Scene’s Summer Guide to Camping Near Fort Collins

By Erika Iverson
We’re lucky to live in a city filled with people who want to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Now that the weather is warmer, it’s time to get out with your family and friends, hike some trails, fish in the beautiful rivers and sleep under the stars. Scene would like to share with you a guide of nearby campsites ideal for your summertime adventures.
Archer’s Poudre River Resort
If you want to try something new every day, this spot is for you. You can rough it in a tent, be extra comfortable in a quaint, modern cabin or bring your own RV. Best of all, Archer’s is open year-round and is close by, located along the Poudre River on Highway 14.
Activities within your reach at Archer’s range from river and lake trout fishing, hunting, hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and kayaking. 30 miles up the canyon is a horseback riding stable called Redfeather Outfitters where you can take your family out for an afternoon of scenic trail riding. A mere 15 miles from Archer’s is Cottonwood Hollow, where they allow you to bring your own horses if you wish, offering extensive riding and hiking trails. They have also converted an old barn into a comfortable restaurant situated on 75 acres of land adjacent to Roosevelt National Forest.
Hiking trails abound in the Poudre canyon, all with their own unique draw and unbeatable views from the tops of the trails. Within a short drive of Archer’s are Greyrock Trail, Youngs Gulch, Dadd Gulch, Roaring Creek, Big South Trail, Trapp Lake, Zimmerman Lake, American Lakes and Lake Agnes Trail. These trails range from one to six miles, so you can pick one suitable for everyone.
Visit poudreriverresort.com to reserve cabins, campsites and a rockin’ good time!
Lory State Park
Lory State Park is located along the Horsetooth Reservoir in Larimer County and is a classic style campground with simple sites that allow you to get a true feel for the great Colorado outdoors. There are a minimal number of campsites – only six –, which allows you to avoid feeling overcrowded by tourists.
On-site in Lory are numerous mountain biking trails, and hiking or horseback riding trails.
Pets are allowed at campsites for no extra charge and guest’s horses are also allowed. If you feel like spending the days relaxing in the sun and sitting by the water, take your family fishing in the Horsetooth Reservoir or for an afternoon swim while the sun is at its hottest.
Camping at Lory requires a small fee, but you’ll find that it’s well worth it. To make reservations, call (970) 493-1623. For more information, visit parks.state.co.us and search for “Lory State Park.”
Boyd Lake State Park
Located in Fort Collins’ friendly neighbor to the south (Loveland) is Boyd Lake State Park. Boyd Lake is open year-round and is known for what it offers in water sports. While you enjoy a stay here you can go out boating, water skiing, fishing, windsurfing, sailing or for a simple swim. On weekends they offer a live summer concert series that you can listen or dance to while you have fresh coffee from their own beach-side coffee shop.
Boyd Lake is quite large, offering 148 sites all with electric hookups and grill rings. Fires are allowed as long as there is no current fire ban. They also offer on-site showers and laundry if you’re planning a longer camping trip. The view is of the majestic mountains while you camp right on the waterfront.
They have on-site hiking trails and a marina that offers boat rentals. You can take out a motorized boat, kayaks, row/paddle boats or maybe even challenge your friends to a competitive day of canoe races.
Boyd Lake is located at 3720 North Countay Road 11-C in Loveland. For reservations, call (970) 669-1739. For more information, visit parks.state.co.us and search for “Boyd Lake State Park.”
Riverview RV Park & Campgrounds
Off of Highway 34 outside Loveland is Riverview – nestled among giant shade trees in a quiet, private atmosphere. Fun activities are abundant around Riverview. On-site there are walking/hiking trails and trout fishing in the Thompson River. Within a short drive you can also try your hand at a number of other activities, including golfing at one of Loveland’s three courses – the Mariana Butte Course, The Olde Course, or the Cattail Creek Course – or you can take the family on a real adventure whitewater rafting on the Poudre River with A1 Wildwater Rafting.
Just a short drive west of Loveland also lies one of Colorado’s most well-known hiking trails – Devil’s Backbone. It’s a hike filled with wildlife, towering rock forms and wildflower-covered grasslands that can’t be beat. There is also close access to mountain biking, horseback riding and ATV rentals.
Along with tent and RV sites, they also have beautiful cabins for rent that are situated on or off the side of the Thompson River. They run at very reasonable rates, but do not allow pets in the cabin, so if you’re bringing Fido along you’ll need to camp at a tent or RV site.
For reservations and more information on Riverview, visit riverviewrv.com.