Kayaking & Camping at Carter Lake Reservoir
Nestled beneath the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, the clear, cool waters of Carter Lake Reservoir -- often referred to simply as Carter Lake -- provide a destination for fishing, swimming and water sports of all kinds. The lake's 8-mile shoreline is ripe for exploration by canoe or kayak, and several campgrounds around the lake offer accommodations for tents and RVs.
Carter Lake Campgrounds
Larimer County operates five campgrounds around the shore of Carter Lake, with more than 140 campsites. The Big Thompson, Carter Knolls and North Pines campgrounds are non-electric, while campsites at the Eagle Campground include 50-amp electric hookups. The South Shore Campground includes both electric and non-electric sites. Almost all campsites are open to tents and RVs, but the Carter Knolls and South Shore campgrounds each have a handful of tents-only sites. All campers have access to drinking water and restroom facilities, and all campsites include campfire rings and picnic tables. The sites are typically open, grassy and spacious, with a few scattered trees for shade. Waterfront campsites are available at the Big Thompson and South Shore Campgrounds.
Launching on the Lake
Several spots around Carter Lake provide a spot to launch a kayak. The North Pines and South Shore campgrounds each include boat launch facilities with ample parking, while the Big Thompson and Carter Knolls Campground include ample open shoreline that can be used to hand-launch a kayak. Campers with a waterfront site can launch a kayak from their campsites. You can also put a boat in the water at Carter Lake Marina, at the north end of the lake. Rental kayaks are available at Carter Lake Canoe and Kayak Rental in the town of Berthoud, about 15 minutes east of Carter Lake.
Out on Open Water
The Rocky Mountains shelter Carter Lake from prevailing winds, making the lake a calm spot for kayaks. The lake is open to sailboats and powerboats of all kinds and can get fairly busy on weekends. Paddlers who stay close to shore shouldn't have to compete with too many other boats, particularly along the western shore, which is a designated no-wake zone. Carter Lake is a prime fishing lake, with ample populations of rainbow and brook trout, landlocked salmon, largemouth bass, bluegill, walleye and perch. Kayak fishermen with a valid Colorado fishing license are often rewarded with a hefty catch, particularly during the warmer months.
Know Before You Go
Campground reservations at Carter Lake area campgrounds are available online through Reserve America. Reservations are highly recommended during busy summer weekends, when the campgrounds are almost always full. On weekdays and during the off-season, unreserved campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Rates vary depending on the time of year, and camping fees are reduced during the off season, from October through March. An entrance permit is required for day use of Carter Lake parks and facilities, and these permits are available at the entrance station upon arrival. No additional fees or permits are required to launch a kayak, canoe or other non-trailered boat.