Dispersed camping near Windsor offers a mix of lakeside sites and mountain retreats within 40 miles of town. The area sits at approximately 4,800 feet elevation where the Colorado plains meet the foothills, creating varied camping environments with summer temperatures averaging 85°F. Winter camping remains available at several year-round sites despite occasional snow and temperatures dropping below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Flatiron Reservoir Campground, multiple fishing areas accommodate anglers of all skill levels. "We had a spot right by the water and our kids were able to play in the water right from the campsite," notes one Horsetooth camper. At Inlet Bay Campground, visitors praise the accessibility: "Located close to marina/boat ramp."
Water recreation: While some reservoirs have restrictions, South Bay Campground provides excellent paddling options. "The lake was great for paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking," shares a recent visitor. Motorized boating is permitted at Horsetooth Reservoir with nearby inspection stations.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer prime wildlife watching at many campgrounds. "Nearly every day a deer would come munch on the greenery right behind our rig," reports a camper at Riverview RV Park. Elk bugling can be heard during fall at several locations, especially near Rocky Mountain National Park.
What campers like
Accessibility to towns: Loveland RV Resort provides convenient urban access while maintaining camping amenities. "The location is off the main road that has every store or restaurant you could ever want," explains a camper. Many Windsor-area campgrounds offer similar convenience while maintaining natural settings.
Quiet atmosphere: Several campgrounds provide peaceful settings despite proximity to urban areas. "This is a nice quiet campground away from large busy campgrounds," notes a Pinewood Reservoir visitor. Even during peak season, many campgrounds maintain quiet hours.
Mountain views: The backdrop of foothills and mountains creates scenic camping environments. "The view of the mountains is to die for!" exclaims a St. Vrain visitor. Multiple campgrounds feature unobstructed mountain panoramas, particularly at sunset.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Windsor require advance booking, especially during summer months. "Halloween weekend was fully booked by August," reports one camper. Many campgrounds use recreation.gov or county reservation systems.
Fee structures: Camping costs include both site fees and daily use permits at many locations. "Fees start at $36/night," notes a St. Vrain camper. Riverview RV Park & Campground visitors mention getting "good value for our payment considering the prices and sold-out state of other nearby parks."
Weather considerations: The area experiences significant wind patterns. "It can be suddenly and very windy here, so most campers did not use awnings," shares a Riverview camper. Summer thunderstorms typically occur in afternoons, with morning conditions generally calmer.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds cater specifically to families with children. "There's LOADS of stuff to do for kids," shares a Fort Collins KOA visitor who noted "Bounce house, jumping pillow, inflatable slide, basketball, shuffle board, pickleball, fishing, paddleboats."
Playground access: Dedicated play areas exist at multiple locations. "Nice park with playground for kids," mentions a Riverview visitor. Fort Collins Lakeside KOA offers "a massive playground, arcade, volleyball and basketball courts."
Educational opportunities: Wildlife watching becomes a learning experience. "Kids enjoy finding crawdads and huge spiders, as well as watching the birds and frog hunting," reports a Flatiron camper. Several campgrounds post educational information about local flora and fauna.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choosing the right site impacts comfort significantly. "Look for a spot with a tree to park in shade," advises a Boyd Lake visitor. Many RVers recommend requesting sites away from main roads to reduce noise.
Hookup availability: Water access varies significantly between campgrounds. "Electric hookups (we used 50amp at our site) but no water hook up. Drinkable water close by at various locations within the campground," reports a South Bay visitor. Check individual campground utilities before booking.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Windsor: Most area campgrounds welcome pets with specific rules. "The campground has a ton of spots so was very busy. It was well maintained and quiet despite how busy it was," notes a visitor at Moraine Park Campground. Many pet-friendly campgrounds near Windsor feature dedicated exercise areas, though most require leashes at all times.
