Flatiron Reservoir Campground: Your Lakeside Escape in Loveland, CO

Flatiron Reservoir Campground Introduce

Hello, Colorado outdoor enthusiasts! Are you on the hunt for a picturesque and tranquil camping experience with breathtaking views and easy access to outdoor activities? Look no further than Flatiron Reservoir Campground in Loveland, CO. This charming, smaller campground, managed by Larimer County, is a true local secret, offering a serene lakeside retreat that many discover by happy accident and return to year after year.

Introduction / Overview

Flatiron Reservoir Campground provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Northern Colorado. This 47-acre reservoir, surrounded by scenic mountains, offers a peaceful and intimate camping experience with only 27 individual sites, making it perfect for those who prefer a less crowded environment. It's a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, and, of course, family camping. While boating and swimming are not permitted on Flatiron Reservoir itself (due to its primary purpose as a water storage facility), the stunning views, clean facilities, and proximity to other recreational areas make it a highly desirable destination. Visitors consistently praise the amazing sunsets over the water and the overall well-maintained nature of the campground, highlighting its appeal as a quiet escape from the everyday.

Location and Accessibility

Flatiron Reservoir Campground is conveniently located at 10528-10932 W County Rd 18E, Loveland, CO 80537, USA. Situated just a few miles northwest of Carter Lake and southwest of Loveland, its location offers an ideal balance of secluded natural beauty and accessibility to nearby towns. For locals in Loveland, Fort Collins, and surrounding Front Range communities, reaching the campground is a straightforward and scenic drive. While you're truly getting away from it all, you're never too far from essential amenities. The reviews confirm that despite its natural setting, the campground is close enough to town that simple errands, like getting ice, are no problem at all. This combination of an incredible outdoor setting with practical convenience makes Flatiron Reservoir Campground a highly accessible and desirable option for a quick weekend getaway or a longer family vacation for Coloradans.

Services Offered

Flatiron Reservoir Campground provides essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for its visitors, focusing on core camping needs within a beautiful natural setting.

Campsites: Offers a mix of tent and RV-friendly sites, with some providing electric hookups. Each site generally includes a picnic table and a campfire ring or grill.
Restrooms: Equipped with clean vault toilets. While showers are not typically available directly at Flatiron Reservoir Campground, shower facilities are usually accessible at nearby Larimer County parks like Carter Lake.
Water Access: Potable water spigots are available throughout the campground, with some frost-free options for year-round access, though bringing your own drinking water is always recommended.
ADA Fishing Pier: An accessible fishing pier is available for visitors.
Picnic Shelters: Public picnic shelters are on-site for day use and gatherings.
Dump Station: A dump station is typically available at the south entrance to Carter Lake, approximately 5 miles away, for RVs.
Park Entrance Permits: Required for all vehicles and must be purchased prior to arrival, either online or at Larimer County park gatehouses or administrative offices.
Reservations: Highly recommended, especially during peak season, and can be made online through the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources reservation system or by phone. Same-day reservations are also possible if sites are available.

Features / Highlights

Flatiron Reservoir Campground boasts several features that make it a standout choice for outdoor enthusiasts in Colorado, providing memorable experiences amidst stunning natural backdrops.

Spectacular Views: Renowned for its amazing views, with many sites located directly on the lake, offering incredible sunsets and mountain vistas.
Intimate Size: A smaller campground with only 27 spots, ensuring a more peaceful and less crowded atmosphere compared to larger facilities.
Excellent Fishing: The reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout and is a popular spot for fishing from the shoreline or the accessible pier.
Picnic Shelters: Available for day-use or group gatherings, providing shaded areas to enjoy meals and the scenery.
Clean Facilities: Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of the bathrooms, contributing to a comfortable camping experience.
Proximity to Town: Close enough to Loveland for convenient access to supplies like ice and groceries, bridging the gap between nature and necessity.
Hiking Opportunities: While specific trails directly from the campground might be limited, the surrounding Larimer County and national park lands offer extensive hiking opportunities for all skill levels.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Ideal for families seeking a quiet and safe environment to enjoy outdoor activities like fishing and simply appreciating nature.
Managed by Larimer County: Being part of the Larimer County park system ensures well-maintained facilities and adherence to established regulations.

