Best Campgrounds near Johnstown, CO

Johnstown, Colorado lies near multiple established campgrounds that cater to both RV travelers and tent campers. Prominent facilities include Boyd Lake State Park's Cottonwood Campground and Loveland RV Resort, both within 15 miles of Johnstown. The area features a mix of state park campgrounds with water access and privately operated RV resorts with full hookups. Most developed campgrounds in this region provide electric service, water connections, and shower facilities, with several also offering cabin accommodations and glamping options for those seeking more comfortable overnight experiences.

Weather patterns in the area typically allow for year-round camping at many established sites, with summer being the peak season when facilities operate at full capacity. State park campgrounds like Boyd Lake feature designated swimming areas and recreational facilities that attract families during warmer months. Most private RV parks remain open throughout winter, though visitors should verify seasonal amenities availability. Campground reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when occupancy rates are highest. As one visitor noted about Boyd Lake State Park, "There are a lot of spots for RVs so you are a little bit packed. The view from campsites are neither beautiful neither ugly."

Campground experiences vary significantly between the more urban-adjacent private RV parks and the state park facilities. Several visitors highlighted the amenities at Loveland RV Resort, noting its convenient location near shopping and restaurants. "This place is expensive ($440 a week) but very nice... They also have an art night, and a farmers market and other weekly meetups here," reported one camper. Proximity to Interstate 25 provides easy access to most developed campgrounds in the area, though this occasionally results in road noise at certain locations. Sites with water views tend to book first, particularly at Boyd Lake State Park where campers appreciate the lake access and adjacent trails. Most developed campgrounds near Johnstown provide designated picnic areas, fire rings, and access to potable water, creating comfortable base camps for exploring northern Colorado.

Best Camping Sites Near Johnstown, Colorado (265)

    1. Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park

    44 Reviews
    Loveland, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 669-1739

    $36 - $41 / night

    "All sites have great access and close to the ponds. Variety of fish in the ponds. They allow ice fishing as long as the ice is safe."

    "Boyd Lake State Park is situated near the city of Fort Collins with distant views of the mountains. It has a large lake that is used by boaters, fishermen and sandcastle builders all summer."

    2. St. Vrain State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Firestone, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 678-9402

    $36 - $41 / night

    "Very convenient campground with great access to North Denver/Boulder area. Only downside is proximity to I-25 and traffic noise. But there are many nice trails and lakes to fish from."

    "It is near I-25 highway so there is road traffic noise but becomes background noise after a day or so. But if that bothers you you won’t like it."

    3. Riverview RV Park & Campground

    19 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 667-9910

    "Campground is situated along the Big Thompson River. Big cottonwood trees. Easy accessibility for big rigs. Some items … water valves leak in lakes around entire park and many are leaking."

    "Right next to the river. Close to some easy MTB trails. Would definitely stay here again."

    4. Loveland RV Resort

    8 Reviews
    Loveland, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 667-1204

    "Plenty of shops and restaurants that are within walking distance. Only negative is that we were extremely close to our neighbors.  We would stay here again."

    "We only stayed one night while traveling through Colorado. It was convenient and easy. The grounds were nice and clean, very pretty, they had good amenities."

    5. South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir

    18 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $25 - $90 / night

    "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."

    "The sites are picked up but not manicured by any means and there is road noise due to the proximity of the roads around the region."

    6. Boulder County Fairgrounds

    20 Reviews
    Longmont, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 682-6762

    $35 / night

    "Arrived in Colorado little after midnight, got a spot right away plenty of availability and close enough to some good hiking areas"

    "We couldn’t find anything near family in Highlands Ranch in July, but ran across this place- Tight spots for our 38 ft fifth wheel but, we made it."

    7. Fort Collins Lakeside KOA

    22 Reviews
    Laporte, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 484-9880

    "It’s not your run of the mill KOA by a highway. The lake is beautiful with a walking path all of the way around and paddle boats. The pool is nice. The miniature golf is pretty with mature trees."

    "Lake, boats, water cannon boats, fishing, bikes, peewee golf, jumping thing. Walking path around lake."

    8. Pinewood Reservoir Campground

    16 Reviews
    Drake, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $25 - $35 / night

    "This was our second visit to Pinewood Lake and while some things stayed the same others were much the same.  Our first visit last fall was during the final stages of a blizzard. "

    "Even with the snow and us being novices we set up without a hitch and were soon enjoying the magical panorama of the lake below us and the hills and mountain tops around us."

    9. South Shore Campground at Carter Lake

    10 Reviews
    Lyons, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Tucked away at the South Marina. You're close to paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Wildlife walks thru usually daily, shaded spots go quickly!!"

    "This was a campground located right on Carter Lake. We drove to the small swimming beach but could have easily brought our chairs and hung out on the lake at our campground."

    10. Inlet Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir

    12 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $35 / night

    "Sites are fairly close together strung out along the lake edge. In September, lake level is purposefully lowered about 20 feet from summer levels."

    "Vault toilets with electric lights and a shower facility at each location. Located close to marina/boat ramp."

