Camping options near Livermore, Colorado range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites, with several locations along the Cache La Poudre River. The region includes Dutch George Campground, Mountain Park, and dispersed areas like Lost Lake, all offering tent and RV accommodation. Campgrounds in Poudre Canyon provide riverside sites with scenic mountain backdrops, while RV-friendly locations like Colorado Cabin Escape and Fort Collins Lakeside KOA provide additional amenities including cabins for visitors seeking more comfort.
Access to camping areas varies seasonally, with most developed campgrounds operating from May through September or October. Several campgrounds, including Ansel Watrous, Dutch George, and Kelly Flats, close during winter months but offer prime riverside locations during their operational season. Higher elevation sites may experience significant temperature fluctuations, even during summer months. Road conditions can present challenges in some areas, particularly for larger RVs or trailers. One camper noted that "There is a very sharp turn into the campground so watch your trailer length," regarding access to Ansel Watrous Campground, though they also mentioned that "large trucks with long trailers negotiate it without issue."
The Cache La Poudre River influences many camping experiences in the area, with riverside sites receiving consistently high ratings. Campers particularly value the natural sound barrier the river provides from nearby Highway 14. As one reviewer described Ansel Watrous Campground: "It's a very small campground with sites right along the river" and "while it is right off of the highway, the sites are down an embankment so you're not right next to the road and the sound of the river really drowned out a lot of the traffic noise." Wildlife sightings are common, though visitors should exercise caution as rattlesnakes have been reported in some areas. Public lands surrounding Livermore provide opportunities for activities including fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and rafting, with several campgrounds positioned near popular trailheads such as Greyrock Trail.
$20 / night
"There is a hairpin switchback to get into the lower loop and the website states that it is not accessible to trailers longer than 20 feet."
"Fees: $23.00 standard single $7.00 for 3rd vehicle Reservations: 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov
Out of season: FCFS
Firewood for sale by camp host located at Upper Ansel Watrous Campground."
"It’s not your run of the mill KOA by a highway. The lake is beautiful with a walking path all of the way around and paddle boats. The pool is nice. The miniature golf is pretty with mature trees."
"Lake, boats, water cannon boats, fishing, bikes, peewee golf, jumping thing. Walking path around lake."
$25 - $50 / night
"Beautifully placed right at the curve of the Poudre, there is a short walking trail next to it,a perfect hammock place in a shallow runoff, a spot to tether tubes or paddleboards in an eddy, a picnic table"
"The drive into the Poudre Canyon is a beautiful one. We camped Thursday to Sunday. Spots are scarce and were full by Friday mid day. Some sights have shade, some do not."
$20 - $47 / night
"Clean bathrooms, sites spread out nicely and lake access for paddleboarding. Unique Colorado location."
"First time there was around 1978. Been our favorite since. The lake is magnificent, complete with islands, giant boulders, and peaceful beyond belief."
$41 - $185 / night
"There are many places for multiple groups to be near each other, and reservations usually fill up."
"They have done a lot of work on the sites and surroundings. Family oriented and nice playground for them to play on."
$10 - $200 / night
"There are so many different types of sites, from those with several trees, lake side, open, or group spots. Water is available for filling bottles, but not campers."
"Easy drive from Loveland Colorado. The check In was very easy and the trails are right outside of the camp grounds. The park does have hook ups for water and power."
$20 / night
"We camped on the dispersed area just to the east of the campground in a pleasant spot in the trees and boulders a good distance from the dust of the road."
"If you’re driving up from Colorado Springs, etc. on the way to Yellowstone, Tetons, etc. this is a nice simple place (convenient to the highway) to stay to avoid being stuck in the car forever."
$20 / night
"We needed a stop on the way out of Colorado and grabbed a quick night here in a tent site. Water was off for weather but stoves made much needed coffee in the cold."
"This is a KOA journey, meaning it’s great for a stopover, and it is located next to a horse farm. If you are used to smelling farm life, then the smell won’t be a problem."
$29 / night
"Convenient and easy roadside/riverside camping that felt like it was more remote than it actually was."
"October '22 $25/night, $7 3rd car fee We arrived at 5pm and got the last car spot on a Tuesday, the walk-in tent sites were totally open."
ScoutNice spot by the resovoir - as others have said the actual water is private and difficult to get to, the camp spots do not actually have a view of the water. Nice walking routes nearby. We parked up in the open spots close to the resovoir and had to move in the night because of intense wind - pick your spot carefully! A bit of rubbish/old tents around the place which was sad!
TravelerEasy check-in procedure. Clean sites and Store.
LegendWas not planning to stop in Laramie, but the wind got to me! Pulled over here and was lucky to find a spot out of the wind.
Did go into town to check out the college town of Laramie and wanted to see if there was any tribute to Matthew Shepard--the college student who was killed there for being gay. Did find one small tribute on the college campus.
Good food in town. Enjoyed my stay. Glad I stopped.
ScoutGreat for relaxing, fishing, biking, hiking. Electric sites available. I didn’t see a dump station. It’s great for both overlanding and rving
ScoutWe found this site and several others while exploring around State Forest State Park. These sites are very remote and off grid. This specific one runs alongside Laramie River and is absolutely beautiful and peaceful. You’ll definitely need a 4X4 to get back here and be prepared to disconnect from your cell service.
