Best Camping in and near Boyd Lake State Park

100% (3 reviews)

Swim, fish, jet ski or kayak in this urban lakeside park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Boyd Lake State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Boyd Lake State Park

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Cottonwood

138 sites · RVs, Tents In Boyd Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Boyd Lake State Park

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The Bluebear at Y Double-K Ranch

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Ward, CO

We border a national forest where you can hike and just enjoy the outdoors. The Ceran Saint Vrain trailhead is less than one mile away and Brainard Lake is a short 20 minute drive. If you feel as you need to go to town, Boulder, Estes Park, and Nederland are all a 30 min drive. Away, yet close enough!

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Sherwood Creek Camp and Glamp

5 sites · Lodging, Tents24 acres · Nederland, CO

This forested and open meadow property is located on a seasonal creek 2 miles from the quaint mountain town of Nederland, Colorado. A short drive to both Boulder & Denver and situated in the picturesque Front Range, Nederland has convenient access to skiing, mountain biking, hiking & camping, including many points of access to the Continental Divide. The property is within walking distance of Boulder County Open Space and Indian Peaks Wilderness trails for endless biking and hiking adventures. Sites are private and secluded. There is a 20-foot tipi, a quaint treehouse, and a tent site camp that can be rented separately or together for larger groups. Toilet, picnic table, and potable water all available onsite. We have endless hiking, biking, and mountain fun activities onsite and nearby! Space for camper vans as well! We look forward to hosting you soon.

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Boulder Tintype Ranch

7 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Valmont, CO

Welcome to our charming 2-acre farm nestled in East Boulder with a view of Long’s Peak. Just minutes from town - near walking trails, a bike park, shopping, and restaurants. A great pitstop on your way to or from the mountains. We have a 4 meter Glamping tent complete with a queen sized bed and rocking chairs, as well as spots in the meadow for RVs and camping tents. We limit the meadow to 5 small groups so there always remains plenty of open space for everyone. Our goal is to offer you a peaceful and affordable place to rest. The most affordable in all of Boulder! We have a community fire ring, big stacks of free burn wood and kitchen tables. We have well water to offer up by the house, but I wouldn’t drink it without purification… makes for a great cold outdoor shower. We have a HoneyBucket (toilet) tucked away in the bushes. It is pumped weekly and cleaned daily. We have fresh eggs! The chickens free range during the day, so please keep an eye on your dogs… leash if necessary. Our gals won’t run away. THE GOOD: *Easy in and out location *Most affordable rates in all of Boulder. *Beautiful view of the Longs Peak. *Lots of sun *Summertime creek on the property. *Fresh eggs!!! *Tintypes! *Community campfire with free firewood THE BAD: *Daytime road noise (pretend ocean waves??). *Limited shade. *Total RV length 40 feet - Truck AND Trailer - due to a steep and winding entrance and exit. *Good Morning Rooster We can handle RVs around 40 feet in TOTAL LENGTH - truck and trailer. It’s a big field, but a narrow, winding and steep ramp to get in and out. If you are a nervous driver, perhaps choose another place to rest your head. If you are a confident driver with towing experience, you can probably even go bigger. No designated spots. Please feel free to park anywhere you’d like while leaving enough room for other campers. It is flattest along the fence by the pond - leveling boards are stacked up in the field to borrow. Please note there is no access to the pond itself. It’s our neighbor’s property. We've got Tintype Portraits! I am a Wet Plate Photographer specializing in 1800’s antique metal portraits made of silver. Half off a one night stay is included in the price of every portrait. Check out: TheTintypeCompany.com if you get the chance. We are indeed the cheapest Hipcamp in Boulder, and our goal is to remain as affordable as we possible can. Alternatively, there is a $22 place up near Loveland, a $36 farm in Longmont, and a van-only spot in Evergreen for $33… The local homeless shelter is also an option if you are car camping. No joke, it is wonderful. More like an hostel than a homeless shelter. And they have facilities!! Folks do it all the time if the shelter has the space that night. Showers, WiFi, even food. Their contact info is: 4869 N Broadway Boulder, CO 80304 bouldershelter.org +1 (303) 442-4646 If you are in a van and just looking for a place to park for a night, 33rd north of Arapahoe is your best bet. It’s right next to the Police station, so fairly safe. The streets aren’t level, but neither is our field! Great for vans, not so great for larger RVs or trailers. All that said, we would love to be your host. Our place is clean, safe, and quiet at night. It’s super convenient to town. Please reach out with any questions you may have. I’ll do my level best to help in any way I can. Safe travels! Sincerely, Patrick

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Arapaho Valley Ranch

68 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Granby, CO

Arapaho Valley Ranch is a gorgeous, family-owned guest ranch in Colorado’s beautiful Grand County. Our ranch is surrounded by the Arapaho National Forest and is nestled in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This area features hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic steam engines from the old town of Monarch. We have a private hiking trail that leads to our “kissing swing” overlooking the headwaters of the Colorado River Valley. Property Description Disclaimer: The amenities, features, and services displayed in photos on our website or promotional materials are for illustration purposes only. AVR does not guarantee the availability, condition, or quality of these amenities at the time of your visit, and they are subject to change. AVR reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue any feature or service without notice at any time.

