Best Campgrounds near Windsor, CO

Windsor, Colorado offers varied camping destinations within a 30-mile radius, including state parks and private RV resorts. Developed campgrounds like Boyd Lake State Park provide electric hookups for both tent and RV campers near Loveland, while Horsetooth Reservoir features multiple campgrounds with waterfront sites. The area balances convenient urban-adjacent camping with more secluded options, serving as a strategic base for exploring both the Front Range and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Campgrounds in the Windsor area typically require reservations, especially during peak summer months. Most state park locations like Boyd Lake and St. Vrain offer electric hookups and some amenities, though full-service options are more common at private facilities like Loveland RV Resort, which provides comprehensive utilities. Access to most camping areas involves paved roads and level sites that accommodate various vehicle sizes, with some locations offering both primitive and developed camping options. Weather patterns include hot summers and cold winters, with spring bringing potential storm activity. One camper noted, "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."

Campers consistently praise the region's water-based recreation opportunities. Horsetooth Reservoir and Boyd Lake State Park receive positive feedback for their swimming beaches, boating access, and fishing. While sites at these popular water-adjacent locations tend to be closer together, they compensate with amenities and activities. Many campgrounds feature clean facilities and reasonable shade coverage from established trees. A reviewer at Boyd Lake mentioned, "Clean restrooms; showers were $0.75/3 minutes. Lots of folks were using the sidewalk for bicycle riding, walking and running. Trees hug the shoreline, allowing dappled shade along the route." The region's mixed-use campgrounds balance natural surroundings with proximity to urban conveniences, making them particularly suitable for families and those seeking both recreational activities and basic amenities.

Best Camping Sites Near Windsor, Colorado (219)

    1. Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park

    45 Reviews
    Loveland, CO
    7 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
    14 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
    13 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
    15 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. Loveland RV Resort

    8 Reviews
    Loveland, CO
    7 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."

    6. Inlet Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir

    12 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    13 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."

    7. St. Vrain State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Firestone, CO
    22 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."

    8. Pinewood Reservoir Campground

    16 Reviews
    Drake, CO
    21 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. Flatiron Reservoir Campground

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

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Ranger Review: Humangear at Flatiron Reservoir Campground

    Campground Review:

    Flatiron Reservoir Campground is located just outside the city of Loveland, Colorado."

    "Great lakeside spots. A little close together, bu everyone was friendly. 5 minutes to Huge Carter lake, Marina, general store"

    10. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    91 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    37 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."

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Recent Reviews near Windsor, CO

1640 Reviews of 219 Windsor Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney

    Great hiking and biking trails

    The park was okay if you are looking for something overnight. And very expensive and very crowded and no room between rigs. Looks like fulltime living in some spaces. It does have laundry service. And it has a great park just beside it. And there are beautiful hiking and biking trails right next to the facility. And it is very dog friendly.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    ESTES PARK / ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK KOA HOLIDAY

    Great Views

    This is a really nice KOA. It doesn't seem like there are any bad sites, but there are a few premium sites that would totally be worth the extra money if you are here a few days and spending evenings at camp. Amazing views from a private deck. We were next to these, and still had great views and a nice fire pit and table area.

  • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    N Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping

    2x winner

    Have now camped here twice, in June & late September, both on Friday nights, and it has been perfect. Loads of well spaced spots, secluded, gorgeous views.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    Good overnight spot

    Stayed here overnight and car camped before going into Estes Park. There are some more private wooded spots on the way in, but these were full so we stayed in an open area further down the road where there was not much/any privacy from neighbors. Super windy in early August. Pretty good views. Moderately busy. Road in was not too bad.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Gold Lake Area Dispersed

    Great dispersed camping

    I stayed at a small spot maybe a mile further down the road from where these coordinates lead you to. There was a fire ring and it was right on the lake. My spot was just before the large spot with the uphill drive that overlooks the lake. Perfect balance of solitude and presence of distant neighbors. Road to get in is a little rough but not the worst and I even saw some sedans doing fine. Easy one hour drive into RMNP in the morning.

  • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    North Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping

    Gorgeous, spacious

    Surprising amount of availability for a Friday night after work, big well spaced sites, beautiful views, quiet, and private!


Guide to Windsor

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

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: Many campgrounds are close to trails. For example, at Moraine Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "I took the road up to Bear Lake where the snow was a lot heavier." This area is perfect for those who love to hike and enjoy stunning views.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Curt Gowdy State Park Campground is a great spot. One visitor shared, "We enjoyed some pretty good shore fishing for trout."
  • Water Sports: At Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park, you can enjoy swimming and paddleboarding. A reviewer noted, "The public beach is nice with shaded outdoor tables and small food vendors."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Glacier Basin Campground. One visitor said, "Great campground with beautiful views of the mountains!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. At Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake, a camper mentioned, "Clean bathrooms with hot pay showers which are $2 for 6 minutes."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of places like East Portal Campground. One reviewer stated, "Quiet, no generators heard as big rigs won’t fit!"

What you should know:

  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds, like Glacier Basin Campground, are only open from May 23 to September 11. Plan your trip accordingly!
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area lack basic facilities. A camper warned, "There’s huge piles of trash everywhere. It is a homeless encampment."
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A visitor at Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park mentioned, "There are a lot of spots for RVs so you are a little bit packed."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. East Portal Campground has a big playground, making it a hit with kids. One parent said, "The little store was nice and the camp hosts were friendly and helpful."
  • Wildlife Watching: Kids will love spotting wildlife. At Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake, a camper shared, "The highlight was seeing Elk walk right into camp!"
  • Plan for Wind: Some areas can get windy in the afternoons. A camper at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake noted, "It gets windy in the afternoon so might want to skip the awning/canopy."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Windsor, CO, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best camping options in and around Windsor?

The Windsor area offers diverse camping experiences for all preferences. For mountain views and riverside camping, Roosevelt National Forest Camp Dick Campground provides the quintessential Colorado experience with stunning views, riverside sites, and hiking trails accessible from camp. RV enthusiasts will appreciate Loveland RV Resort with full hookups and amenities. For those seeking free camping options, Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area offers numerous sites with the unnumbered spots further down Forest Road 233.1 providing the best views. Most campgrounds in the region are busiest from June through August, so reservations are strongly recommended for weekend trips.

Where are the campgrounds near Windsor, Colorado?

Windsor, Colorado is surrounded by excellent camping options within driving distance. To the west, Horsetooth Reservoir South Bay Campground offers stunning lakeside camping with breathtaking views and cabin rentals. For those seeking RV accommodations, Riverview RV Park & Campground in nearby Loveland provides full hookups and convenient access. Other options within an hour's drive include dispersed camping in Roosevelt National Forest and several campgrounds around Estes Park. Most campgrounds in the area are open from late spring through early fall, with reservations strongly recommended during peak summer months.

Can you camp at Windsor Lake in Colorado?

Windsor Lake itself doesn't offer designated camping directly on its shores. However, nearby alternatives provide excellent lake camping experiences. Inlet Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir offers water access with both drive-in and boat-in sites about 20 minutes from Windsor. For a more secluded lake experience, Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir provides peaceful camping with site #5 being particularly spacious for larger groups. While Windsor Lake is primarily a day-use recreation area, these nearby lake campgrounds offer similar experiences with overnight accommodations, typically operating from May through September with reservation systems in place.