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Recent Reviews near Johnstown, CO

1997 Reviews of 265 Johnstown Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Chief Hosa Campground

    I-70 off-ramp camping

    The campground is unfortunately too close to the highway and the noise makes it difficult to sleep or relax. Nice parking spot if you need to see the sights for a day or two.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

    Camping near Rocky Mtn NP

    What a wonderful campground! Friendly hosts, full hookups offered, beautiful scenery and right outside the entrance to the national park!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Nice view of Gold Lake

    Overlook of Gold Lake

    Beautiful camp site setup. Huge Rock fire pit. Piled firewood. At a high point with views of gold's Lake roads to site have been deactivated so it would be necessary to walk in. AT&t cell service a little bit spotty. Nice open areas up there. Roads in sight. Very secluded

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Gold Lake Roosevelt Forest dispersed camping

    Peaceful. Nobody around

    Adjacent to boundary fence line between the private Lake and the national Roosevelt Forest. Nice high spot. Well shaded. Very large fire pit for fires when they're allowed. Weak AT&T.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Poudre Canyon Road Camp

    Low key but functional

    Full disclosure: I crashed here after driving straight through eastern Wyoming so my standards may have been a little low at the time. I would have preferred to stay at Pingree but it wasn’t an option so I snagged a site here for a few nights and explored the canyon during the day. Overall I found it comfortable and quiet. The sites are spaced far enough apart for privacy. The view of the canyon isn’t spectacular; the opposing hillside is a little scruffy looking. But there are still trees and vegetation around the site so I wouldn’t call it ugly by any means. It just depends where you look I guess.

    There were a handful of flies buzzing through the campsite which my dog took great personal offense to. But otherwise it was a very mellow, low-key site. I would describe it as a serviceable alternative if your first choice is full and you are tired of driving.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park

    Good near city and lake access

    Clean, relatively quiet. During week not crowded. Look for a spot with a tree to park in shade. Nice path along lake. We like it while visiting Loveland with good cell coverage and close to town.

  • Graham S.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

    Gnarly ass road, not for trailers/sedans

    Camp sites are nice, but except for a few (~5) the rest require a serious climb (drive) up a gnarly hill with deep ruts. 

    I wouldn't try this with a camper/RV, or anything that doesn't have high clearance and power.

  • Brian M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Manhattan Campground

    Great views & Quiet

    While some of the views have some beetle kill and left over burn scar. The area is still beauty.

  • Joshua L.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Hell Canyon Dispersed

    Awesome place!

    Haven’t been out camping in a while, Should have 4x4 but we made it without. One vehicle had a 20’ cargo trailer. (Required 4x4)
    10 minutes from Estes Park, lots of local places to go. The camp ground down below will even let you shower for 8$. Sweet!


Guide to Johnstown

Camping near Johnstown, Colorado, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Moraine Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "I took the road up to Bear Lake where the snow was a lot heavier," highlighting the great hiking opportunities nearby.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Glacier Basin Campground, you can spot local wildlife. A visitor shared, "You can drive to see elk, coyotes, pika, marmots and more."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Cottonwood Campground. One reviewer noted, "Caught about ten rainbow trout in a couple of hours," making it a great spot for anglers.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake. One visitor said, "Each well-appointed site fits the camper's needs, from basic tent pads up to full water and electric connections for RVs."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at East Portal Campground mentioned, "Clean bathrooms, hot showers, friendly hosts."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful environment at Roosevelt National Forest Camp Dick Campground. One camper noted, "Very beautiful, nice and peaceful, not too busy."

What you should know:

  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, like Glacier Basin Campground, are only open from May 23 to September 11. Be sure to check the dates before planning your trip.
  • Crowded Conditions: Popular spots can get busy. A visitor at Moraine Park Campground mentioned, "It's a bit overcrowded," so plan accordingly.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Beaver Park Reservoir, are dispersed and lack facilities. A camper noted, "There are no toilets or trash services," so be prepared to pack out what you bring in.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. East Portal Campground has a big playground, making it a great choice for families.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Kids will love spotting wildlife. A camper at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake mentioned, "Every day I had mule deer visitors."
  • Activities for Kids: Many campgrounds offer organized activities. At Estes Park KOA, one reviewer said, "Organized activities, s'mores, karaoke, games," which can keep the little ones entertained.

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: If you're traveling in a larger RV, check for campgrounds that accommodate big rigs. Glacier Basin Campground is noted as "big rig friendly."
  • Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor at Cottonwood Campground advised, "Book 6 months ahead!"
  • Connectivity: Be aware that cell service can be spotty. A camper at Roosevelt National Forest Camp Dick Campground mentioned, "Weak/spotty cell service," so plan for offline activities.

Camping near Johnstown, Colorado, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or an action-packed adventure, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Johnstown, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Johnstown, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 265 campgrounds and RV parks near Johnstown, CO and 69 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Johnstown, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Johnstown, CO is Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 44 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Johnstown, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 69 free dispersed camping spots near Johnstown, CO.

What parks are near Johnstown, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Johnstown, CO that allow camping, notably Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG and Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland.