The Best Camping Spots In and Around Fort Collins
One of the best things about living in Fort Collins is having some of the best camping spots in and around Fort Collins right in your backyard. Whether you prefer lakeside tent camping at Horsetooth, forested mountain retreats in Poudre Canyon, or family-friendly campgrounds with full hookups, Northern Colorado has something for everyone.
Table of Contents
Camping Quick Reference
| Campground | Drive Time | Type | Best For | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsetooth Reservoir | 15 min | Tent & RV | Lake camping, boating, sunsets | Required in summer |
| Lory State Park | 20 min | Tent | Wooded, quiet, hiking access | Recommended |
| Poudre Canyon | 30–60 min | Tent & RV | River camping, fishing, shade | Mix of reservable & FCFS |
| Red Feather Lakes | 1 hour | Tent & group | Forest camping, fishing, paddling | Mix |
| State Forest / Cameron Pass | 1 hr 15 min | Tent & RV | Alpine lakes, moose, mountain | Recommended |
1. Horsetooth Reservoir Campgrounds (15 minutes)
Some of the most convenient — and scenic — camping is right near town.
Great for:
- Tent camping and RV sites
- Kayaking, boating, and paddleboarding
- Sunsets over the foothills
- Quick weekend getaways without a long drive
Reservations are essential in summer.
→ Related: Kayaking and Paddle Boarding at Horsetooth Reservoir
2. Lory State Park (20 minutes)
A beautiful alternative to Horsetooth with quieter sites and a more secluded feel.
Why people love it:
- Wooded campsites with shade and privacy
- Access to hiking and mountain biking trails
- Easy walk to the Horsetooth shoreline
- A perfect quick weekend getaway close to town
→ Related: Best Nature Trails and Natural Areas in Fort Collins
3. Poudre Canyon Campgrounds (30–60 minutes)
Dozens of campgrounds line the Cache la Poudre River, each with its own vibe.
Top picks:
- Ansel Watrous
- Stove Prairie
- Big South
Expect: Shady riverfront sites, fly-fishing right from camp, and cooler temperatures in summer. The Poudre Canyon is one of the most popular camping corridors in Northern Colorado for good reason.
4. Red Feather Lakes Area (1 hour)
A favorite for families and people who love forest camping.
What you’ll find:
- Quiet pine forests with minimal crowds
- Lakes for fishing and paddling
- Group and dispersed camping options
Red Feather feels remote without being too far from home — making it ideal for families with younger kids or anyone who wants a low-key overnight trip.
→ Related: Best Day Adventures from Fort Collins
5. State Forest State Park / Cameron Pass (1 hour 15 minutes)
Higher-elevation camping with big views and a true Colorado mountain experience.
Why it’s special:
- Moose sightings are common
- Cooler summer temperatures
- Miles of trails and alpine lakes
- Some of the most scenic tent camping in the state
Great for adventurous campers looking to go deeper into the mountains while still being a manageable drive from Fort Collins.
→ Related: Wildlife You’ll See in Fort Collins
Camping Permits & Reservations
- Colorado State Parks (Lory, some Horsetooth areas): Require day passes + campground reservations
- Larimer County Parks (Horsetooth, Carter Lake): Reserve early — weekends fill up fast
- National Forest Lands (Poudre Canyon, Cameron Pass): Mix of reservable and first-come-first-served sites
Summer weekends book quickly everywhere, so plan ahead when possible.
Best Time of Year to Camp
- May–October is prime camping season
- June–August is warmest and most popular
- September–October offers incredible fall colors and fewer crowds
- Winter camping is possible in select areas but requires proper gear and experience
Why Camping Matters for Homebuyers
Many people move to Fort Collins because they want the Colorado lifestyle — and camping is a big part of that. Whether you want quick access to Horsetooth, the quiet forests of Red Feather, or the alpine lakes near Cameron Pass, choosing the right neighborhood can make weekend adventures even easier.
→ Related: What’s It Like Living in Fort Collins Colorado?
→ Related: Map of Fort Collins Neighborhoods
For a complete overview of relocating, visit our Moving to Fort Collins, Colorado — The Complete Relocation Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camping Near Fort Collins
Where are the best camping spots near Fort Collins?
The top camping spots near Fort Collins include Horsetooth Reservoir (15 min), Lory State Park (20 min), Poudre Canyon campgrounds (30–60 min), Red Feather Lakes (1 hour), and State Forest State Park near Cameron Pass (1 hr 15 min).
Do you need reservations to camp near Fort Collins?
For most popular campgrounds, yes — especially during summer weekends. Horsetooth and Lory require reservations. Poudre Canyon has a mix of reservable and first-come-first-served sites.
Can you camp year-round near Fort Collins?
Prime season is May through October. Winter camping is possible in some areas but requires proper cold-weather gear and experience. September and October offer great fall camping with fewer crowds.
Is there free camping near Fort Collins?
Yes. Dispersed camping is available on National Forest lands in the Poudre Canyon and Red Feather areas at no cost. These are typically primitive sites with no amenities.
What is the closest camping to Fort Collins?
Horsetooth Reservoir is the closest — just 15 minutes from town. It offers tent and RV sites with lake access, hiking, and stunning foothill views.
Can you fish while camping near Fort Collins?
Yes. The Poudre Canyon, Red Feather Lakes, Horsetooth Reservoir, and State Forest State Park all offer fishing access directly from or near campgrounds.
~ By The Levi Group Brokered by Real ~
Your Personal Guide to Fort Collins
Thank you for visiting our blog dedicated to what it is like to live in Fort Collins Co. We created all this content with you in mind. This site has the most comprehensive content about Fort Collins Colorado. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to visit with you and answer any questions you have.
Jason Levi
The Levi Group Brokered by REAL, LLC
Call Me: 970-426-8916
Text Me: 970-426-8916
Email Me: jason@thelevigroup.net
Stay Up to Date – Subscribe & Follow
Youtube Channel: @LeviGroupNoco
Facebook: Jason Levi
Instagram: @noco.jas
POPULAR POSTS
VIDEO ABOUT FORT COLLINS COLORADO
Have Questions?
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE
The Fort Collins Experience is your comprehensive guide to everything Fort Collins Colorado. Whether you’re searching for the best things to do, researching schools and neighborhoods, exploring local breweries and outdoor adventures, hunting for great restaurants and hotels, or staying up to date on Fort Collins real estate trends — you’ll find it all here in one place. This site was built with a single goal: to give you a genuine, firsthand understanding of what it’s really like to live in Fort Collins. As a longtime resident and full-time Realtor, I’ve walked these streets, explored these communities, and experienced every corner of this city. I share that local insight so you don’t have to spend hours piecing together scattered information like I once did. Whether you’re relocating, investing, raising a family, or simply curious, The Fort Collins Experience will show you why so many people are drawn to northern Colorado. Fort Collins isn’t just a location — it’s a lifestyle shaped by nature, community, creativity, and opportunity. If you’re ready to discover what makes Fort Collins Colorado one of the most desirable places to live in the state, you’re exactly where you need to be.