Best Campgrounds near Timnath, CO

State parks and reservoirs dominate the camping landscape surrounding Timnath, Colorado, with options ranging from full-service RV sites to basic tent camping. Boyd Lake State Park's Cottonwood Campground, located just 10 miles southwest in Loveland, provides year-round access to water-based recreation with full hookup sites. Horsetooth Reservoir, approximately 15 miles west, offers multiple campgrounds including South Bay and Inlet Bay with boat-in access and mountain views. The region extends from developed campgrounds near Fort Collins to more remote options in the foothills of Roosevelt National Forest, creating a gradient of camping experiences from convenient suburban locations to more secluded natural settings.

Reservations are essential for most established campgrounds in the area, particularly during summer weekends when temperatures are most comfortable. Many state park campgrounds require both camping fees and daily vehicle entrance permits, with Colorado State Parks passes available for frequent visitors. According to one camper at Boyd Lake State Park, "All sites have great access and are close to the ponds. Some traffic noise exists on the east side due to proximity to I-25." Winter camping remains available at several locations, though with reduced services. Cell coverage varies significantly, with stronger signals at developed campgrounds closer to town and limited or no service in canyon areas and higher elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during summer months, particularly in foothill locations.

Wildlife viewing opportunities rank highly in camper reviews, with elk sightings common in areas closer to Rocky Mountain National Park. Fishing access appears in numerous campground descriptions, with Boyd Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir offering both warm and cold-water species. Campers frequently mention the balance between convenience and natural experience, with one visitor noting, "The campground is situated along the highway and can be noisy. Try to pick a spot alongside the river." Sites with water views tend to book earliest, particularly those with shade. Families appreciate campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas, while those seeking more solitude gravitate toward the dispersed camping options in national forest lands northwest of Fort Collins, where high-clearance vehicles are often necessary.

Best Camping Sites Near Timnath, Colorado (222)

    1. Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park

    45 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. Fort Collins Lakeside KOA

    23 Reviews
    Laporte, CO
    9 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."

    3. South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir

    19 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $25 - $45 / 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."

    4. 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."

    5. Inlet Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir

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

    $25 / 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."

    6. Loveland RV Resort

    8 Reviews
    Loveland, CO
    9 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."

    7. Upper and Lower Ansel Watrous Campgrounds

    25 Reviews
    Livermore, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6700

    $20 / night

    "There is a hairpin switchback to get into the lower loop and the website states that it is not accessible to trailers longer than 20 feet."

    "Fees: $23.00 standard single $7.00 for 3rd vehicle  Reservations: 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov 

    Out of season: FCFS 

    Firewood for sale by camp host located at Upper Ansel Watrous Campground."

    8. Pinewood Reservoir Campground

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

    $25 / 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. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    91 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 - $70 / night

    "Took the kids camping in Colorado for the first time and we had a blast. It rained on us a lot but it didn't stop us. Took a great hike up deer mountain....stunning views. Can't wait to go back."

    "Very enjoyable spot, close access to trails and entrance and exit of the park."

    10. Fort Collins North-Wellington KOA

    8 Reviews
    Wellington, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 568-7486

    $20 / night

    "We needed a stop on the way out of Colorado and grabbed a quick night here in a tent site. Water was off for weather but stoves made much needed coffee in the cold."

    "This is a KOA journey, meaning it’s great for a stopover, and it is located next to a horse farm. If you are used to smelling farm life, then the smell won’t be a problem."

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Recent Reviews near Timnath, CO

1762 Reviews of 222 Timnath Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Cheyenne RV Resort by RJourney

    Nice clean campground

    Really liked this campground. Had all the amenities needed. Very, very clean. The only 2 negatives are, you are between hwy 25 and train tracks and there are no fire pits for the RV section. Otherwise I would have given it 5 stars.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Manor RV Park

    Location Excellent - Campground and showers OK

    The campground is extremely conveniently located and in a pretty area. The campground itself is just ok. Super close together spaces and zero privacy at sites. Nice concrete pads to park beside to help with mud and tracking so that was nice. Each site has its own picnic table. The shower house was centrally located within the grounds. The women's side entrance wasn't very well lit at night. There are no private changing areas in the shower house, except the handicap stall, which I am not a fan of. Water wasn't very hot even on straight hot.

