Pinewood Reservoir Campground

Hello, Colorado outdoor enthusiasts! If you're dreaming of a peaceful mountain getaway where stunning lake views and quiet reflection are on the agenda, Pinewood Reservoir Campground near Loveland, CO, is quickly becoming a favorite among locals. This isn't just a place to park your RV or pitch your tent; it's a serene escape nestled at 6,580 feet in elevation, offering picturesque scenery and a tranquil atmosphere that allows you to truly unwind from the daily grind. Whether you're an avid angler, a paddleboarding enthusiast, or simply seeking a quiet spot to enjoy nature, Pinewood Reservoir Campground provides a beautiful backdrop for your next Colorado adventure.

What sets Pinewood Reservoir Campground apart, as consistently praised by returning visitors, is its stunning natural beauty and the exceptional service provided by its dedicated hosts and rangers. Imagine waking up to the sun rising over a gorgeous reservoir, casting golden hues across the water, and spending your days exploring gentle hiking trails or silently gliding across the lake in a kayak. While it offers a feeling of being "in the middle of nowhere," it's surprisingly accessible, making it a convenient choice for a quick weekend trip or a longer, more immersive stay for Coloradans looking for a serene mountain-lake experience.

The emphasis here is truly on a quiet and respectful outdoor experience. If you’re looking for a bustling party atmosphere, this isn’t it. Instead, Pinewood Reservoir offers a chance to reconnect with nature, enjoy the simple pleasures of camping, and benefit from well-maintained facilities. Even with its tranquil vibe, there’s plenty to do for those who love to explore, from excellent fishing opportunities to scenic walks around the reservoir. It’s a perfect illustration of why Colorado’s natural resources are so cherished, and how they can be enjoyed responsibly and peacefully.

In the following sections, we’ll dive deeper into what makes Pinewood Reservoir Campground such a fantastic option for local campers, covering its unique location and accessibility, the services it provides, its notable features, and how to get in touch. Get ready to discover your new favorite lakeside camping spot in Colorado!

Pinewood Reservoir Campground is located at Pole Hill Rd, Loveland, CO 80537, USA. This places it west of Carter Lake, at an elevation of 6,580 feet, nestled within the picturesque foothills of the Rocky Mountains. While its address is Loveland, its setting feels much more remote and immersed in nature, offering a true mountain escape without an excessively long drive from the Front Range.

Accessibility to Pinewood Reservoir Campground involves a journey that adds to its secluded charm. Visitors consistently note that "it is a STEEP grade to get there," describing the access as a "narrow 4-mile paved road with extreme, 8-10% grades." However, despite the steepness, the "road is good," and campers have reported "no issues towing up in the snow," indicating that it is well-maintained. This means that while you'll be ascending into the mountains, the path is generally manageable for RVs and trailers, provided you're prepared for the incline.

Once you navigate the climb, the reward is a "gorgeous reservoir" and a tranquil environment that feels a world away from the city. The campground’s setting ensures that you are "away from the crowds," fostering a peaceful atmosphere. It’s important to note that "there is ZERO cell signal for T-mobile," and cell service can generally be problematic in this area, which can be a welcome opportunity for a digital detox or a point to prepare for. However, this lack of widespread connectivity contributes to the quiet and undisturbed nature of the campground.

Despite its seemingly remote feel, Pinewood Reservoir is part of the Larimer County natural resources system, and its proximity to Loveland (and nearby Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir) means that essential services and additional recreational opportunities are not too far off. This balance of feeling "in the middle of nowhere" with relatively convenient access makes it a highly appealing spot for Colorado locals seeking a truly immersive outdoor experience.

Pinewood Reservoir Campground offers a range of services designed to make your stay comfortable and convenient amidst the beautiful natural surroundings:

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground features 27 campsites, including 15 standard drive-in electric sites for RVs and 12 walk-to (tent-only) sites, many of which offer perfect views of the lake. Each campsite includes a table, fire ring, and grill.

• Essential Amenities: Campers have access to drinking water (seasonal, usually April-August, with frost-free spigots available in colder months at Flatiron Campground nearby), vault toilets, and trash collection services.

• Boat Trailer Parking: For those bringing non-motorized watercraft, dedicated boat trailer parking is available.

• Day-Use/Picnic Area: Beyond the campsites, there are designated areas for day visitors, equipped with picnic tables for casual outings.

• Natural Play Area: A natural play area next to the campground provides a space for children to explore and enjoy.

• On-Site Hosts: The presence of "amazing" and "fantastic" hosts, as frequently mentioned in reviews, ensures that the campground is well-maintained, and visitors receive helpful assistance and a warm welcome.

