Boyd Lake State Park
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Boyd Lake State Park

4.4
·3k reviews·Loveland, United States

A popular Colorado state park offering boating, fishing, swimming, and camping with scenic trails and family-friendly amenities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Boyd Lake State Park

Boyd Lake State Park

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A popular Colorado state park offering boating, fishing, swimming, and camping with scenic trails and family-friendly amenities.

4.4
(3k reviews)

"Beautiful walking and bike trails, nice laundry and shower facilities."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Day Pass Fee

A day-use fee applies if you don't have a Colorado State Parks Pass.

🏕️ Newer Campground Recommended

Opt for the newer campground for larger, concrete pads and better spacing.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Swim Beach & Water Sports

Swim Beach & Water Sports

Swim Beach Area

Enjoy a sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water activities like paddleboarding.

TikTok
Campground Playground

Campground Playground

Campground Area

A fantastic playground that keeps kids entertained, making it a great spot for families.

Reddit
Scenic Walking & Biking Trails

Scenic Walking & Biking Trails

Throughout the Park

Explore well-maintained paths offering beautiful views of the lake and surrounding nature.

Reddit
Boat Ramp & Rentals

Boat Ramp & Rentals

Boat Ramp Area

Launch your boat or rent paddleboards and other watercraft for a day on the lake.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Weekend Crowds

Boyd Lake State Park is a popular local spot, especially on weekends. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, aim for weekdays. The swim beach and boat ramp can get very busy, impacting campground access during peak times. Consider arriving early or visiting during the off-season for a quieter visit. Reddit

Site Selection is Key

RV campers, especially those with larger rigs, should be aware that some pull-through sites are very tight. The newer campground area offers larger, modern concrete pads and better spacing. Always check site dimensions and amenities like water and sewer hookups before booking. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Summer mornings
Why
Ideal for water activities
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer visitors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

There are not many lakes in Colorado with swimming beaches but this one is an hour away from Denver. There is a campground, swim beach, boat ramp, playground, concession stand with sweet treats, showers, and paddle board rentals at this state park. Fun place to go and hang out by the lake! ☀️☀️☀️ *Fee for day pass if you do not have the Colorado state park pass* #fypシ #coloradocheck #traveltiktok ...
@devenr3
4.7K likes • 92.4K views

🚗 Day Pass Fee

A day-use fee applies if you don't have a Colorado State Parks Pass. TikTok

🏕️ Newer Campground Recommended

Opt for the newer campground for larger, concrete pads and better spacing. Reddit

Where I have a ✨main character moment✨ — Loveland Pass Lake #colorado #sunset #thingstodoincolorado
@denverdogguide
4.2K likes • 69.1K views
🍁 Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁 Feeling grateful for all the wonderful things to do and see in Loveland, Colorado. From the stunning sculptures to the scenic trails, and the peaceful Boyd Lake State Park to the charming Downtown Loveland. There's so much to appreciate and explore! Wishing everyone a joyful Thanksgiving filled with love and gratitude! 🦃🍂
visitlovelandco
301 likes • 4.7K views

🐍 Watch for Snakes

Be aware that snakes can be present in the park. Instagram

💧 Water & Dump Stations

Community water fill-ups and a dump station are available if your site lacks full hookups. Reddit

Snakes a plenty at Boyd Lake State Park! #colorado #seizethedaydream
seizethedaydream
5 likes • 394 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Day Pass Fee

A day-use fee applies if you don't have a Colorado State Parks Pass. TikTok

🏕️ Newer Campground Recommended

Opt for the newer campground for larger, concrete pads and better spacing. Reddit

🐍 Watch for Snakes

Be aware that snakes can be present in the park. Instagram

💧 Water & Dump Stations

Community water fill-ups and a dump station are available if your site lacks full hookups. Reddit