    Men's side was even less private my husband said.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Last Chance Camp, Cheyenne

    Quick, easy, and beautiful

    I was coming in late and only staying the night before hitting the road again in the morn. I called ahead and she gave me a quick rundown—find an empty space with a picnic table and I’m good to go. It was so simple! Also owners have a very sweet black and white pup that comes around to say good morning. Might’ve been the best part, aside from the Wyoming sunrise.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Forest Service Road 700 Designated Dispersed Camping

    Amazing First Time in WY!

    Coming from CO, I was able to cross off another US state in only a 2 hour drive. This spot is great for groups! I was by myself and it’s early October so I figured I could get a spot at 4pm on Friday. Plenty were available, road goes forever with (I heard over 90+ dispersed spots) and easily accessible for RVs and trailers, just gotta go slow, not rocky just washboardy in spots. Many sweet rock formations, a little creek for water for the fire, and plenty of dead wood (just make sure u get a permit online I think if u wana take any home right?) - I cleaned up a good amount of small trash left in my area from previous campers like nails and glass, but other than a couple things it was very clean and every spot looked like it was respected!! (Just things I think got blown into the rocks at night and campers didn’t see it the next morning) - would go back, every spot is far from others and the rocks def help with the wind and noise. Far from highway but right off it so it’s easy to get to road if needed. One gas station about 15 mins down the road between Cheyenne. Pack in and pack out! Will be going back one day!

  • Vinny D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot

    Great spot, quiet

    Good spot, this is my second time staying here. You have to drive through a neighborhood to get to the serving road. Follow the directions on Google and you’ll be fine. The best spots are a little further back. The road will come to a Y go left. Once you go left down be hill you’ll go back up a hill and go around the curve to the right. There’s a creek on the left and great spots.

  • Marty R.
    Oct. 2, 2025

    WYO Campground

    Very expensive

    Prices are high and it right next to the lowd interstate

  • Lani R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Curt Gowdy State Park Campground

    10/10 State Park camping

    We loved this place so much we stayed two extra nights! The sites themselves are level and nice, no campground shower facilities but beautiful and well maintained quarter operated showers at the visitor center. The trails are beautiful, fun and abundant. We couldn't have had a better time hiking and wildlife watching.

  • Adam  B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir

    Eh… it’s ok

    For what you’re paying for it could be better. Vault bathrooms are not clean and smell awful. Look I know they smell and are dirty but people do your part to close the lid and clean up afterwards. Showers are good but you have to pay $2 per shower Dump is $15 too! Good cycling around here Cell service is ok. Sometimes drops. Verizon and att People working here are very friendly and helpful. Leave it better than you found it.


Guide to Timnath

Camping options near Timnath, Colorado range from forested riverside tent sites to full-service RV parks with lake views. Located at approximately 4,875 feet elevation, this region sits where the Great Plains meet the foothills, creating diverse camping environments with temperature fluctuations of 30+ degrees between day and night during peak season. Winters can bring freezing temperatures, with many campgrounds maintaining limited services from November through March.

What to do

Fly fishing access: Sites at Ansel Watrous Campground offer direct access to Cache La Poudre River trout fishing. "Great well kept sites. Will be going back for sure. Caught trout 20 yards from my tent from the Cache La Poudre," reports one camper who found success without venturing far from camp.

Paddle boating options: Multiple reservoir campgrounds offer non-motorized boating experiences for families within 15-20 miles of Timnath. "Lake activities for me were limited as I didn't have a fishing license or my own boat. If you had either of these I could see how the property would be a lot more fun," notes one visitor to Boyd Lake, highlighting the importance of bringing proper equipment.