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Montgomery Homestead

4 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Lafayette, CO

A 6th generation 160 acre working farm, with a beautiful view of the Colorado front range. Minutes away from multiple municipalities. Our sites are located in a quite area near a water storage 1 acre pond. Great for an evening stroll or sit back and enjoy the sounds and sights of Colorado birds and wildlife.

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Mountain View Farmland

4 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Longmont, CO

Beautiful field, with open views on 3 sides and mountain views on the 4th. Right next to lovely Haystack mountain, home to a heard of elk. Quiet, big skies, low light pollution. 10 minutes outside of Boulder, but in the countryside :) We have an unused field of low grass on our property that is quite flat (1-2 degrees) and great for camping. Note for entering: Turn into the gravel driveway. Then turn left immediately after the cut-off phone pole (this is the largest gap to enter the field). There is a bit of a dip from the driveway into the field. Also, on the righthand side of the driveway is a pretty large rain-collecting hole/ditch -- keep an eye out for it.

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Neverland/Camp Wilder

5 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Nederland, CO

Welcome to Camp Wilder! We are an off-the-beaten-path camp offering peace and solitude. The cabin is very special to my family and me. It was passed down as a mining claim from my grandmother who founded it in the '60s. The vision for the land was simply perfect. A small 10 x 10 cabin with the whole mountain to explore and whoever they wished to bring with them. The town of Nederland is 10 minutes down the road where you can fish at Baker Reservoir. Lots of fun little stores in town to keep the family busy. Wildlife is everywhere up by the cabin/campsite, always remember don't leave food lying around with lots of great things to look for around the magical town of Nederland. The cabin sleeps up to 8 with the futon downstairs being very comfortable and 3" foam upstairs in the loft for more sleeping area. Bring your sleeping bags to stay cozy at night. There are lanterns inside to light up your night with a wood stove to keep you warm at night. The ground around it is sloped so you may have a hard time setting up any tents around the cabin. The grocery store is in Nederland where you can buy food, Coleman green propane bottles, gallon jugs of water and wood. There is a 3 burner Coleman, stove to cook on with limited pots & pans as well as silverware. Road disclaimer, the road to the cabin is one lane dirt road. The drive up to the cabin is pretty good but the turn onto the single dirt road to the cabin has a slight dip, if you have a low-clearance car it may bottom out when you are turning so be careful. No Trailers. They will not be able to turn around once there. Recommend vehicles with AWD. Go 3.4 miles up Caribou road. Turn right @ yellow stakes go .4 miles. Park on the left. Hike down to the cabin between yellow stakes. We are @ 10,000 feet and it is a slight hike to the cabin. Go 3.4 miles up Caribou road. Turn right @ yellow stakes go .4 miles When leaving please make sure both door locks are locked, put the key in the lock box and mix the code for the next camper.

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Terry Bison Ranch Resort

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Cheyenne, WY

Terry Bison Ranch has a history all the way back to the 1800's. The ranch was once owned by F. E. Warren (The first governor of the state of Wyoming). President Teddy Roosevelt was also a guest at the ranch and a picture of him in the main house, hangs on the wall in the Senators Steakhouse. For more in depth history of this amazing ranch, come visit and ride the bison train tour, let your kids take a pony ride, or enjoy a family fun trail ride! Learn more about this land: Terry Bison Ranch Resort is a functioning bison ranch with adventures to explore. We have a bison train tour that takes you out to feed the bison, a steak house, horseback trail rides, and plenty of animals to look at. The dry camping is in the fields surrounding the park.

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Creekside Paradise

6 sites · Lodging, Tents42 acres · CO

Located perfectly between Boulder, Nederland, and Rocky Mountain National Park, and very close to other stunning hikes, this spot is a great landing pad to have easy access to some of the most beautiful places in the Rockies as well as offering it's own breathtaking scenery. This land is the sacred land of the Arapaho tribe. Chief Niwot and his tribe spent winters here. It is a very special place. The property is a mile long so there is plenty of space with the tent sites being 1/2 mile from the yurt and separate entries for each. There are currently 2 tents sites available, a bell tent, and a yurt.

