How much does camping cost at Carter Lake?

Camping fees at Carter Lake range from $38-$55/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Carter Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Carter Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Carter Lake before I book?

Yes! Carter Lake has 11 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Carter Lake?

Carter Lake is open Not explicitly mentioned, though summers appear to be busy based on user reviews.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Carter Lake?

Yes, Carter Lake has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Carter Lake?

Fire policies at Carter Lake: Campfires are permitted, but no off-roading is allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Carter Lake have?

Carter Lake has 50 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Carter Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Carter Lake. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Carter Lake?

Carter Lake offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Carter Lake?

Popular activities at Carter Lake include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Carter Lake

3.93

80 reviews

1800 SOUTH COUNTY ROAD 31, LOVELAND, Colorado, 80537, United States

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,760 ft

Price

$38 - $55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Larimer County Natural Resources Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,760 ft

Price

$38 - $55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Larimer County Natural Resources Official Website

Get Directions

Carter Lake

$38.00 - $55.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees range from $38 to $55 per night, depending on the campsite type and amenities provided. Park entrance permits are required in addition...

Standard Site Fee$38.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

9706194570

I manage this campground

Been here recently?

Campers like you keep our info accurate. Fix a detail in under 30 seconds.

Plan a trip to Carter Lake

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

1800 SOUTH COUNTY ROAD 31, LOVELAND, Colorado, 80537, United States

Carter Lake

1800 SOUTH COUNTY ROAD 31, LOVELAND, Colorado, 80537, United States

Nearby places

Loveland (~15 miles), Fort Collins (~20 miles), Estes Park (~27 miles), Denver (~50 miles)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies can be found in Loveland, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel stations.

Driving directionsTake I-25 to the Berthoud Exit (Exit 250). Turn left (west) onto Highway 56 and continue for 9 1/2 miles, passing through the town of Berthoud. At the foothills, the road will curve sharply to the right (north). Turn left (west) onto County Road 8E and continue for 3 miles to the entrance station where you can purchase permits.

The campground is accessible year-round, but reviewers often mention unmaintained roads with potholes and washouts. "The roads are adventurous enough," according to one reviewer, while another stated, "The roads in the campground were rutty and full of potholes."

Weather at Carter Lake

Best Time to Camp at Carter Lake

Summer brings the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs 70-85°F, nights 45-55°F. For water sports, sailing, and scuba diving. Afternoon thermals support wind sports, but thunderstorms roll through regularly. Expect crowds on weekends and holidays. Reserve early and watch for fire restrictions or water-sport closures during dry spells. Spring and fall offer quieter visits, though temperatures drop faster at this elevation once the sun sets.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best weather and full access to boating, swimming and water sports; busiest season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not explicitly mentioned, though summers appear to be busy based on user reviews.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Carter Lake is open year-round.

About Carter Lake

Carter Lake sits in the foothills west of Loveland, a 1,100-acre reservoir with 50 campsites at 5,760 feet elevation. Part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project, the campground offers boating, fishing, swimming, and access to surrounding sandstone cliffs. Fees run $38-$55 per night. Sites are close together, and reviews consistently mention rough access roads and high costs relative to maintenance.

Carter Lake Campground accommodates tent camping, RVs with electrical hookups, and walk-to sites.

Historical Significance

The reservoir is part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project, an engineering system that diverts water across the Continental Divide to northern Colorado communities and farms. The project represents decades of planning and construction to manage water in the semi-arid West.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs 70-85°F, nights 45-55°F. For water sports, sailing, and scuba diving. Afternoon thermals support wind sports, but thunderstorms roll through regularly. Expect crowds on weekends and holidays. Reserve early and watch for fire restrictions or water-sport closures during dry spells. Spring and fall offer quieter visits, though temperatures drop faster at this elevation once the sun sets.

ElevationPerched at 5,760 feet above sea level, Carter Lake offers campers a true high-altitude escape where the air is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and every sunrise feels like a masterpiece painted just for you. This elevation creates the perfect balance – high enough to escape the summer heat of the plains below, yet accessible enough to avoid the extreme conditions of Colorado's highest peaks. The thin mountain air adds an invigorating quality to every outdoor activity, from morning hikes to evening campfire gatherings.

Natural Features and SceneryCarter Lake is a 1,100-acre reservoir, three miles long and one mile wide, at 5,760 feet elevation in the foothills southwest of Loveland, Colorado, surrounded by 1,000 acres of public lands.[1][4]

Geological RegionCarter Lake occupies a fascinating geological crossroads where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, creating a landscape of extraordinary diversity and beauty. The surrounding sandstone formations tell a story millions of years in the making, their weathered faces revealing ancient seas and shifting continents. As part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project, this 1,100-acre reservoir harmoniously blends human engineering with natural splendor, cradled by 1,000 acres of public lands that showcase the rugged beauty of Colorado's foothills. This unique positioning offers visitors dramatic vistas in every direction – eastward across the plains to distant horizons, and westward toward the towering peaks of the Continental Divide.

