How much does camping cost at Lory State Park?

Camping fees at Lory State Park range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lory State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Lory State Park 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 Lory State Park before I book?

Yes! Lory State Park has 8 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 Lory State Park?

Lory State Park is open :. 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 Lory State Park?

Lory State Park does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Lory State Park?

Fire policies at Lory State Park: Fire policies are not addressed in the provided information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Lory State Park have?

Lory State Park has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lory State Park?

Pets are not allowed at Lory State Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Lory State Park?

Popular activities at Lory State Park include Hiking, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lory State Park

0 review

708 Lodgepole Drive, Bellvue, Colorado, 80512, United States

Top 12% in COSpring

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,780 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Between the Tuesday ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Colorado Parks and Wildlife Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,780 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Between the Tuesday ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Colorado Parks and Wildlife Official Website

Get Directions

Lory State Park

$0.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Pass Campsite Description Single campsite (max 6 occupants) Duration 1 Night Cost $18

Group Site Fee$100.00

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Reserve America

Provider

9704931623:

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

708 Lodgepole Drive, Bellvue, Colorado, 80512, United States

Lory State Park

708 Lodgepole Drive, Bellvue, Colorado, 80512, United States

Nearby places

Fort Collins: Approximately 20 minutes (distance not explicitly provided).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and other essentials are likely available in nearby Fort Collins, approximately 20 minutes away, but explicit details are not provided.

Driving directionsFrom North Fort Collins- Take US 287 North to County Road 54G (LaPorte). Turn left onto CR52E/Rist Canyon Rd. Continue West and turn left onto County Road 23. Continue South and take a right on Lodgepole Drive (CR 25G). The park is approximately 1.6 miles up Lodgepole Drive on the left. From South Fort Collins- Take Harmony Rd / 38E west. Turn right onto CR23. Proceed North until t-intersection. Turn left at stop sign onto CR23. Proceed north until Lodgepole Drive, turn left. Go 1.6 miles to the park entrance.

Road access quality is generally good with paved roads leading up to the park. Seasonal closures are not explicitly mentioned, but directions are clear and accessible for both northern and southern approaches.

Weather at Lory State Park

Best Time to Camp at Lory State Park

Spring delivers the best camping window, with daytime highs between 50–70°F and nights around 30–40°F. Wildflowers bloom, elk and mule deer move more visibly, and trails reopen after winter with fewer crowds than midsummer. Early spring can leave pockets of snow and mud at higher elevations, so bring layers and traction gear. By late May conditions stabilize. Summer afternoons bring refreshing thundershowers. Winter turns the park into a snowshoeing destination with freezing temperatures and crystalline air.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 12% in CO

Described as best camping window: 50–70°F days, wildflowers, visible elk/deer and trails reopening.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: :. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Between the Tuesday after Labor day and the Friday before Memorial day, campsites are only reservable on Friday and Saturday nights.

About Lory State Park

Lory State Park sits at 6,780 feet in Colorado's Northeast Region, where the Great Plains meet the Rockies across 2,591 acres of sandstone hogbacks, ponderosa forests, and granite outcroppings. The park offers 12 primitive and group campsites accessible on weekends during off-peak seasons. No water is available at campsites.

The park primarily offers primitive backcountry camping, along with improved group picnic areas. No cabin or glamping options are indicated.

Historical Significance

Arthur's Rock takes its name from an early settler who helped shape this corner of Colorado during the homesteading era. The granite formation has served as a landmark for Native American travelers, pioneers, and modern visitors alike.

Weather and SeasonsSpring delivers the best camping window, with daytime highs between 50–70°F and nights around 30–40°F. Wildflowers bloom, elk and mule deer move more visibly, and trails reopen after winter with fewer crowds than midsummer. Early spring can leave pockets of snow and mud at higher elevations, so bring layers and traction gear. By late May conditions stabilize. Summer afternoons bring refreshing thundershowers. Winter turns the park into a snowshoeing destination with freezing temperatures and crystalline air.

ElevationAt 6,780 feet, the park's lofty perch delivers more than just spectacular panoramas—it creates a natural air conditioning system that offers cool relief from summer heat while providing front-row seats to Colorado's most dramatic weather displays. This elevation puts you eye-to-eye with soaring raptors and opens up vistas that stretch from the Great Plains to the Continental Divide.

