7 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Tent campers near Loveland, Colorado will find South Shore Campground has level tent pads that make setup straightforward. The sites have good spacing between them, giving you a bit more privacy than many public campgrounds. If you're looking to camp closer to the mountains, Rocky Mountain National Park has several tent camping areas with flat spots for pitching tents. Most campgrounds keep parking spots fairly close to the tent sites, so you won't need to haul your gear very far. Bathrooms typically sit within a five-minute walk from tent areas. Tree cover varies across different campgrounds, with some sites fully exposed to the sun, so bring canopies during summer months. Reservations are strongly recommended from June through August, when tent campsites near Loveland fill quickly and last-minute spots are hard to find. Spring and fall bring milder temperatures that many tent campers prefer for Loveland camping trips. Winter camping is limited because of snow conditions at higher elevations. Remember to store food properly since bears and smaller wildlife are common throughout the area. The Colorado River and Great Sand Dunes are within driving distance for day trips. Both new and experienced tent campers can find suitable spots that match their comfort level.
"This would be a perfect first backpacking trip for beginners! Once you park, you sign in to the backpacking log to the right of the main entrance by the kiosk. The sites are first come first serve."
"Great sunrises and away from traffic noise tho you may have to deal with a little bit of noise from the hiking trail but other than that horse tooth has 3 back country sites that are perfect. highly recommend"
from $25 / night
"The water also will go from so far above the trees that there is no shade to so far below that you're hoofing your gear 100 yards from the boat in the mud up to your campsite."
from $35 / night
"The campsite had a bench and a bear box, and was only .9 miles away from Arthur's rock. We walked to the rock at night and for sunrise and the view was beautiful."
"We did a quick overnight backpacking trip to one of the backcountry sites at the top of the Timber trail. It’s a beautiful meadow with wildflowers in the summer."
from $18 / night
"Our spot was near the creek, the sound was beautiful. The only downside was absolutely no cell service."
"Fire ban was in effect when we went, but lots of fire circles available otherwise. Bring bug spray, the flies are bold."
"Clear skies at night, but tree cover if you prefer. Quick drive to Estes Park. No Verizon cell service."
"Spacious site with a fire ring. Easy time finding, just follow all the arrows when there is a fork in the road."
"So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."
"Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes. After a quick clean up, the site was fine for my purposes."
"The camp sites near the top of Longs Peak in the Boulderfield are worth the long hike (6 miles up steep terrain)."
"Amazing hikes and plenty of wildlife. The spaces are small but accommodate an RV or a single tent. Bear boxes and toilets close to everything."
"There are quite a few little spots right off the road that have plenty of space. The road is pretty rough and high clearance is recommended. A Subaru need our help a little bit."
"However, proximity to Boulder is a huge plus if you are looking for a quick and easy get away."
"Was desperate to find "something" after driving 11 hours that day, and normal paid camp grounds were full. HOWEVER I was pulling a smaller trailer, and that turned out to be a real issue."
Guide# 7 was a sweet spot - You can get three to four tents in this spot if you tent camp.
Tons of deadfall for firewood
I was able to pick up three pieces of trash. I am saying it's a clean spot!
Super quiet - Saw a moose!
Great area! Easy to get to!
TravelerIt’s awesome, but only if you have a very capable 4wd. There’s a great spot to camp at as soon as you start going up the hill. Past the first spot, the road becomes REALLY rough. So just be aware.
GuideIt was a great site. Not hot surrounded on three sides by rocks. Lake was dried up but Colorado was dry this year.
ScoutNice, level spots. Great mountain and lake views. Great views of all your neighbors. 😉
GuideThe campground itself is great! The sites can be pretty hit or miss. Some are very exposed and crowded up with other sites; some are set back in the trees and lovely! If you have strong preferences, be careful when picking your site.
TravelerFrom a Sprinters point of view.
Sites are $45.00 a day plus parking
Sites were sloped, we took the flattest one we could find and it took 6” to block our van level.
Pit toilets were very clean.
Sites had trees and boulders, spaced roughly 50’ apart, but there visible traffic on the main road below.
It was a nice campground but we liked the Bobcat Campground a couple miles farther up the road.
See separate review.
TravelerWe took our Sprinter for its maiden voyage, this camp ground was beautiful, private and secluded.
Camping was $45.00 a day plus a parking fee.
Paid at the entry point to an extremely friendly attendant. Reservations can be made on line ahead of time and highly recommended in peak season, especially on weekends.
Site were 50’ to 100’ apart.
Sites were wooded and tucked into granite boulders.
In the 24 hours we were there we saw one car and two people walking their dogs.
Sites were pretty level, each with fire pits and picnic tables.
The pit toilets were very clean and with in 100’ of most sites.
Road in had signs stating you had to be in four wheel drive to avoid damaging the roads but they were very well graded.
GuideI was pulling a camper and couldn't make it to the higher up spots. the spots near the entrance are littered with gross trash. I cleaned my area but there's too much . Hiking around has beautiful views.
GuideTakes you to a private road. After walking around probably someone parking towards the back pinned the location Follow the coordinates on the other Gordon Gulch and its easy to find
Tent camping near Loveland, Colorado offers elevation changes from 5,000 to 8,000 feet across available campsites. Temperatures drop significantly after sunset, even in summer months, with nighttime temperatures averaging 45-55°F. Most dispersed camping areas around Loveland require campers to pack out all trash and provide their own water supply.
Mountain hiking access: Hermits Hollow Campground serves as a strategic base for accessing multiple trails. "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," reports Erin K.
Canyon views: For campers seeking dramatic landscapes, Dream Canyon Campsites offers both camping and climbing options. "Site is beautiful," notes Mike S., while Raymond H. adds, "The trailhead parking lot has one giant rut that you must be careful to navigate around. Parking lot is a short walk to some beautiful views of the canyon!"
