Campsites near Laporte, Colorado sit at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal conditions throughout the year. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day, often dropping into the 40s at night. Fort Collins and the surrounding areas offer various camping styles from standard tent sites to yurt camping in Laporte, Colorado's mountain-adjacent terrain.
What to do
Hiking from camp to forest: 0 miles. At Hermits Hollow Campground, trails connect directly to Roosevelt National Forest. "The Kruger Rock Trailhead is inside the campground, and it is a nice hike with an amazing view of the Rockies and Estes at the top. Bring your crayons - there are two trailmarkers on the trail that you can do rubbings of," notes Erin K.
Paddleboard rental: $25-35/hour. Carter Lake offers water activities just 20 minutes from Laporte. "Close to paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Wildlife walks thru usually daily, shaded spots go quickly!! The Marina with small $$ general store, you can get fishing license there too, located north side lake," explains Elizabeth M. from South Shore.
Fishing: license required. The Big Thompson River provides excellent fishing opportunities. "My husband enjoyed the catch & release fishing. Fishing was good according to him. I liked the hiking trail around the pond," shares Cynthia K. who stayed at Fort Collins Lakeside KOA.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: dawn/dusk best times. Riverview RV Park visitors report regular wildlife sightings. "Nearly every day a deer would come munch on the greenery right behind our rig," notes Glen C. who spent a week there.
Lake access: multiple points. South Bay Campground at Horsetooth Reservoir provides direct water access. "We had a great spot right on the water and our kids were able to play in the water right from the campsite," says Lacey N. who enjoyed the waterfront location.
Mountain views: year-round. The elevation provides excellent vistas. "Very nice campground and clean facilities. Woke up to elk outside of the tent! Such a cool experience," reports Erin S. about staying at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake.
Yurt options: book 3-6 months ahead. Several campgrounds near Laporte offer yurt camping experiences with varying amenities. "The campground is beautiful with a walking path all of the way around and paddle boats," writes Colorado C. about Fort Collins Lakeside KOA.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: 3-6 months advance. Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer. "First come, first serve. Got there around 6 and we found a great spot (site M74) that was not super close to anyone else and had beautiful views of the mountains," advises Hannah L. about Mary's Lake.
Fire restrictions: check current status. "Good spot. County was in a burn ban so no fires or charcoal grills allowed. Lake had some weird rules. You have to buy a county park pass when making reservation," mentions Danielle H. who stayed at Carter Lake.
Extra fees: day passes required. Many Larimer County sites charge additional entrance fees. "Considering the extra fee that Larimer County charges you to access the campground (what's up with THAT Larimer County) you would think that they would level the sites and Pour concrete," notes Vanessa L. about Eagle Campground.
Weather preparation: 30-40°F nightly drops. Mountain camping means significant temperature changes. "We enjoyed seeing the kids playing in the playground and riding around the park on their bikes. It can be suddenly and very windy here, so most campers did not use awnings," observes Glen C.
Tips for camping with families
Recreational amenities: structured activities. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park specializes in family experiences. "Kid friendly campground with pool, mini golf, jump pad, camp store and golf cart rentals. Also has nice laundry facilities," reports Kaylene H.
Site selection: request shade. Summer heat can be intense at exposed sites. "Sites are well maintained and level. Good separation. Close proximity to lake and easy access. Wild turkey sitings," shares Larry E. about Carter Lake South Side.
Kid-friendly hiking: moderate difficulty. Trails vary in challenge level. "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," advises Carol J. about Carter Lake.
Noise considerations: campground rules vary. Some locations enforce strict quiet hours. "We even saw moose from the back window of our accommodation! Sites are very close together, but the surrounding beauty more than makes up for it," reports Kristin F. about Jellystone.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: bring blocks. Many campsites require adjustment. "Camped at site E22. Close proximity to showers and bathrooms. Parked a 21 foot trailer. Surface was somewhat level. Had to raise the front a bit but wasn't that drastic," explains Chris T. about Eagle Campground.
Hookup availability: varies by campground. Glacier Basin Campground offers minimal amenities. "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," notes Judy B.
Navigation challenges: narrow roads. "Maps not accurate!!! When I booked the site it indicated a water source next to our site, but when we arrived NO WATER within 500' of site! Also, the trees are not maintained to pull a 5er," warns Suzanne M. about Eagle Campground.
Dump stations: limited availability. "Electric hookups at site, water and vault toilets available. The dumping sites were closed and that made for problems. They are re-doing them, which is good, but it meant we had no options for getting rid of gray or black water," reports Vanessa L.