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Gold Nugget Tree House

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Gold Hill, CO

Come visit our sweet little treehouse in the woods. Our property is just steps away from the bustling historic town of Gold Hill, a destination for tourists and road bikers alike. The treehouse is a glamping experience with just enough amenities to keep you comfortable. Food - Bring your cooler with food supplies or take out in Boulder before you head up the mountain. Or grab a coffee, pizza, snack or a glass of wine at the Gold Hill store. If you'd like a full service dining experience, make a reservation for a 5 course meal at the Gold Hill Inn. What To Do: Walk around the historic town of Gold Hill. We promise you will be entertained. Ask a local about the museum, the cemetery, or the historic two room school house, or any other favorite spots they have around the area. Love the woods and nature, but would like a little action? Attend a local live music concert at the Gold Hill Store or the Gold Hill Inn on a beautiful summers night. Drive to Estes Park or Rocky Mountain National Park to explore for the day. Boulder - 20 minutes Nederland - 35 minutes Estes Park - 45 minutes The Treehouse is furnished with Queen size bed and plenty of blankets to keep you warm, but feel free to bring your sleeping bag if you prefer. A roll out twin size feather bed for the floor is available upon request if you have a few more folks joining. We provide a portable toilet with WagBags. Please always pack out all human solid human waste. Gold Hill Store offers a toilet for a minimal fee and the Gold Hill Inn has a toilet for customers. A camp stove is available for outdoor use. The camp stove and the propane heater both use 1 lb propane canisters, so feel free to bring your own fuel to cook and keep you warm. A can of propane is always available for your use of the stove. * A note to novice campers and regular hotel patrons: Though you are in a shelter, you are still exposed to the elements. The treehouse is not insulated. Wind, bugs, and critters may all be a part of the variable treehouse experience mother nature has planned for you. If you are not comfortable camping, getting dirty, swatting flies, being too hot, being too cold, hearing the noises of animals at night, waking up to the sound of magpies, and who knows what else, this experience may not be for you.