• Sanitary Dump Station: While the dump station at Carter Lake (south entrance) is closed during the off-season, a $15 fee for RV dump stations is implemented starting summer 2024, indicating availability at Pinewood or nearby facilities.

• Reservations: Campsites can be reserved online 24/7 or by phone, with same-day reservations allowed at Pinewood Reservoir, offering flexibility for last-minute trips.

These services ensure a well-equipped and user-friendly camping experience at Pinewood Reservoir.

Pinewood Reservoir Campground is celebrated for several key features and highlights that make it a truly memorable Colorado camping destination:

• Gorgeous Reservoir Views: The most frequently praised highlight is the "gorgeous reservoir" itself. Many campsites are "dug out into the hillside, with a perfect view of the lake," offering stunning vistas, especially at sunset. The beauty of the reservoir provides a serene backdrop for all activities.

• Exceptional Hosts and Service: Visitors consistently rave about the "amazing" and "fantastic" hosts and rangers. Their helpfulness and commitment to keeping the campground "mostly clean" contribute significantly to a positive and welcoming experience, often encouraging return visits.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Described as "very quiet" and a "nice, quiet place to just relax," the campground offers a tranquil escape. Its location and limited cell service contribute to a serene environment, perfect for unwinding and enjoying nature without distractions.

• Excellent Non-Motorized Boating: Pinewood Reservoir is ideal for "paddle board or kayak" activities. It's a wakeless reservoir, meaning only hand-launched rafts, kayaks, canoes, windsurfers, sailboards, and stand-up paddleboards are allowed. This ensures a peaceful experience on the water, though caution is advised near the dam due to strong undercurrents and a roped-off whirlpool.

• Great Fishing Opportunities: The reservoir is a "fantastic trout lake," popular for trout fishing. Anglers have reported catching "tons of fish," including rainbow trout, brown trout, Snake River cutthroat, and even occasional lake trout and stocked tiger muskie.

• Accessible Hiking Trails: "Nice hiking trails on the other side of the dam" provide opportunities for exploration and enjoying the surrounding natural beauty. The Ramsay-Shockey Open Space and Blue Mountain trails are accessible, offering varying levels of challenge with scenic views.

• Secluded Feel: Despite its proximity to Loveland, the campground offers a sense of being "away from the crowds" and "in the middle of nowhere," providing a truly immersive outdoor experience.

These highlights combine to create a comprehensive and highly desirable camping destination for those seeking tranquility, scenic beauty, and engaging outdoor activities in Colorado.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Pinewood Reservoir Campground, please use the following contact details:

• Address: Pole Hill Rd, Loveland, CO 80537, USA

• Phone: (970) 498-7000

• Mobile Phone: +1 970-498-7000

It is highly recommended to call ahead or check the Larimer County Natural Resources website (or ReserveAmerica for bookings) for the most current information regarding site availability, seasonal closures (especially for water access in colder months), fire restrictions, and any changes to fees or policies. Given the popularity, especially in warmer months, booking in advance is often advisable.

For Colorado locals, Pinewood Reservoir Campground is an ideal destination that perfectly aligns with what many seek in a mountain escape. Its convenient location near Loveland means you can enjoy a profound sense of natural tranquility without enduring an excessively long drive, making it perfect for weekend getaways or even spontaneous mid-week trips. This accessibility, combined with the "steep grade" road that, while challenging, is well-maintained, ensures that the journey to this beautiful spot is manageable for various vehicles, including RVs, allowing more Coloradans to experience its charm.

What truly makes it suitable for locals is the harmonious balance it strikes between providing essential amenities and preserving a quiet, natural atmosphere. The "gorgeous reservoir" offers fantastic opportunities for popular Colorado activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing, all in a peaceful, non-motorized boating environment. This creates a relaxed setting on the water, ideal for those who prefer calm recreation to noisy motorized sports. Furthermore, the presence of "amazing" and "fantastic" hosts and rangers underscores the commitment to a positive visitor experience – a personal touch that resonates deeply with those who appreciate genuine Colorado hospitality.

Even the lack of widespread cell service for some carriers, while requiring a bit of planning (like knowing where to fill up water in the off-season, as campers noted), can be seen as a welcome opportunity to truly disconnect and immerse oneself in the stunning surroundings. For any Colorado local looking for a serene, clean, and actively managed campground with beautiful lake views, excellent non-motorized water activities, and a friendly welcome, Pinewood Reservoir Campground is not just a place to stay; it's a new favorite waiting to be discovered, offering a true taste of our state's cherished outdoor lifestyle.

Pinewood Reservoir Campground

Pole Hill Rd, Loveland, CO 80537, USA