Natural Features and SceneryRugged terrain with rolling valleys, mountainous hillsides, hills, and open spaces in the Rocky Mountain foothills west of Fort Collins. 26 miles of trails wind through the landscape.[1][2][3]

Geological RegionTucked away in Colorado's Northeast Region, Lory State Park encompasses 2,591 acres of geological wonder where the Great Plains collide with the Rocky Mountains. This dramatic meeting point has sculpted a landscape of contrasts—weathered sandstone hogbacks tell stories of ancient seas, while younger granite outcroppings speak of volcanic forces. The result is a natural playground where open grasslands flow into dense ponderosa forests, and rugged rock formations frame pocket meadows, creating an ever-changing tapestry that captures the essence of Colorado's diverse terrain.

Scenic ViewsThe 6,780-foot elevation delivers panoramic views of Fort Collins and surrounding areas, including Arthur's Rock.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no references to hotel-style lodges or other accommodations within the park.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are described.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

24-hour check-in policy
sites may be resold after 24 hours if no-show.

Check-out

Stay Limit

14 days in a 28-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Primitive sites allow a maximum of 6 guests.

Groups

Group picnic areas, such as Lory Timber and South Eltuck, accommodate up to 100 and 50 people, respectively. Details about vehicle allowances are not available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutPrimitive sites are dispersed across backcountry loops. Group picnic areas are developed with improved facilities.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through www.cpwshop.com. Limited functionality is available on ReserveAmerica.com.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot applicable as all campsites are reservable year-round.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made 28 days or more prior to arrival retain 25% of the fee for one night. Cancellations 8-27 days prior retain 50%, and cancellations within 7 days retain 100%. Changes also incur percentage-based retention fees depending on timing.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are described.

Site SizeCampsites are primitive and appear to have standardized capacity limits. Group picnic areas support up to 100 people, while backcountry sites allow up to 6.

PrivacyPrivacy details of campsites are not explicitly described.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesPrimitive sites are recommended for those seeking solitude and backcountry experiences. Group picnic areas are ideal for large gatherings.

Best CampsitesSix primitive hike-in backcountry campsites, each requiring a minimum 2-mile one-way hike; suitable for training for longer backpacking trips, but no specific site recommendations.[1][2][3]

Need help booking Lory State Park?

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

There is no water, restrooms or tent pads at these sites, and fires are prohibited. Small camp stoves are permitted. Everything you will need, including water, must be packed in and out. There is no dispersed camping or vehicle-based camping at Lory State Park.

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Lory State Park is rich in recreational opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Activities such as rock climbing and hunting are also available. The park’s trails offer varied levels of difficulty across its 26-mile network. Boating is accessible through adjacent Horsetooth Reservoir.

Hiking

Climbing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo explicit hazards are mentioned, but the backcountry nature implies potential wildlife encounters and rugged terrain.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not mentioned within the authoritative materials.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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 PolicyFire policies are not addressed in the provided information.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are :

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available through the Ranger Station whose direct line is 970-493-1623.

Water FeaturesEast side trails offer access to Horsetooth Reservoir's bays and coves. Canoeists, kayakers, and rafters can hand-launch crafts nearby.

Camp HostInformation on campground hosts is not explicitly mentioned.

Cell CoverageCell service available: AT&T yes, Verizon yes, T-Mobile yes.[3]

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

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From Booking Sources

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Lory State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are not provided; therefore, aggregated sentiments cannot be summarized.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

True backcountry immersion; great training for backpacking; scenic trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding; proximity to Horsetooth Reservoir.[1][2][3][4]

Common Concerns

No user complaints are documented.

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews are available.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Pack in and out all items including water; no campfires allowed, but small propane or white gas stoves permitted; be prepared for unpredictable weather including extreme temperatures, wind, rain, and...

Seasonal Insights

No reviews are available to analyze seasonal trends.

Camper Quotes

No direct quotes from users are documented.

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific user reviews are provided.

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews address pet policies or experiences.

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Hikers and mountain bikers who want a true carry-in experience close to Fort Collins will find spring the sweet spot, with elk moving, wildflowers up, and far fewer people than summer on the trails.

Skip if

No water, no toilets, no fire rings, and no RV access make this a non-starter for anyone expecting developed facilities; pack everything in, including every drop of water you'll drink.

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Horsetooth Mountain Open Space Backcountry

4200 West County Road 38 E, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80526, United States

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space offers three backcountry sites (HM1, HM2, HM3) accessible via a 29.5-mile trail network at elevations between 5,430 and 7,255 feet. Each site allows up to two tents and six people for $9 per night. Potable water is available at the trailhead, but the sites themselves are primitive: pack in everything you need.