Scenic ViewsLake views are frequently mentioned as a highlight of the campground.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not provide traditional lodges or hotel-style accommodations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in policies are unclear
some reviews mention rangers checking in later at night.

Check-out

Not explicitly mentioned.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit information is not provided.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests are allowed at most sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is organized into loops, including a South Shore section. Sites accommodate RVs up to 30-60 feet depending on the spot, but reviews warn that the roads are rough and unmaintained. Bring extra leveling blocks. Spacing between sites is tight.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Larimer County's official website or by calling the ranger station.

Walk-in AvailabilityInformation on walk-up availability is not provided.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy is not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited, and reviews highlight challenges for larger RVs due to narrow and poorly maintained roads.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with maximum equipment lengths ranging from 30 to 60 feet.

PrivacySites are described as close together, reducing privacy. For instance, 'This is a nice little campground; however, sites are very close together.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesSites like E-7 are recommended for easier access to restrooms.

Best CampsitesLimited reviewer recommendations available; sites described as serene but tight, with one side trees and spacious; upper two loops bookable 0-14 days in advance.[1][2]

Need help booking Carter Lake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

ReserveAmerica Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Carter Lake Campground offers a range of amenities catering to campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Amenities include boat gasoline, a launch ramp, mooring, comfort stations, drinking water, a dump station, picnic shelters, and restrooms. Recreational options feature hiking trails, fishing, mountain biking, water sports, and a swimming beach. Users have noted, 'The bathrooms were clean' and 'Showers are token-operated, $1 per token for 2 minutes.' However, some facilities need updates, as highlighted by a user: 'The showers were clean but had issues like missing handles and malfunctioning token machines.'

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Dump station

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers diverse activities, including fishing, hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. Water sports such as water skiing and scuba diving are popular due to the lake's proximity. However, some users have criticized the beach's small size and the focus on water-based recreation.

Hiking

Climbing

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUnmaintained roads with potholes and washouts present challenges, especially for RVs. Wildlife may visit campsites.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted, but no off-roading is allowed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours start at 10 PM, though some reviews suggest extending them.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include hospitals and police stations in Loveland (~15 miles away).

Trash & RecyclingDumpsters are located a distance from campsites, and recycling options are unclear.

Water FeaturesThe campground is directly adjacent to Carter Lake, a large reservoir suitable for various water activities.

Camp HostHosts are generally described as friendly and helpful.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.9

80 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Carter Lake has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are mixed, highlighting the campground's scenic views, recreational opportunities, and proximity to natural attractions like Rocky Mountain National Park. However, many users criticize the poor road conditions, high fees, and lack of maintenance.

Review Summaries

Based on 80 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 80 reviews.

Site E7Mentioned
Site E7 is large and close to restrooms, but showers are a hike.
Site #20Mentioned
Site #20 has a reversed electrical hookup, requiring an extension cord.

What Campers Love

Serene sites with trees; mix of relaxation and adventure; year-round access; electric hookups, drinking water available.[1]

Based on 80 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on unlevel sites, poor road conditions, and high fees. Users also noted issues with maintenance, including dirty vault toilets and malfunctioning showers.

Based on 80 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Check in at noon (campsites), check out at 11 AM; obtain park entrance permits first; no entry via overflow parking lot due to construction; store food properly in bear-proof containers; generators...

Based on 80 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer sees increased traffic and noise due to the campground's proximity to the marina and road. Off-season is quieter but still has maintenance issues.

Based on 80 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Camping costs $55 a night, which is the highest in the United States for a county campground.' 2. 'The campground was clean and pretty quiet.' 3. 'Showers operate with tokens, $1 each for 2...

Based on 80 reviews

Accessibility Features

Large RVs may face challenges due to tight curves and poor road conditions. Site accessibility could be improved.

Based on 80 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, which many users appreciate, but specific pet-friendly amenities are not mentioned.

Based on 80 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Boaters and anglers who can snag a site early, the launch ramp, marina, and crawdad fishing make the lake genuinely useful, and summer afternoons here run 70-85°F with afternoon thermals good for sailing. Site E7 is large and near the restrooms.

Skip if

Big rigs will earn every dollar of that $38-55 fee just surviving the access road, reviewers consistently flag potholes and washouts, sites require extra leveling blocks, and site #20's reversed electrical hookup needs an extension cord you probably didn't pack.

Nearby Campgrounds

1800 SOUTH COUNTY ROAD 31, LOVELAND, Colorado, 80537, United States

Flatiron Reservoir sits on 47 acres of water and 200 acres of public land in northern Colorado's foothills, near Loveland. The campground has 52 sites including tent spots, RV hookups, tipis, and group areas. Electric sites cost $32-43 per night. It fills quickly on summer weekends, so book early.