Contact Information

For inquiries and reservations at Flatiron Reservoir Campground, please use the following contact information:

Address: 10528-10932 W County Rd 18E, Loveland, CO 80537, USA

Phone: (970) 619-4570

Mobile Phone: +1 970-619-4570

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Colorado, Flatiron Reservoir Campground offers an exceptional opportunity to connect with nature without venturing too far from home. Its location near Loveland provides the perfect balance of a serene, natural escape and the convenience of nearby amenities. Locals will particularly appreciate the breathtaking lakeside views and the peaceful ambiance that comes with a smaller, less bustling campground. The excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for rainbow trout, make it a perfect spot for anglers. While there might be temporary construction noises, as noted by some reviews, these are typically transient issues that do not detract from the overall beauty and tranquility. The ease of access, combined with clean facilities and the stunning natural backdrop, makes Flatiron Reservoir Campground an ideal choice for a spontaneous weekend getaway, a family camping trip, or simply a day of fishing and picnicking. It embodies the essence of Colorado's outdoor lifestyle, offering a truly local gem for relaxation and recreation.

To get a visual sense of the campground, you can watch this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DJO4E7v9oo).

Flatiron Reservoir Campground Photos

No photos available at the moment.

Flatiron Reservoir Campground Location

Flatiron Reservoir Campground

Colorado Larimer County Loveland West County Road 18E

10528-10932 W County Rd 18E, Loveland, CO 80537, USA

Flatiron Reservoir Campground Reviews

What a great spot. Amazing views and the sites are reasonably spread out with a bunch right on the lake. There's some kind of construction going on at the top of the dam and I can hear construction vehicles, even at night. But I assume that is a temporary thing. Cell service is spotty but I can get slow 4g with Verizon most of the time.
May 29, 2025 · Eric Zuckerman
We had no idea this campground existed, and we are happy we stumbled on it. We camped for three nights and had a blast. The campground was small, with only 27 spots. There was a pier for fishing and picnic shelters. The bathrooms were clean, and we were close enough to town that getting ice was no problem. We hiked, fished, and enjoyed the amazing sunsets. We will be back next year for sure.
May 13, 2025 · Realtor Noah Inhofer
Do not reserve site 13. It's a very strange layout. The other spaces are excellent and the campground is nice.
Jun 15, 2025 · Scott Fanselow
Overall a well kept campground, the rangers are very friendly and welcoming! Beautiful small lake, great for catching small lake trout. Several picnic shelters, a clean bathroom, an unbelievable sunset over the lake one night. This year there was a lot of broken glass on the bank making it really hard to feel safe letting kids/dogs play. Nice campground but you are not in a secluded area. The construction this year also went all night which made sleeping a challenge for a lot of adults, kids played hard enough they didn't mind. Book early if you want to camp here. Day use is available.
Jun 21, 2023 · Amanda Rice
We stayed at site F03 from June 8–14 (we left a day early) and were very disappointed in the condition of this campground.We live full-time in our motorhome and have traveled extensively across the country. Sadly, this was one of the worst campsites we’ve stayed at. The grass was extremely overgrown, the bushes and trees were encroaching on the site, and the water spigot in our area was non-functional. The site itself was so steep that we had to pull in forward just to attempt leveling our Class A RV—completely unsuitable for big rigs.Adding to that, this is not a full hookup site. You're paying over $50 per night (after the additional $10 vehicle charge) for electricity only, with the nearest dump station 7 miles away. That price is far too high for what’s offered, especially given the lack of maintenance.To their credit, the park office was understanding and did refund two nights of our stay, which we appreciated. However, we left a day early and will not be returning.
Jun 18, 2025 · Ross Winchel