Fort Collins Lakeside KOA and South Bay Campground at Horsetooth Reservoir feature upscale glamping accommodations with climate-controlled interiors and convenient amenities for travelers seeking comfort in nature. Both locations provide electricity, comfortable bedding, and private outdoor spaces for a refined camping experience within reach of Greeley. One guest noted, "The lake was great for paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking," highlighting the blend of natural beauty with modern conveniences. These luxury camping options boast picnic tables, nearby shower facilities, and reservation systems that make planning easy, while offering a premium alternative to traditional camping with waterfront views at select sites.
Water recreation forms the centerpiece of glamping experiences near Horsetooth Reservoir, where visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing directly from their accommodations. A recent visitor mentioned, "We had a great spot right on the water and our kids were able to play in the water right from the campsite." Seasonal considerations impact availability, with most glamping sites operating from spring through fall, though some remain open year-round. The proximity to Fort Collins provides easy access to dining options and urban amenities while maintaining a nature-focused experience. Advance reservations are essential, particularly for waterfront glamping units during summer months when the area's popularity peaks among eco-conscious travelers seeking both comfort and outdoor immersion.
"Excellent Staff and amenities on site. The lake is great for catch and release. Grounds are well maintained no observed litter on the property."
"This all in addition to the usual premium campground amenities such as showers, laundry facilities, RV dump station, camp sinks, an office store with basic goods and snacks, etc. "
$30 - $115 / night
"Beautiful campsites next to water with onsite water access. Wonderful campfire pits/grills and picnic tables. Quiet hours were no inforced which can be good or bad."
"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."
"Had my packet ready when I arrived to make for a easy check in. The bathrooms are clean, but internet is spotty."
"Water went out for half the day while we were here in the campsites but one of the bathhouses was still online so we used those showers and they were nice and clean and spacious."
$45 / night
"However, it was also right next to residential housing. Everything was quiet, but it is still a far cry from secluded- and neighbor campers were very close as well."
"Plenty of sites with electric hook-ups, tent sites, nice bathrooms (showers are coin operated & out of order), 1 water spout. With amenities comes weekend warriors."
$30 - $45 / night
"Large gravel pull through spot (as were all of the sites on this loop), with a picnic table and fire pit."
"We were right on the waters edge, and the view in the morning was incredible, looking out over the lake with mountains in the background."
$35 - $70 / night
"Nice flush toilets with running water, sinks, very clean. Water available throughout the campground and solar showers and a dishwashing station. We had spotty cell service which is fine."
"The spaces are large, but quite close to one another with few trees for privacy. Each site here is variable, with some open with no trees and others nestled in some mature trees."
$20 / night
"Clean, well-kept campground with full outdoor kitchen, pool and play areas. The staff were extremely kind. One of the best KOA’s we have stayed at."
"This is a KOA journey, meaning it’s great for a stopover, and it is located next to a horse farm. If you are used to smelling farm life, then the smell won’t be a problem."
$45 - $70 / night
"Great staff and great people!! Big area and right across the road from the Lake so easy walk. Has super clean bathroom showers and facilities."
"Great place for kids and pets. Playground , pool, and nicely stocked camp store. Not a ton of shade so, it gets hot at 2:00 p.m. It is right off the road so some traffic noise."
$28 - $540 / night
"Easy pull-through, clean spot, large metal picnic table with large fire pit and grate. Each camp spot in Pelican has an entrance to lake although a rocky step before water."
"I would always jump for the electrical sites but any sie will do. The non-electrical sites have much less natural shade so you will need canopies."
RangerClean, well-kept campground with full outdoor kitchen, pool and play areas. The staff were extremely kind. One of the best KOA’s we have stayed at. As a couple reviewers have mentioned, there may be a livestock smell depending on the wind direction, but we only noticed it once and it was bothersome.
TravelerNice people, but right against the road. My tent was 50 feet from the main road and I tried to sleep with my head under the pillow. Also, showers are TINY, but bathhouse is air conditioned.
ScoutBeautiful campsites next to water with onsite water access. Wonderful campfire pits/grills and picnic tables. Quiet hours were no inforced which can be good or bad.
Travelergreat location right near most attractions in Estes park. Inexpensive. They gave showering/bathroom facilities. There’s is a store for your camping essentials. Fire pits, great view of the mountains. Campsites are very close to each other. Laundry also is on site.
LegendBeautiful campground with great amenities. Nice flush toilets with running water, sinks, very clean. Water available throughout the campground and solar showers and a dishwashing station. We had spotty cell service which is fine. A short hike takes you to sprague lake or the park and ride shuttle to bear lake area. The shuttle does come into the camp, but due to construction it was easier to walk over to the park and ride. If possible take the drive up through the park to grand lakes via the alpine visitor center!
TravelerWe had a hard time deciding what to rate this because there truly were so many pros, however the cons were fairly plentiful as well. We had a great time don’t get us wrong but… decide for yourself.
The pros: -Honestly I loved the location in relation to fellow campers. We had nobody to the south of us and our neighbors north of us were blocked by a bush. We were up the hill overlooking to the reservoir above the neighbors west of us. However to the east of us was the main road in and out of the area. So expect road noise over neighbor noise. -Shower house and flushing toilet that were clean and very well maintained. Climate control and comfortable and very well lit. However the shower token system didn’t take our bills so we couldn’t use our showers (I note a camper passing by on our first day telling us about the shower house “it’s a pain in the ass…”) -close to the dumpster and literal feet from the water. -could walk down to the water (even got picked up by some friends on a boat)… or travel north for a social trail along the water with some killer fishing areas.
The cons- while not deal breakers for us we couldn’t give this site any more stars because of them -The road noise is a lot. We were lucky to be in an RV however tent camping would be a different story. -again with tent camping although this site felt private you would be amongst only rvs and trailers.
Well that’s my review for site S46 at south bay campground of Horsetooth… attached are some videos of the site as well as a spot I was able to walk to just north of this site.
ScoutI think this campground experience varies significantly based on your site. We stayed at E36, which was nice, clean, and right across from the pit toilet which was nice for our needs in a teardrop. However, it was also right next to residential housing. Everything was quiet, but it is still a far cry from secluded- and neighbor campers were very close as well. There was a level tent pad in addition to the pull-through site. Leveling the trailer was pretty straight forward.
Loved the trees, and the placement of the fire pit was ideal at our site- surrounded by pines. I can imagine how beautiful it would be in the summer.
Driving through the campsite there were some sites that overlooked the lake- I imagine the reservations for those go quickly, but I will definitely try to get one of those sites next year.
There was a bath house with a few stall toilets and running water. They also had some coin operated showers and a lovely day-use picnic area.
All-in-all an enjoyable stay, and it probably would’ve gotten 5 stars if we had a site with a view, but decent otherwise.
Of note: *Very limited cell service, but better on top of the hill by the bath house. *The road in had some pretty rutted areas that had to be avoided- and also pretty narrow- I don’t think the main road through the campsite would’ve handled 2 cars wide, and there was no signage stating it was a 1-way road.
LegendJake from the Dyrt here! The Longs Peak Lantern Glamping Tent is a great spot to escape from the city without going too far, and its a great jumping off point to visit Rocky Mountain National Park! Check them out and share some pictures you take on your trip!
GuideGreat staff and great people!! Big area and right across the road from the Lake so easy walk. Has super clean bathroom showers and facilities. Cute very well stocked store with anything you might need from tons of camping gear to OTC medicines, clean laundry room, clean outdoor pool, free outdoor large hot water sink areas to wash dishes and such. Nice safe playground and relaxing pool. No WI-FI signal at all but some cell services (Verizon). Staff quickly Clean open camp sites scooping fire pits, washed down picnic tables and even picked up teeny tiny trash in the grass and bushes! Many sites have little to no shade so really hot during daytime. Site #135 is nice with good shade. It is a busy place so you must make reservations in advance!!