🚲 Concrete Paths

Enjoy smooth concrete walking and biking paths throughout the park. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Boyd Lake State Park is a beloved local recreation area with beautiful trails and excellent water sports facilities. While many praise the campground amenities like the playground and shower facilities, some visitors, particularly RVers, find the campsites to be very tight and the internal roads rough. Access on busy weekends can be a challenge due to shared gates with the swim beach and boat ramp. Reddit

"Tight fit, busy local recreation area.
Pros: Beautiful walking and bike trails. Nice laundry and shower facilities.
Cons: super tight pull through sites. Most will not accommodate a 32 foot rig and tow vehicle. Roads are very rough inside the park. No directional signs when entering so we had to circle around 3 times to find water and figure out how to get into our site. “Waterfront” classification is deceptive. You can’t even see the water and are at least 200 yard walk to lake. Worst part is that the local swim beach and boat ramp are accessed through the same gate as campground. Weekend visitation to the beach was incredibly busy. When returning to our campsite on a Sunday afternoon,, we were stuck in an hour long traffic jam trying to get into the campground. Very poor design. Leaving a day early, just not happy here."

Julie Jordan

"The playground in the campground was awesome for the kids. Nice walking trails for the dogs. Sites in the older area are really close together. Recommend the newer campground if you want a little more space. The lake was low when we went in May."

Kirsty Ferguson

"We stay here frequently. Great park. Has a rental shop where you can rent paddle boards, boogie boards, etc. I believe there is also the ability to rent different types of boats. This is one of my favorite Colorado state parks. Because it is within the Loveland city limits, I believe that the park gets sprayed for mosquitos and so they aren’t rampant there like they are elsewhere, for example, Jackson Lake."

Natasha McClure

What People Like

Beautiful walking/biking trails
Great playground for kids
Water sports rentals available

What People Dislike

Tight RV sites
Rough internal roads
Weekend access congestion

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Boyd Lake State Park is about an hour's drive north of Denver. Take I-25 North and then merge onto US-34 East towards Loveland. The park is well-signed from there. TikTok

Yes, there are parking areas available, especially near the swim beach and boat ramp. However, on busy weekends, parking can fill up quickly. Reddit

Access to the campground can be challenging on busy weekends due to traffic from the swim beach and boat ramp. Arriving early or on a weekday is recommended. Reddit

Some visitors have noted a lack of clear directional signs upon entering the park, which can lead to confusion. Pay attention to signs for the campground, swim beach, and boat ramp. Reddit

Public transport options to Boyd Lake State Park are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is a day-use fee for entry if you do not possess a Colorado State Parks Pass. The annual pass is a good value if you plan to visit multiple Colorado state parks. TikTok

The park is generally open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Specific facilities like campgrounds and rental shops may have different hours. It's best to check the official Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for the most current information. TikTok

Yes, advance booking for campsites is highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays. You can typically book through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife reservation system. Reddit

The Colorado State Parks Pass provides access to all state parks without additional day-use fees. Seniors and individuals with disabilities may qualify for discounted annual passes. TikTok

Pets are generally allowed in Boyd Lake State Park but must be kept on a leash. They are typically not permitted on designated swim beaches. Always check park regulations for specific rules. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Activities include swimming, boating, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, biking, and picnicking. There's also a playground for children. TikTokReddit

Yes, Boyd Lake has a designated swim beach that is popular during warmer months. The water can be shallow near the shore, making it suitable for families. TikTok

Fishing is permitted at Boyd Lake. Common catches include wiper, crappie, channel catfish, and walleye. A Colorado fishing license is required. TikTok

Yes, there are walking and biking trails throughout the park, offering scenic views of the lake. Some trails are paved, while others are natural surface. Reddit

The campground offers sites with varying hookups, laundry facilities, and showers. The newer section has modern concrete pads. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is a concession stand that offers sweet treats and snacks. For full meals, you'll need to bring your own food or dine in nearby Loveland. TikTok

Absolutely! There are picnic areas available, and many visitors bring their own food to enjoy by the lake. Remember to pack out all trash. TikTok

Yes, the park is located within Loveland city limits, so there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores a short drive away. TikTok

