Top Camping Spots Near Fort Collins
Need a quick escape into the wild? Good news—you don’t have to drive far. Fort Collins is consistently featured on ‘Best Places’ lists, in part, due to its proximity to alpine lakes, shady pine forests, stunning rock formations, and stunning camping spots. And we can’t wait to share some of our favorites with you.
In this article, we’ve collected picturesque camping destinations within a two-hour drive that are perfect for wild weekend getaways. As we were compiling our list, we kept the considerations in mind to create a diverse selection that any outdoors enthusiast will love.
Considerations:
- • Distance: under a two-hour drive from Fort Collins
- • Beautiful scenery: mountains, lakes, rivers and forests
- • Camping options: dispersed camping vs. first-come-first-served campgrounds vs. campgrounds that require reservations
- • Types of camping: tent, RV and backcountry
- • Who: family-friendly, dog-friendly and solo escapes
- • Activities: swimming, paddling, hiking, mountain biking, fishing
Our Favorite Weekend Camping Spots Near Fort Collins
1. Red Feather Lakes – Dowdy Lake Campground (≈ 1 hour)
- • Shady pines, paddle-friendly lake, tent and RV sites
- • Best for: families, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing
Tucked into a shady ponderosa pine forest, Dowdy Lake feels like a backcountry escape but it’s barely an hour from your front door. This peaceful, no-wake lake is perfect for paddleboarding, canoeing, and casting a line, making it a go-to for families and anyone craving quiet on the water. Just don’t plan on swimming—it’s a look-but-don’t-dive kind of lake.
2. Poudre Canyon – Stove Prairie and Ansel Watrous Campgrounds (≈ 1 hour)
- • Riverfront camping, fishing, scenic drives
- • Best for: waterside relaxing, quick getaways
Tucked along the wild and scenic banks of the Poudre River are the Ansel Watrous and Stove Prairie Campgrounds. These spots offer two flavors of escape, shady forests and sunlit meadows, and are perfect for laid-back weekends filled with campfires, paddling, and the sound of rushing water. It’s classic Colorado camping, complete with steep canyon walls, a canopy of brilliant stars, and just far enough from home to feel like a getaway.
3. State Forest State Park (≈ 1.5 hours)
- • Lakes, moose sightings, dispersed options, insane peaks “the crags” some of the most distinct in the area
- • Best for: wildlife sightings, hiking, backcountry camping
Looking to spot moose and other wildlife? This is your best bet. State Forest State Park is a local favorite, and a personal favorite for the Tellus team. With jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and miles of rugged trails, it’s one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich places within striking distance of Fort Collins. Whether you're hiking, spotting wildlife, or chasing geocaches with the kids, this place delivers big on backcountry beauty.
4. Roosevelt National Forest – Dispersed Camping (≈ 1–2 hours)
- • Free, scenic, secluded
- • Best for: experienced campers and off-grid weekends
When we really want to disappear from civilization, dispersed camping in Roosevelt National Forest is where you’ll find us (but don’t come looking). With plenty of designated dispersed sites tucked into the hills, it’s the kind of place where you can fall asleep to wind in the trees—and nothing else. It’s free, it’s scenic, and it’s for those who like their weekends a little more off-grid. Just pack in, pack out, and give nature the respect it deserves.
5. Chambers Lake Campground (≈ 1.5 hours)
- • Near Cameron Pass, stunning alpine views, cool temps
- • Best for: escaping the heat, paddleboarding, fishing
Chambers Lake Campground is a beautiful destination for both alpine camping Colorado and alpine lake camping near Fort Collins. At 9,200 feet elevation it’s a cool spot when the weather heats up in town. Pack warm things for chilly overnight temps and a telescope for viewing the stars. This site is known for fishing, canoeing, a variety of trails and incredible wilderness access.
6. Horsetooth Reservoir (< 30 min)
- • Close to town, tent and RV sites, swim beach
- • Best for: quick overnights, first-time campers, paddleboarding, mountain biking, hiking
Right on the west edge of town is Horsetooth Reservoir, and it never disappoints. With tent sites, RV hookups, a swim beach, and easy access to trails, it’s the perfect spot for a spontaneous overnight, first-time camping trip, or a long weekend at the lake. Paddleboard by day, stargaze by night, and sleep just minutes from home. Fun fact: we love this place so much it inspired our Satanka Cove UPF 50+ Sun Shirts that are built for long, sunny days at the lake.
7. Vedauwoo (≈ 1hour 15 minutes)
- • Stunning rock formations, climbing paradise
- • Best for climbing, bouldering, star gazing, wildlife viewing and photography (beaver ponds attract tons of Moose)
Another benefit of living in or visiting Northern Colorado is our proximity to incredible natural areas in Wyoming. Just a short drive north lies the Vedauwoo Campground. Vedauwoo (pronounced vay-duh-voo) is one of Wyoming’s premier climbing, biking and hiking destinations. The area's striking geological features, including vast rock formations of granite that have been sculpted by erosion are something to see at least once in a lifetime.
Reminders for a Successful Camping Weekend
- • Reserve spaces early or arrive early to claim dispersed sites
- • Pack up your Tellus Duffel with clothing options for quick-changing weather
- • Layer up for cool mornings that transition to hot afternoons with breathable Tellus performance shirts, Satanka Cove sun shirts with UPF 50+ sun protection, hoodies and flannels
- • Respect wildlife and Leave No Trace
- • Pay attention to and follow fire restrictions
Campgrounds & Dispersed Camping Near Fort Collins
Within two hours of home, you can lose yourself in nature and breathe the fresh air of Northern Colorado’s best camping destinations. Got a go-to spot we didn’t mention? Tag us on your next adventure @tellusoutdoor. (We respect secret camp spots—but we’d still love a glimpse.)
And before you hit the road, swing by Tellus for sustainable layers, sun protection, and the kind of gear that’s built for a lifetime of adventure with purpose.