Carter Lake, CO
Book a Campsite at Carter Lake, CO
Description
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.
- Boat Gasoline
- Boat Launch Ramp
- Boat Mooring at some sites
- Boating
- Campfire Programs
- Comfort Station
- Drinking Water
- Dump Station
- Fishing
- Food Concessions
- Hiking Trail
- Horseback Riding
- Lake
- Lake Front
- Marina
- Mountain Biking
- Parking
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Tables
- Picnicing
- Playground
- Reservable Group Pavilion
- Restroom
- Scuba Diving
- Showers
- Swimming Beach
- Water Drinking
- Water Skiing
- Windsurfing/Sailboarding
Facility Rates*
Apr 01 2024 -
Sep 30 2024
Oct 01 2024 -
Mar 31 2025
Apr 01 2025 -
Sep 30 2025
*Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, attribute fees (electrical hookups / water hookups), taxes or incremental charges
**Weekly rates may not be available for all sites
40.33583, -105.21667
40°20'9"N, 105°13'0"W
(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.