Best Campgrounds near Loveland, CO
The foothills and plains surrounding Loveland, Colorado feature a diverse range of camping options within an hour's drive of the city center. Boyd Lake State Park's Cottonwood Campground offers year-round lakeside camping with full electric hookups and water access, while Flatiron Reservoir and Pinewood Reservoir provide more secluded experiences west of town. Riverview RV Park sits along the Big Thompson River, offering tree-covered sites approximately 10 minutes from downtown. The camping landscape extends from developed state park facilities to more primitive sites in nearby Roosevelt National Forest and dispersed areas in Poudre Canyon, accommodating both tent campers and RVs with varying levels of amenities.
Reservations are essential for most established campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Many Larimer County parks require both campsite reservations and daily entrance permits, adding to the overall cost. As one camper noted about Flatiron Reservoir: "Reservations are required and a Day Use Fee, so heads up when you go online to reserve." Weather conditions vary significantly by elevation and season, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer and early snow possible at higher elevations by October. Cell service becomes increasingly limited in canyon areas and at higher elevations, with several reviewers mentioning spotty coverage even at established campgrounds like Flatiron Reservoir.
Water access represents a significant draw for many campers in the region. Horsetooth Reservoir's South Bay and Inlet Bay campgrounds receive consistently high ratings for their views and proximity to water recreation. According to one visitor at Boyd Lake State Park: "The sites are generally level and spacious with full bathrooms in each loop. Electric is at each site, with water and dump station located near the entrance. Bike trails for the city intersect this campground, so you can bike to Loveland or Fort Collins on paved, wide paths." Wildlife sightings are common throughout the area, with campers reporting everything from deer and coyotes to occasional bears and bobcats. Proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park (about an hour's drive) makes many Loveland-area campgrounds popular base camps for exploring the national park.
