Carter Lake

1800 SOUTH COUNTY ROAD 31, LOVELAND CO 80537
LOVELAND, CO 80537

Notice

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Campers MUST make a reservation and purchase a park entrance permit BEFORE setting up at any campsite.

Entrance Permits Required: Permits are required for each vehicle and trailered watercraft in addition to camping fees. ($10/day per vehicle or trailered watercraft. $20/day for vehicle + trailered watercraft.) Campers that prepurchase their vehicle permits with their reservation can bypass the entrance gates and proceed directly to their site. To show proof, print the first page of your confirmation email and display it on the passenger side of the dashboard for the corresponding vehicle.

One Camping Unit Per Site: A camping unit is defined as a wheeled unit used to sleep in such as RVs, 5th wheels, trailers, pop-ups, etc. Second units are not allowed at any campsite or cabin, but additional ground tents are allowed.

No Shows: If you do not show up within 24 hours of your scheduled check in time, and you do not notify the park by calling (970) 619-4570 that you will be arriving late, your site may be resold and may not be available when you arrive.

Carter Lake is located in the foothills west of Loveland at an elevation of 5,760 feet. It is a part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project operated by the Bureau of Reclamation and the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District. The purpose of this water project is to divert water from the west slope to the east slope for drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower generation. The Bureau of Reclamation is solely responsible for power generation. The agencies jointly manage water levels for irrigation, municipal, and industry use. Recreation is managed by Larimer County Natural Resources. Three miles long and about one mile wide, Carter Lake is a 1,100-acre reservoir surrounded by 1,000 acres of public lands and is popular for fishing, sailing, camping, swimming, scuba diving, rock climbing, and water skiing. It is open year round. Park Entrance Permits and Camping Fees are required.

Camp site features

Across 112 camp sites:

Electric hookups: 95 of 112 sites
Fire pit: all 112 sites
Picnic table: 108 of 112 sites
Pets allowed: 110 of 112 sites
ADA accessible: 8 of 112 sites
Group sites: 3 of 112 sites
Longest RV: 80 ft
Power up to 50 amps

Fees

Non-Peak Primitive Site $10.00 Non-Peak Standard Full Hookup $22.00 Non-Peak Standard with Electric Hookup $19.00 Non-Peak Standard with Water and Electric Hookups $21.00 Peak Primitive Site $10-$12 Peak Standard Full Hookup $22.00-$24.00 Peak Standard with Electric Hookup $19.00-$21.00 Peak Standard with Water and Electric Hookups $21.00-$23.00

Rules

**Additional Policies & FAQ**: Please visit our Policies & FAQpage for a complete list of reservation requirements, essential park/campground details, answers to frequently asked questions, and a link to our full park regulations.

Directions

(Park address: 1800 S.C.R. 31; Loveland, CO 80537) Take 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.