R
Reserved
A
Available
Selected
Activities & Amenities
Site Details
Site Reserve TypeSite-Specific
Site AccessDrive-In
Checkin Time12:00 PM
Checkout Time11:00 AM
Type of UseOvernight
Maximum Number of People8
Pets AllowedDomestic
Maximum Number of Vehicles2
Driveway SurfaceGravel
Driveway EntryPull-Through
Driveway Length53
Maximum Vehicle Length33
Boat Width17
ShadePartial
WaterfrontLakefront
Campfire AllowedY
Fire PitY
Looking For CategoryRV Site, Tent Site, Trailer Site
Picnic TableY
Site RatingPreferred
Altitude5760
Distance to Dump Station (Miles)4
GIS Details Latitude40.34987980669911
GIS Details Longitude-105.20958452131835
TerrainLevel, Open
Area
ENTRANCE PERMIT REQUIRED: Park entrance permits, one for each vehicle and one for your trailered watercraft, are required for each day in addition to camping fees. Purchase vehicle entrance permits prior to arrival at your campsite.
- Daily Entrance Permits can be purchased online with a camping reservation. (If you have a Larimer County Annual parks pass for your vehicle, then do not input your vehicle info when reserving a campsite.) To show proof of Daily Permits, print and display the first page of your confirmation email and place it on the lower corner passenger side dashboard area of the corresponding vehicle .
- Campers who prepurchase their vehicle permits can bypass the entrance gates and proceed directly to their campsite upon arrival. Daily Permits are valid from the date of purchase until noon the next day. Note - Fees will display as CAR EXCESS VEHICLES by date when purchasing online. Permits are non-refundable.
- Daily Permits are available to purchase at self-service pay stations (credit card only), gatehouses (seasonally), and park offices: https://www.larimer.org/naturalresources/contact
- Annual Permits are sold online, at select local vendors, gatehouses (seasonally), and park offices. For more info, or to purchase an Annual Permit online, please visit: https://www.larimer.org/naturalresources/parks/permits
Please check the Season Dates tab for annual updates on site availability.
Site
Starting April 1st 2025, Big Thompson campground will only be reservable in our office on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability is subject to change from when viewed online
Same Day Reservations are allowed at Flatiron and Pinewood Reservoirs as well as South Shore, Big Thompson, Carter Knolls, Eagle and North Pines campgrounds at Carter Lake.
Sky View Campground at Carter Lake still requires 1 day notice from March until October and a 3 day minimum from November to February.
Sky View Campground at Carter Lake still requires 1 day notice from March until October and a 3 day minimum from November to February.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Big Thompson, Carter Knolls, and North Pines campgrounds do not have electricity. They are Standard-sized sites without electric hookups. Generators are allowed outside of quiet hours (10pm - 6am).
Smaller pull through or back in site can only fit one vehicle camping unit (RV, pop-up, trailer, truck camper or van). Tents ok. 8 people maximum.
Area
- Alcohol policy: Only allowed at individual campsites or on a boat. No kegs and no glass. No alcohol allowed in day use or swim beach areas.
- Boating: Carter Lake Marina (970-667-1062). For more info visit https://www.larimer.org/naturalresources/parks/boating
- Cancellation and changes: See Reservation Guidelines section online for more info: https://www.larimer.org/naturalresources/reservations/campgrounds
- Dump stations: The dump station at Carter Lake is located at the south entrance to the park and is closed during the off-season (tentatively mid Oct-April). Call 970-619-4570 for updates.
- Fires: Campfires in approved fire rings at designated campsites only. No fireworks at any time. Check upon arrival for possible fire restrictions or call 970-619-4570.
- Firewood: Visitors are encouraged to buy firewood locally to prevent the spread of tree-killing insects and diseases. Gathering firewood in Larimer County parks and campgrounds is prohibited.
- Food and Trash: All food, beverages, toiletries, or other wildlife attractants must be stored in hard-sided containers, locked vehicles, or preferably in a bear-proof locker (where available). Trash must be placed in approved campground trash containers. Do not leave trash or other attractants at campsites or outside of the trash containers.
- Off Highway Vehicles: No OHVs or golf carts allowed. Motor vehicles must stay on established roads, parking lots, or pads.
- Pets: Must be on a leash (no more than 10 feet long) at all times. They may not be left unattended. Aggressive dogs are not allowed. No pets on swim beaches. Only 2 pets are allowed in Cabins. No pets allowed inside the Tipis.
- Quiet hours: 10:00PM to 6:00AM. Please be respectful of your neighbors and other campers.
- Showers: A shower house is available at Carter Lake - Eagle campground. Shower houses are closed during the winter months (tentatively November - April). Call 970-619-4570 for updates.
- Swimming: Only allowed at swim-beaches, which are located on the east side of Carter Lake and two locations at Horsetooth Reservoir (Sunrise day use area and South Bay).
- For more information on Larimer County Natural Resources policies and regulations, please call 970-619-4570 or visit https://www.larimer.org/naturalresources
Site
- Drinking water and vault restrooms are located in each campground, except Carter Knolls does not have a water spigot. Water available at frost free spigots only from Nov-March (tentative). For printable maps visit our website https://www.larimer.org/naturalresources/reservations/campgrounds .
- Water levels and current weather conditions can be found online: https://www.larimer.org/naturalresources/parks/webcams or call 970-619-4570 for more information.
Site Photos