Carter Lake

Star4.02
80 reviews
1800 SOUTH COUNTY ROAD 31, LOVELAND, Colorado, 80537, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,760 ft

Price

$38 - $55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Larimer County Natural Resources site

Official Website
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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...
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Standard Site Fee$38.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.02

Satisfactory

Based on 80 reviews

69 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslakefriendly

"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."

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Campground Map

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

Carter Lake

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

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."
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.

Best Time to Camp at Carter Lake

Experience Colorado's dynamic mountain climate at Carter Lake, where each season paints a different masterpiece. Summer transforms the reservoir into a sun-drenched aquatic paradise, with warm days perfect for swimming, boating, and lakeside lounging. As autumn arrives, crisp air and golden light create ideal conditions for hiking and wildlife watching. Winter brings a serene transformation, with frosty mornings, occasional snow dustings, and peaceful solitude that rewards cold-weather adventurers with stunning views and tranquil camping experiences.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is an aquatic paradise with boating and warm days, but also busier/noisier.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Off-season is quieter and scenic; fewer explicit fall activity details available.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring fishing (crawdads) and variable weather; good activity opportunities but variable conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but winter activities not highlighted; maintenance issues persist off-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.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts are mentioned.

About Carter Lake

Escape to Carter Lake, a hidden gem tucked into the dramatic foothills west of Loveland, where adventure seekers find their perfect basecamp. This versatile outdoor playground invites you to cast a line at dawn, hoist a sail in the afternoon breeze, or plunge into crystal-clear waters for an unforgettable scuba diving experience. Rock climbers scale the surrounding sandstone cliffs while water skiers carve across the lake's glassy surface. As a gateway to the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park and the charming mountain town of Estes Park, Carter Lake serves as your ideal launching point for exploring Colorado's most treasured landscapes.
Carter Lake Campground accommodates tent camping, RVs with electrical hookups, and walk-to sites.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
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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.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Dump station
Picnic tables
Firewood available

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.
HikingThe area features trails suitable for hiking and mountain biking. A user mentioned, 'This is a great area for hiking,' reflecting the positive aspects of the outdoor experience.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing is a major attraction. One user stated, 'The crawdad fishing is great at this time of year! My sons and I had a great time.'
SwimmingA designated swimming beach is available, though one review expressed disappointment over its small size.
BikingThe lake area accommodates mountain biking, attracting outdoor enthusiasts.
BoatingBoating, including water skiing and jet skiing, is supported by facilities such as a launch ramp and marina.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUnmaintained roads with potholes and washouts present challenges, especially for RVs. Wildlife may visit campsites.
Active AlertsNo current alerts are mentioned.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Carter Lake

Reviews

4.0
80 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Carter Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the scenic views, wildlife encounters, and access to recreational activities. Highlights include 'Nice spots overlooking the lake,' and 'Friendly camp hosts.'
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

Bring extra leveling equipment for RVs. Note that roads are rough, and additional fees apply for towed vehicles. Plan for minimal cell reception and bring exact change for tokens.
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...
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Based on 80 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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