Alcohol policies can vary. It's essential to check the specific park regulations regarding alcohol consumption. Generally, responsible consumption may be allowed in designated areas. TikTok

Campers can typically use personal grills at their campsites. Picnic areas may also have designated grill spots. Always check park rules for fire safety regulations. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The swim beach offers great shots of the water and sky, especially during sunrise or sunset. The walking trails provide opportunities for nature photography. TikTok

Yes, Boyd Lake can offer beautiful sunset views over the water, creating a picturesque backdrop for photography. TikTok

You might spot various bird species, and potentially small mammals. Keep an eye out during your walks. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in Colorado State Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Always check the official park regulations before flying a drone. TikTok

The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the best natural light for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Boyd Lake State Park is a fantastic destination for families. The campground playground is a major highlight, ensuring kids have plenty of fun. Reddit The swim beach offers a safe and enjoyable place for children to play in the water, and the shallow areas near the shore are particularly good for younger ones. TikTok Consider booking a campsite in the newer section for more space and comfort, and remember to bring along any necessary beach toys or picnic supplies for a full day of family enjoyment. Reddit

🚗 Day-Trippers

For a day trip, Boyd Lake State Park offers a refreshing escape. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the designated areas, and spend your time swimming at the beach, renting a paddleboard, or simply relaxing by the water. TikTok Be prepared for potential crowds, especially on weekends, and consider arriving earlier in the day to secure a good spot. A day-use fee applies if you don't have a state park pass. TikTok

🎣 Anglers

Boyd Lake is a popular spot for fishing, known for species like wiper, crappie, channel catfish, and walleye. TikTok Anglers can cast their lines from the shore or from a boat. Remember to obtain a valid Colorado fishing license before you start. The park's accessibility and variety of fish make it a worthwhile stop for fishing enthusiasts. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Camping at Boyd Lake

Boyd Lake State Park offers a campground with various amenities, including laundry and shower facilities. Visitors have noted that the sites in the older section can be quite close together, which might be a concern for those seeking privacy or traveling with larger RVs. Reddit The newer campground area is frequently recommended for its larger, modern concrete pads and improved spacing, making it a more comfortable option for RVers. Reddit It's crucial to check the specific site details when booking, as not all sites offer full water and sewer hookups, though community water and a dump station are available. Reddit

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend stays, as the park is a popular local destination. Reddit The campground's playground is a significant draw for families, providing a fun space for children to play. Reddit While the park is generally well-maintained, some reviews mention rough roads within the park, so drive cautiously. Reddit

Water Activities and Lake Access

Boyd Lake is the central attraction for many visitors, offering a range of water-based recreation. The park features a designated swim beach, which is a popular spot for families and sunbathers during the summer months. TikTok Beyond swimming, the lake is ideal for boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking. A boat ramp provides easy access for those bringing their own vessels, and a rental shop on-site offers paddleboards and potentially other watercraft. TikTok

While the 'waterfront' classification for some campsites can be misleading, with sites being a considerable walk from the water, the lake itself is easily accessible from various points in the park. Reddit Visitors have noted that the lake level can fluctuate, as it did in May when it was reported to be low. Reddit The park's location within Loveland may also contribute to fewer mosquito issues compared to other Colorado lakes, making for a more pleasant experience on the water. Reddit

Trails and Outdoor Recreation

Beyond the lake, Boyd Lake State Park provides ample opportunities for land-based outdoor activities. The park boasts beautiful walking and biking trails that wind through the scenic landscape, offering pleasant routes for exercise and exploration. Reddit These trails are often paved, making them accessible for various fitness levels and suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Reddit

For those interested in nature, the park's environment supports diverse flora and fauna. While not a major hiking destination in the vein of the Rocky Mountains, the trails offer a relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors. TikTok Visitors can also appreciate the park's commitment to maintaining its natural beauty, with reminders to stay on marked trails to protect fragile alpine tundra vegetation in certain areas. TikTok

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