Campsites filling fast in Larimer County parks

Larimer County Natural Resources anticipates a busy summer for campgrounds at Horsetooth Reservoir, Carter Lake, Flatiron and Pinewood Reservoirs as well as Hermit Park. Advance reservations for Horsetooth campground are up 38 percent and reservations for Carter Lake area campgrounds are almost 50 percent higher than last year at this time. Reservations for Memorial Day and 4th of July holidays are all but filled. Hermit Park, just south of Estes Park, has campgrounds and cabins that are also filling fast.

Because campsite reservations can be made 180 days in advance, many of the best campsites for May-July summer weekends are already taken. According to Brad Frye, Reservation Specialist, “a reservation for August 7 can be made as early as February 8.” His advice to campers: “If you plan to make a reservation, remember that 180-day window. Early summer weekends are filling fast so think ahead about making reservations for later this summer. Or plan a mid-week stay when the parks are quieter and there are lots of great campsites available.”

A newly remodeled Pinewood Reservoir campground should also help with reservation choices. Pinewood, southwest of Loveland, has 15 brand new electric sites soon to be made available for reservations, and numerous walk in tent sites overlooking the lake. Keep in mind that the Pinewood access road is steep and winding and not recommended for larger trailers and RVs.

For Larimer County Park campground reservations, please visit www.larimercamping.com or call 1-800-397-7795. For additional information about the camping and entrance fees, campground amenities, reservoirs and Larimer County Open Spaces visit www.larimer.org/naturalresources or call 970-619-4570.