Carter Lake, CO

CARTER LAKE: IMPACTS DUE TO CONSTRUCTION

Road and parking lot construction projects are currently in progress. Active construction will generally occur Monday through Friday, with the possibility of weekend work as needed. For questions, please call the Administration Office at (970) 619-4570.

• For construction updates, visit engage.larimer.gov/flapcarterlake
• For the latest updates on trail impacts, reservoir access, and conditions, visit COTREX at trails.colorado.gov

FIRE RESTRICTIONS (NO CAMPFIRES)

Increased fire restrictions are currently in effect for unincorporated Larimer County until 11:59 p.m., July 21, 2026.

• NO contained or uncontained open flames, including any fire, campfire, grill, stove, or smoker using wood, wood byproducts, or charcoal
• NO Smoking in the open, including on trails, parks, and open spaces, and no fireworks or incendiary devices
• Gas or liquid fueled fires, including grills and camping stoves are allowed

For more info, please visit https://www.larimer.gov/spotlights/2026/05/27/larimer-county-extends-fire-restrictions.

Carter Lake Specific Notices:

• IMPORTANT NOTICE: Carter Knolls and North Pines campgrounds do not have electricity. They are Standard-sized (pull-in/pull-thru sites with picnic tables & tent pads) without electric hookups.
• Generators are allowed outside of quiet hours (10pm - 6am).
• Drinking water and vault restrooms are located in each campground, except Carter Knolls does not have a water spigot. Water is available at frost-free spigots year round. From September - March (tentative), all other spigots will be turned off.
• For printable maps, visit our website: https://www.larimer.org/naturalresources/reservations/campgrounds
• Water levels and current weather conditions can be found online at: https://www.larimer.org/naturalresources/parks/webcams or call 970-619-4570 for more information.

All Campsite Reservations:

• Each reservation is for 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. (Call 970-619-4570 with questions.)
• 6-8 people maximum per campsite at Carter Lake, Flatiron, Pinewood, and Horsetooth Reservoir campgrounds. The person making the reservation is responsible for ensuring all site occupants know and obey all regulations.
• Check In: Noon at campsites (can check in later), 1 PM for group pods at Sky View. Go directly to campsite after obtaining required park entrance permits (annual or daily). Check Out: 11 AM.
• Same-day camping reservations can be made online 24/7, by calling 1-800-397-7795, or in-person during regular business hours. For walk up, after hours camping, scannable QR codes are also available at sites with connectivity. Campers MUST make a reservation and purchase a park entrance permit BEFORE setting up at any campsite. The following exclusions apply:
  • Sky View Campground (Group Pod Sites) — Online/phone reservations must be made a minimum of 1 day in advance from March–October and 3-days in advance from November–February. Note: Same-day walk-in reservations may be made in person on a first-come first-served basis subject to availability and at the discretion of the park office.

Cancellations, Changes, Fees, and Rules:

• Reservations can be updated or cancelled online by logging in through ReserveAmerica. Or call 1(800) 397-7795 to change dates, site info, add nights, etc.
• 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.
• Reselling a campsite or other service provided by Larimer County is NOT ALLOWED and may result in fines.
• Cancellation fee: $6.35 per site/per reservation will be charged to the customer. (At no time shall the customer be charged more to cancel the reservation than it would have cost to camp.)
• Cancel 6 days or more prior to arrival - An applicable refund will be granted less cancellation fee and reservation fee.
• Cancel 5 days or less prior to arrival - 1 night use fee plus cancellation fee and reservation fee.
• Exceptions to this cancellation policy apply to Skyview Campground. (Select a site for more info).