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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