LegendAfter leaving RMNP we headed towards Steamboat Springs via Poudre Canyon and the Roosevelt NF. Spent a quiet night off the highway. A few cars went by and a flock of turkeys but was otherwise a quiet spot to camp for the night. It is dispersed camping so no facilities or trash receptacles available. Pack in-pack out.
LegendWe stayed two nights while doing some winter hikes in the RMNP. The campground had fresh water, clean restrooms, dump station and trash and recycle.
TravelerThey need a sound reducing wall between the campgrounds and I-25. They need a lot more restrooms. Most campsites are too far away from a restroom. They need laundry facility added to the bathhouse. One of the vault toilets needed the floor mopped and front of toilet cleaned.
GuideIdk, spur of the moment.
Campsites near Livermore, Colorado offer year-round options across varied elevations from 6,000 to 8,000 feet. The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations with summer days reaching 80°F while nights can drop below 50°F, especially at higher elevations. Winter camping requires preparation for sub-freezing temperatures and potential road closures in certain areas.
Fishing opportunities: At Dutch George Campground, the Cache La Poudre River provides excellent trout fishing. "We stayed at site #8 and really enjoyed our view. It had a bear box, fire pit, picnic table, a bench close by and a beautiful view of the river," reports Erica P. The riverside sites are prime spots for anglers.
Hiking trails: The Mountain Park campground connects directly to the Mt. McConnel Trail. According to Wren H., "There is a whole loop of FCFS sites in case you don't get a reservation 6-months in advance. Hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are in the surrounding area, including the Mt. McConnel Trail, William R. Kreutzer National Recreation Trail and Young Gulch Trail."
Paddling activities: Dowdy Lake Campground offers non-motorized water recreation. Alisha R. describes it as a "Perfect Paddle Spot. Clean bathrooms, sites spread out nicely and lake access for paddleboarding. Unique Colorado location." The lake is wakeless, making it ideal for kayaks and canoes.
River sounds: Campers consistently praise how the river noise creates natural sound insulation at many Poudre Canyon sites. At Stove Prairie campground, one reviewer noted: "The river is SO close to these spots and it's just gorgeous. It was a great sound barrier at night and was fun to explore since the water level is low this time of year."
Clean facilities: Kelly Flats Campground maintains exceptional cleanliness. Kate H. observed, "I saw the hosts out checking and cleaning sites and bathrooms multiple times a day." Another camper noted, "Bathrooms were available" and the sites were "Clean & quiet."
Star viewing: The Lost Lake Dispersed camping area offers excellent night sky viewing. Henry H. described it as "a beautiful place to disconnect from city lights and relax under the stars. While it is a pretty busy area, there is a good amount of space between sites creating more privacy than a traditional campsite."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the area require reservations during peak season. Becky M. notes about Mountain Park: "There is a whole loop of FCFS sites in case you don't get a reservation 6-months in advance." For Dowdy Lake, she advises: "In the summer, reservations are hard to get, but the lake, the forested sites, and clean bathrooms are worth booking ahead for."
Road conditions: Access to some areas requires high-clearance vehicles. Amanda H. warns about Lost Lake: "The road to lost lake requires high clearance. It is located 30 min away from Red Feather Lakes." Another visitor mentioned needing to drive "pretty far on some dirt roads to get to the location."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. At Dutch George Campground, campers report "No cell service from any of the carriers." At Lost Lake, Sophie B. noted: "Checked to see if there was service before going and said we would on Verizon but not exactly true. There was some service at the site we stayed at, 1 bar, but most of the road/sites there was nothing."
Playground access: Fort Collins Lakeside KOA offers extensive family activities. Colorado C. describes it as "summer camp for the whole family. It's not your run of the mill KOA by a highway. The lake is beautiful with a walking path all of the way around and paddle boats. The pool is nice. The miniature golf is pretty with mature trees."
Child-friendly water spots: Some riverside sites have safer water access for children. According to D., at Dutch George Campground: "Site 10 is very wide but doesn't have much shade BUT if the river is high this is the best spot for kids as there is a large rock in the middle of the river that creates a gentle pool/gulley right in front of this spot."
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require extra planning with children. Wren H. notes about Stove Prairie: "It was freezing at night but then we realized the inside layer of our comforter was all bunched at the bottom, once we fixed it we were totally fine inside our tent." Fall temperatures can dip into the 40s overnight even when days are warm.
Site selection considerations: For RVs at Dutch George, site accessibility varies. "This is a small campground, but that's what makes it so great! Perfect for a stop-along-the-way because it's right off of 14," advises Wren H., who adds that it's "not large group friendly. No hookups."
Power availability: Dowdy Lake Campground offers electrical hookups beneficial even for non-RV campers. Rick P. notes: "Most sites have electric," and Becky M. adds, "The power at the sites is a plus, even for tent camping."
Limited hookup options: While several campgrounds accommodate RVs, full hookups are scarce. At Colorado Cabin Escape RV Park, Beth W. reports: "Quiet, ranchette setting. Ranch was quiet, horses and pronghorn made for excellent neighbors. Verizon 5G service was excellent."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Livermore, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Livermore, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 215 campgrounds and RV parks near Livermore, CO and 55 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Livermore, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Livermore, CO is Upper and Lower Ansel Watrous Campgrounds with a 4.6-star rating from 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Livermore, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 55 free dispersed camping spots near Livermore, CO.
What parks are near Livermore, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Livermore, CO that allow camping, notably Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG and Rocky Mountain National Park.
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