Mountain biking trails: Several campgrounds provide access to trail systems suitable for beginning to intermediate riders. "We loved going in the winter and enjoying the sounds of the river lack of cell service for a weekend. Lots of hiking, mountain biking and rafting opportunities nearby," mentions a camper about Ansel Watrous, emphasizing the year-round recreational opportunities.

What campers like

Riverside sleeping: The sound of moving water creates natural white noise for sleeping at several campgrounds. At Riverview RV Park & Campground, "We had a great time at this campground. We spent 4 days in a spot right next to the river," highlighting the appeal of waterfront sites despite limited privacy.

Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening animal sightings enhance the camping experience, especially at foothill locations. At Moraine Park Campground, "The campground had a ton of spots so was very busy. It was well maintained and quiet despite how busy it was," showing that even popular campgrounds can provide quality wildlife viewing.

Lake views: Water view sites command premium pricing but offer extended relaxation options. "We stayed two nights and loved it! Electric hookups (we used 50amp at our site) but no water hook up. Drinkable water close by at various locations within the campground... The lake was great for paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking," shares a visitor to South Bay Campground.

What you should know

Winter accessibility: Many sites remain open year-round but with reduced services and challenging conditions. "I checked in. The wind was blowing. Too cold for tent camping. Will be back," notes a Halloween visitor to Boyd Lake State Park Cottonwood Campground, indicating seasonal challenges.

Road noise considerations: Campgrounds near highways experience traffic sounds, particularly those closest to I-25 and mountain roads. "Next to a road so it could get a little noisy sometimes," mentions a South Bay camper, while another notes, "The campground is situated along the highway and can be noisy."

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds within 20 miles of Timnath require advance booking, especially for weekend stays April through October. "We needed a stop on the way out of Colorado and grabbed a quick night here in a tent site. Water was off for weather but stoves made much needed coffee in the cold," reports a camper who managed a last-minute booking at Fort Collins North-Wellington KOA.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several family-oriented campgrounds offer dedicated play areas within walking distance of campsites. "We took our maiden voyage here (just in case things went sour) had a great time. Friendly neighborhood of easy to pull through camp sites. Great facilities (including the dump station), close enough to town for quick adventures and a nice playground for the kids," shares a visitor to Boyd Lake State Park.

Swimming options: Fort Collins Lakeside KOA offers multiple water-based activities for children during summer months. "Great place. We will have to return and spend at least two nights so we can enjoy it all. Lake, boats, water cannon boats, fishing, bikes, peewee golf, jumping thing. Walking path around lake," explains an enthusiastic visitor.

Safety considerations: Parents should monitor for rapidly changing weather conditions common to the area. "Clean and well maintained campground. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Our site was well spaced from our neighbors, but other areas were fairly dense," mentions a camper at South Bay, noting the variation in privacy levels that families should consider.

Tips from RVers

Dump station logistics: Multiple RV parks charge additional fees for dump station use, while state parks typically include access with camping fees. "Good dump station. Easy to drive into town for shopping or dinner. The lake is not huge but is good for fishing, boating, skiing," notes a camper about Boyd Lake, mentioning the convenience of the facilities.

Hookup availability: Pinewood Reservoir Campground offers electric sites in a less crowded setting than many nearby options. "Electric hook ups. Quiet and peaceful," mentions a camper, while another notes, "Pinewood Reservoir campground is a small but well-maintained campground and has nice views of a lake and rolling foothills."

Site spacing variations: RV sites at commercial campgrounds tend to be closer together than those at state or county parks. "We had a site right on the water and our kids were able to play in the water right from the campsite. Noise level was a little high but not bad...we enjoyed the time spent there and will definitely go back," shares a visitor to Horsetooth Reservoir's campgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Timnath, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Timnath, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 222 campgrounds and RV parks near Timnath, CO and 63 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Timnath, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Timnath, CO is Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 45 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 63 free dispersed camping spots near Timnath, CO.

What parks are near Timnath, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Timnath, CO that allow camping, notably Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG and Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland.