Cabin camping near Johnstown, Colorado provides convenient access to the Big Thompson River watershed at an elevation of 4,875 feet. The area sits between the Rocky Mountain foothills and eastern plains, with temperatures ranging from summer highs around 90°F to winter lows near 20°F. Most cabin facilities in this region operate year-round, though amenities and accessibility vary significantly by season.
What to do
Fishing access: 45 minutes: At Flatiron Reservoir Campground, fishing enthusiasts can enjoy a stocked lake without motorized boats. A visitor noted, "Fishing was ok, caught a couple rainbows. Only one was from the previous season and was very pretty. The lake is small but is quiet."
Hiking trails: 3-6 miles: Trails near South Shore Campground at Carter Lake offer rocky terrain with wildlife viewing. As one camper shared, "We took the 3 mile hike behind campground which is beautiful but rocky - wear shoes that can withstand rocks. Must return the same way so 6 miles total."
Swimming beaches: Summer only: Horsetooth Reservoir's South Bay Campground provides designated swimming areas with beach access. A camper mentioned, "The lake was great for paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking."
Wildlife viewing: Year-round: Multiple campsites report regular wildlife sightings. At Riverview RV Park & Campground, one visitor observed, "Nearly every day a deer would come munch on the greenery right behind our rig. We enjoyed seeing the kids playing in the playground and riding around the park on their bikes."
What campers like
River sounds: Big Thompson access: Many campers value the calming effect of flowing water at sites like Riverview RV Park. A reviewer wrote, "I enjoyed this campground because it is quiet and you can have the rushing river behind you. The campground is right on the banks of the Big Thompson river which does provide a soothing background."
Kid-friendly activities: Multiple options: Fort Collins Lakeside KOA offers structured entertainment for families. According to a review, "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."
Clean facilities: Daily maintenance: Campgrounds near Johnstown maintain regular cleaning schedules. A South Bay Campground visitor noted, "Clean and well maintained campground. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Our site was well spaced from our neighbors."
Lake views: Premium sites available: Carter Lake's South Shore Campground provides waterfront cabin options. One camper said, "Tucked away at the South Marina. You're close to paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Wildlife walks thru usually daily, shaded spots go quickly!!"
What you should know
Electrical limitations: Some sites experience power issues during peak season. At Fort Collins Lakeside KOA, a visitor warned, "Our experience quickly took a turn due to ongoing electrical issues and unprofessional management."
Limited shower access: Not all campgrounds provide shower facilities. Flatiron Reservoir Campground has "NO showers but have nicely kept vault toilets. (Kind of a bummer for what you pay for.)"
Reservation requirements: Most cabin locations require advance booking, especially during summer months. At Drake Campground, a visitor noted issues with reservations: "If you call ahead you are often quoted one price only to arrive and be told another."
Additional fees: Day use and vehicle passes often cost extra beyond the base cabin rate. At South Bay Campground, "This made the nightly rate a lot higher than what it was worth. This is the only campground we have had this experience with too."
Tips for camping with families
Book specific cabin locations: At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Estes Park, cabin placement matters. A visitor advised, "We got a site furthest away from the entrance/highway, up a steep road. The sites are small and close together, but the surrounding beauty more than makes up for it."
Pack entertainment supplies: While many rental cabins near Johnstown provide outdoor activities, indoor options are limited. A visitor to Estes Park KOA commented, "KOAs are always great for a road weary family in need of a game room, showers, and flushing toilets!"
Bring padding for tent platforms: Some sites provide raised surfaces rather than soft ground. As one Jellystone visitor noted, "The tent pad was so hard it was almost impossible for my hulk of a husband to stake the tent down (there were huge roots growing through it!)."
Check fire restrictions: Seasonal bans can impact cooking plans. One camper at South Bay Campground mentioned, "County was in a burn ban so no fires or charcoal grills allowed. Lake had some weird rules."
Tips from RVers
Sites require leveling: Many cabin and RV sites in the area sit on uneven terrain. At Flatiron Reservoir, a visitor observed, "This campground has 'lay of the land' (not level) sites, so some extra bracing is required."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dump facilities. According to a Flatiron visitor, "The dump station is located at the 'South' end of Carter Lake, about 6 miles away, at the Ranger Station booth."
Road access challenges: Some cabin rental locations have difficult approaches. At Fort Collins Lakeside KOA, a camper warned, "The drive up can be a bit breathtaking, but it can be done! We should have followed the GPS directions, since the way the KOA took us was through town & was completely nerve wracking."
Cell service variability: Digital connectivity varies widely between rental locations. A visitor to Golden Gate Canyon State Park reported, "Phone service wise Verizon was very patchy but sprint seemed to have 2-3 bars."