Wildlife observation: Many campsites near Loveland offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "Moose visitors at dawn and evening, and hungry bears scavenging for food at night is a common occurrence," warns Amanda V. about Gordon Gulch. Bringing binoculars increases chances of spotting animals from a safe distance.
Water features: Several tent camping areas near Loveland CO feature creek or reservoir access. "Right next to a creek, nice to have a water feature," Danielle S. says about Allenspark Dispersed Camping. Many campers appreciate the ambient sound of flowing water that masks road noise.
Night sky viewing: The area's minimal light pollution creates ideal star-gazing conditions. "Stars were beautiful too very little light pollution," says Ryan B. about Canyon Lakes Ranger District. Most higher-elevation campsites provide clearer astronomical viewing when weather permits.
Remote feel with nearby conveniences: Hermits Hollow Campground offers wilderness immersion with town access. "Not far outside of Estes Park, but far enough up the side of a mountain to enjoy the wilderness. Sites spaced nicely apart, very well maintained, great fire pits with an attached grill grate," notes Wade R., highlighting the balance between isolation and accessibility.
Fire restrictions: Many camping areas implement seasonal fire bans. "This campground is located right next to the Longs Peak Trailhead, making it a great place to stay if you're planning to do one of the long hikes. Facilities include: vault toilets, fire pits, water (water is turned off during winter months though)," explains Eric K. about Longs Peak Campground.
Variable road conditions: Access to dispersed sites often requires appropriate vehicles. "Road gets tougher the further back you go, but my low clearance vehicle made it by driving slow," shares Dian G. about Gordon Gulch, though many campers recommend higher clearance vehicles for comfort.
Bear safety requirements: Bear boxes are provided at some established campgrounds. "The park provides every spot with a table, fire ring and bear box. The bear box is for more than just food. If you have anything that smells good, the animals (not just bears) WILL try to get into your vehicle to steal it. Sprays, lotions, deodorants… etc," explains Daisee Mae S.
Short backpacking options: Lory State Park Backcountry offers introductory backpacking experiences. "We did a quick overnight backpacking trip to one of the backcountry sites at the top of the Timber trail. It's a beautiful meadow with wildflowers in the summer. A relatively short hike in with multiple routes so good for a quick trip or with kids," shares Becky M.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from recreational vehicles or neighboring properties. "Lots of families with screaming children," notes Haley K., while other reviewers mention ATVs and dirt bikes at certain locations during daytime hours.
First-timer friendly sites: Some backcountry options near Loveland work well for novice campers. "This would be a perfect first backpacking trip for beginners! Once you park, you sign in to the backpacking log to the right of the main entrance by the kiosk," explains Miranda K. about Backcountry Campground at Horsetooth Mountain.
Limited large vehicle access: Most dispersed camping areas have significant size restrictions. "We took our car and tent camped. We didn't take our camper as the switchbacks are very tight and the road is very steep," explains Daisee Mae about Hermits Hollow, noting the challenges for larger vehicles.
Boat-in alternatives: Boat In Sites at Horsetooth Reservoir provides a unique camping option. "We do the boat-in camping 2-3 times a season for the past 7 years or so. The coves are great but it's a bit of a gamble as sound travels so well," explains D., highlighting both the appeal and challenges of waterside camping.
Water level fluctuations: Reservoir sites experience significant seasonal changes. "The water also will go from so far above the trees that there is no shade to so far below that you're hoofing your gear 100 yards from the boat in the mud up to your campsite," warns D., emphasizing the need for flexibility when camping at reservoir locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free or dispersed camping available near Loveland, CO?
Yes, several free dispersed camping options exist near Loveland. Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping offers numerous spots along an accessible road with many sites located right next to streams. It tends to get busier on weekends, so arriving on weekdays is recommended. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area provides a more secluded experience for those willing to venture off the main road. While 4x4 vehicles are recommended for some areas, they're not always required. Canyon Lakes Ranger District also offers dispersed camping opportunities. Remember that dispersed camping typically means no facilities, so pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles.
What are the best tent camping areas around Loveland for beginners?
Beginners should consider Backcountry Campground — Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, which is perfect for first-time backpackers. It's only about a mile and a half from the parking lot, and sites are first-come, first-serve. You'll need to sign in at the backpacking log by the main entrance kiosk. Sawmill Hiker Campground is another excellent option for newcomers to camping, offering a semi-primitive experience that's approachable for beginners. Both locations provide a gentle introduction to outdoor camping with reasonable access while still delivering an authentic outdoor experience.
Where can I find tent camping sites in Loveland, Colorado?
Loveland offers several excellent tent camping options within a short drive. Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park is considered one of the best places to camp in Northern Colorado, featuring wooded sites that provide privacy and shade. The campground has clean vault toilets and helpful staff who know the area well. For those seeking a camping experience with water views, Boat In Sites — Horsetooth Reservoir is just a short drive from Loveland. While many campsites in the area require reservations, especially during peak season, some first-come, first-served options are available.
What seasons are best for tent camping in Loveland, Colorado?
Late spring through early fall offers the best tent camping conditions around Loveland. Aspen Meadows Campground — Golden Gate Canyon is popular in summer months (particularly July), providing amenities like metal fire pits (useful during fire bans), picnic tables, and tent pads. Buckingham Campground is ideal in early July with pleasant creekside sites and minimal mosquitos. Summer brings warmer temperatures but also more visitors, while spring and fall offer fewer crowds and comfortable daytime temperatures. Winter camping is possible but requires specialized cold-weather gear and experience. Always check for seasonal closures, fire restrictions, and weather conditions before planning your trip.
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