The best camping near Lory State Park

Pine-clad hills, rugged mountain trails, and verdant valleys stretch through the Rocky Mountain foothills in Lory State Park. With more than 20 miles of bike- and hoof-friendly trails to explore, this outdoor paradise has options for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Need an extra dose of adrenaline? Try the rock-climbing routes around Arthur’s Rock, tackle the equestrian cross-country course, or go cross-country skiing. For a change of scenery, follow the trails down to the Horsetooth Reservoir, where you can boat, kayak, and raft. Camping at Lory is an adventure, too—there are six hike-in backcountry campsites. 

1. You can reserve one of the park’s six backcountry campsites via the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. 
2. Campsite reservations open six months in advance. 
3. Campsites can book up on holiday weekends and during peak season (June through August), so book a minimum of three months in advance for these times.

Lory State Park is a year-round destination, and winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing once the hiking trails freeze up. Wildflowers brighten up the hillsides from late spring through summer, and this is the most popular time for hiking and outdoor activities. Trails can get muddy after rainfall and may close in periods of extreme weather. Camping is possible year-round but is limited to Friday and Saturday nights during hunting season (September through May). 

• Lory State Park is located 11 miles west of Fort Collins, or about a 20-minute drive. The Horseshoe Reservoir lies just outside the park’s east boundary.
• Park entrance fees are payable in addition to camping fees.
• Facilities in the park include a Visitor Center and picnic areas with restrooms and drinking water. You can purchase groceries, gas, and other supplies in LaPorte, a 10-minute drive from the park. 
• All Lory State Park campsites are primitive backcountry sites (with no restrooms or water) and lie at least a 2-mile, one-way hike from the nearest parking lot. There is no RV camping in the park. 
• Fire bans are prohibited in Lory State Park, but cooking stoves are permitted.