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Rocky Mountain Glamping

6 sites · Lodging, RVs5 acres · Lyons, CO

A Rocky Mountain Glamping Experience! *** Bliss Camp awarded Runner-Up for Best Glamping in Colorado for 2023 and 2024 *** November 2024 Update: Winter has arrived and after a very successful 2024 Glamping season, Bliss Camp is taking a break until April 2025. 2024 provided exceptional weather which enhanced all of our many Glampers' experiences. Temperatures were delightful all the way until October 30. Wildflowers were abundant most of the season, and autumn colors were spectacular for nearly two months. Bliss Camp is now accepting reservations for our 2025 Glamping season. We will be reopening April 25, weather permitting. Due to our popularity reservations often fill up quickly. We suggest you make your reservations as much as six months in advance if you are that organized and especially if you have a group to rent the entire camp. At times there are last minute cancelations which allows for last minute openings. Big news flash: Bliss Camp is adding a 12' x 14' Glamping Wall Tent in 2025. We have it in our possession now! This is larger than our Frontier Tent. It will have an early settler / gold miner theme which is fitting since Bliss Canyon may have been the northern most gold mines in Colorado. The tent will be placed uphill in a private location in the vicinity of the Frontier Tent. It will be situated about 300' from the Frontier Tent so privacy will be maintained for all accommodations. The view of rock formations is spectacular. It will have it's own well-stocked kitchen, private hot shower and propane fire pit for those romantic moments! Oh, did we mention there is flat parking within 30' ! Dot and Byron look forward to greeting our many returning guests and are eager to meet new Glamping adventurers. Happy Trails and towards the fun! Dot and Byron Welcome to Bliss Canyon! Relax stream side in your private camp overlooking lush nature and towering rock outcroppings. Stroll along a rushing stream or head up challenging Moose Track trail to Balancing Rock. After your day of adventure or kicking back enjoy a hot shower. Share your revelations of the day around the campfire, roast marshmallows, or relish your favorite beverage or special treat as you unwind. The open air, covered Kitchens have sinks, fresh, potable hot water, kitchenware, gas stove —pots, pans, dishes, utensils, etc, BBQ with side burner, critter-resistant food safe, bear-proof trash can, and picnic table outside. We provide a convenient propane campfire for safety since our climate is dry and often windy. No candles or open flames please. There are easy trails on property along the lush stream (the original riverbed of the Middle Saint Vrain Stream), fishing or swimming in the pond (no lifeguard on duty), or challenging trails into Roosevelt National Forest from the property. (Ask Hiker Dot for guidance.) Several National Forest access points, where you can enjoy peaceful walks away from crowds, are a short drive. Bliss Canyon is a spur off of breathtaking, picturesque South Saint Vrain Canyon. Stroll on over to the South or Middle for renowned fly fishing. For climbers, there are over 50 climbs in South Saint Vrain Canyon! Dark Skies: If you like to watch the stars and meteor showers, Bliss Canyon is blessed with dark skies with little light from the plains. Bring your telescopes and explore the Universe. Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the five Crown Jewels of the National Park Service, is nearby. The closest trailhead in RMNP is 10 miles, the next trailhead at Wild Basin entrance to the park is 13 miles, and the Beaver Meadows entrance (main entrance) is 36 miles. Rocky Mountain National Park has breathtaking drives, easy strolls with interpretive signs, and 360 miles of trails. (Advance reservation required for entry 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for main park, or 5:00 am to 6:00 pm for Bear Lake corridor.) Indian Peaks Wilderness also has several nearby access points and trailheads. Ask Dot for details. Fall Colors are forecasted to be over the top this year starting in September to late October. Bliss Canyon explodes with color and is a great base camp for Aspen viewing along Peak to Peak Highway, Rocky Mountain National Park and all the surrounding areas. The famous Fall Elk Rut starts the beginning of September. According to Byron, the Elk Rut is one of the best National Geographic Moments on the Planet! This is a must experience event! We are located near Rocky Mountain National Park which typically provides the best opportunities to view the Rut, as well as other areas near the Park. During the Fall we provide "Little Buddy" propane heaters for the Gypsy Wagons and the Frontier Tent to help you warm up during cold evenings. Additionally, with a new Starlink booster we now have internet at all camps. The charming town of Lyons is 20 minutes away with coffee shops, restaurants, bars, lots of great live music, library with free wifi, and quaint shops*. Also, Spirit Hound Distillery received the award for the #1, Best Whiskey in the World in 2022, hmmm, it might be worth a tasting! Dot and Byron look forward to hosting you in our spectacular Rocky Mountain Paradise. Wir sprechen auch Deutsch!

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Gordon Creek RV Park

23 sites · Lodging, RVs80 acres · Livermore, CO

Enjoy peace and tranquility on 80 acres of private land. Hook into one of our RV sites with full hookups or stay in one of our beautiful cabins with close access to the nightlife of Ft. Collins as well as the gorgeous Red Feather Lakes area and all it has to offer. Visit Rigby's roadhouse for dinner and drinks right here on the property or take the family on a trail ride with Tattered Saddle. Wildlife is abundant in the area and you might see deer, elk, fox, bear, hawks, and bald eagles. Close to many trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, snow tubing, snowmobiling, fishing, backcountry skiing, hunting, and even a golf course close by.

The best camping near Boyd Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

Right in the city of Loveland, Colorado, Boyd Lake is beloved by water sports enthusiasts, with about 1,700 surface acres of water that can be used by motorized and non-motorized boats alike. Other popular summertime activities include swimming, fishing, and birdwatching, while sledding, ice skating, and ice fishing are a source of winter fun. There’s only one place to camp in the park, Cottonwood Campground, which is suitable for RVs and tents, and offers solid amenities, including dump sites, hot showers, flush toilets, playgrounds, laundry facilities, and horseshoe pits.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve one of the Cottonwood Campground’s 148 tent and RV sites through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife online reservation system or over the phone.
Reservations can be made up to six months advance. Same-day reservations are also available.
While the campground is open during the winter season (November-March), the number of available campsites are reduced and only one restroom (with showers and flush toilets) remains open. Laundry is also not available during this period.

When to go

High season at Boyd Lake runs from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend, and the park and its campground are at their busiest when school is out for summer. May has pleasantly warm weather but also gets the most rainfall out of any month of the year, while September is a good month for warm, dry weather without the summer vacation crowds. Spring and fall are the best times for spotting migratory waterfowl.

Know before you go

The closest place to pick up groceries and supplies is in Loveland, right by the park. Supermarkets, restaurants, and medical facilities are within a five-minute drive of the campground.
All campers must have both a camping reservation and a separate Colorado State Parks Annual Pass or a Daily Pass.
Campsites at Boyd Lake can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. The entry gate clearance is 14 feet and 2 inches.
Three wheelchair-accessible sites are in the campground.