer every truck, motorcycle, and car." South Bay Campground also mentions "excessive road noise during the day" though it "did quiet down each night."
Water availability: Water access varies seasonally at some campgrounds. At South Bay Campground, one visitor noted, "No water at the site, and 'public water' in the area was a broken water fountain. We filled up at the dump station." Check ahead for current conditions, especially in winter months.
Kid-friendly activities: Riverview RV Park offers activities specifically for children. "We enjoyed seeing the kids playing in the playground and riding around the park on their bikes," notes one visitor who appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere.
Swimming access: Several campgrounds offer water recreation for families. Riverview RV Park provides river access, with one visitor noting the "river runs through it" creating a "beautiful spot." Fort Collins Lakeside KOA features both a pool and splash pad specifically designed for children.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing provides learning experiences for children. Many campgrounds in the area offer nature programs during summer months. "There are several water bodies, one even had a nest of eagles," notes a St. Vrain State Park visitor, highlighting wildlife viewing opportunities.
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires preparation at area campgrounds. "Must have a commercial heated hose in the winter or the staff will disconnect your hose," notes a visitor to Loveland RV Resort, emphasizing the importance of winter-ready equipment. Many campgrounds reduce services during cold months.
Site selection: At Horsetooth Reservoir campgrounds, sites vary in privacy and views. "If you're facing the water, it's awesome. Residential area directly across the street kind of felt like you are on display," mentions one RVer about Inlet Bay, highlighting the importance of site selection.
Extended stay options: For those needing longer accommodations while visiting Greeley, Evans RV Park offers monthly rates. A visitor notes, "Great extended stay pricing...and downtown Greeley is good if you look around for some fun things to do!" The park also provides convenient access to urban amenities while serving as a base for exploring the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds near Greeley, Colorado?
While Greeley itself has limited camping options, numerous campgrounds are within an hour's drive. The closest is Missile Site Park, though it's currently day-use only. Nearby, you'll find excellent options at Pawnee Campground near Brainard Lake, offering access to incredible alpine hiking trails. Other popular options include Roosevelt National Forest campgrounds, Horsetooth Reservoir sites, and Rocky Mountain National Park campgrounds slightly farther west. For scenic views within reasonable driving distance, consider South Bay Campground at Horsetooth Reservoir or the Olive Ridge area. The mountains west of Greeley provide numerous camping opportunities, with both developed campgrounds and dispersed camping available in national forest areas.
How much does camping cost in the Greeley area?
Camping costs in the Greeley area vary widely depending on amenities and location. Developed campgrounds in nearby areas like Horsetooth Reservoir typically range from $25-35 per night for basic sites with minimal amenities. National forest campgrounds within driving distance are often more affordable at $15-25 per night. For budget options, consider dispersed camping in areas like Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, which offers free camping with a 14-day limit but no amenities. RV parks generally cost more, ranging from $35-50 per night depending on hookups and facilities. Many campgrounds offer discounts for longer stays or off-season camping. Reservation fees may apply at developed sites, and some locations offer day-use permits for around $7-10.
What RV parks are available in Greeley?
Greeley has limited dedicated RV parks, but Evans RV Park in neighboring Evans offers full amenities including hookups, laundry facilities, and friendly hosts. It provides convenient access to both Greeley's downtown and nearby attractions in Fort Collins and Estes Park. Another option near Greeley is Loveland RV Resort, which offers full-service sites with various hookup options. For those willing to drive a bit farther, Fort Collins Lakeside KOA provides additional amenities in a resort-style setting. Most RV parks in the region offer full hookups, dump stations, and basic amenities like showers and laundry. Reservations are recommended, especially during summer months when availability can be limited.
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