Cabin and yurt camping near Greeley, Colorado offers diverse options beyond traditional tent sites. Located on the eastern edge of the Colorado Front Range at approximately 4,700 feet elevation, this area experiences warm summers and moderately cold winters. Overnight temperatures can drop significantly even during summer months, with 30-40°F temperature swings common between day and night.
Hiking and wildlife viewing: Crow Valley Campground offers access to the Pawnee National Grasslands with short trails and abundant bird watching opportunities. "This is the beginning and end of the Pawnee birding driving tour and less than an hour from the Buttes themselves," notes one visitor who appreciated the natural surroundings.
Water recreation: Carter Lake provides multiple options for water activities beyond just viewing. "You're close to paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Wildlife walks thru usually daily," explains a camper who stayed at the south marina area.
Family entertainment: Riverview RV Park combines outdoor and organized activities. One guest mentioned, "Really enjoyed the river, dog park, live music on Saturday night and laundry," highlighting amenities beyond standard camping.
Waterfront access: South Shore Campground offers direct lake views from many sites. "We were right on the waters edge, and the view in the morning was incredible, looking out over the lake with mountains in the background," shares one visitor who appreciated the scenic setting.
Wildlife encounters: Multiple campgrounds feature regular wildlife sightings. At Riverview RV Park, "Nearly every day a deer would come munch on the greenery right behind our rig," according to a week-long visitor.
Proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park: When seeking yurt camping near Greeley, Colorado, many visitors appreciate locations with national park access. "About 45 minute beautiful drive to Rocky Mountain National Park entrance," notes a visitor to Loveland, making it feasible for day trips from Greeley-area accommodations.
Seasonal weather considerations: Spring and fall camping requires preparation for temperature swings. At Jackson Lake State Park, a camper warned about exposure issues: "Wind can be an issue, so always put down awnings/canopies and secure belongings before leaving site."
Limited shade at some locations: Many campgrounds near Greeley have minimal tree cover. "No shade what so ever but a very nice camp ground and marina with beaches," reports one Jackson Lake visitor, emphasizing the importance of sun protection.
Reservation requirements: Most cabin and yurt camping options around Greeley require advance booking. "Make a reservation, it fills up quick," advises a Carter Lake visitor, particularly for premium waterfront locations.
Look for campgrounds with organized activities: Fort Collins Lakeside KOA offers numerous family amenities. "Lots to do - mini train rides around the property, swimming pools, mini golf, arcade, fishing, walking trails, paddle boats, ice cream socials," shares a camper who visited with family.
Choose sites with playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "Great for taking kids, fishing is awesome the swim beach is lots of fun too. Everytime we go we meet new friends! The amphitheater always has fun family type activities," notes a Jackson Lake visitor.
Consider noise levels: Road proximity affects some otherwise family-friendly sites. One camper at Crow Valley cautioned: "Unfortunately, the big trucks on the roads near by were very noisy downshifting at the 4 way stop sign just outside the park. All day and into the night."
Check site dimensions carefully: Many campgrounds have specific limitations. At Glacier Basin Campground, "There is a limit of 35 feet for RV/Trailer length. Due to pine beetle infestation in the area, many of the trees have been removed."
Watch for low-hanging branches: Tree clearance varies significantly between campgrounds. At Crow Valley, a visitor warns: "Careful with large RV as some of the tree branches are very low."
Confirm utility reliability: Electrical issues have been reported at some locations. "Our camp trip cost us an additional $400 because our site #42 fried our surge protector," reported one Jackson Lake visitor, emphasizing the importance of protective equipment when connecting to campground power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Greeley, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Greeley, CO is Fort Collins Lakeside KOA Holiday with a 4.1-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Greeley, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 27 glamping camping locations near Greeley, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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