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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Boyd Lake State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A popular Colorado state park offering boating, fishing, swimming, and camping with scenic trails and family-friendly amenities.
"Beautiful walking and bike trails, nice laundry and shower facilities."

🚗 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Swim Beach & Water Sports
Swim Beach Area
Enjoy a sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water activities like paddleboarding.

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

Scenic Walking & Biking Trails
Throughout the Park
Explore well-maintained paths offering beautiful views of the lake and surrounding nature.

Boat Ramp & Rentals
Boat Ramp Area
Launch your boat or rent paddleboards and other watercraft for a day on the lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Weekend Crowds
Site Selection is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
🐍 Watch for Snakes
Be aware that snakes can be present in the park.
💧 Water & Dump Stations
Community water fill-ups and a dump station are available if your site lacks full hookups.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 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.
🐍 Watch for Snakes
Be aware that snakes can be present in the park.
💧 Water & Dump Stations
Community water fill-ups and a dump station are available if your site lacks full hookups.
🚲 Concrete Paths
Enjoy smooth concrete walking and biking paths throughout the park.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, there are parking areas available, especially near the swim beach and boat ramp. However, on busy weekends, parking can fill up quickly.
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.
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.
Public transport options to Boyd Lake State Park are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include swimming, boating, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, biking, and picnicking. There's also a playground for children.
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.
Fishing is permitted at Boyd Lake. Common catches include wiper, crappie, channel catfish, and walleye. A Colorado fishing license is required.
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.
The campground offers sites with varying hookups, laundry facilities, and showers. The newer section has modern concrete pads.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Absolutely! There are picnic areas available, and many visitors bring their own food to enjoy by the lake. Remember to pack out all trash.
Yes, the park is located within Loveland city limits, so there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores a short drive away.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Yes, Boyd Lake can offer beautiful sunset views over the water, creating a picturesque backdrop for photography.
You might spot various bird species, and potentially small mammals. Keep an eye out during your walks.
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.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the best natural light for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Day-Trippers
🎣 Anglers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Boyd Lake
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend stays, as the park is a popular local destination. The campground's playground is a significant draw for families, providing a fun space for children to play. While the park is generally well-maintained, some reviews mention rough roads within the park, so drive cautiously.
Water Activities and Lake Access
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. Visitors have noted that the lake level can fluctuate, as it did in May when it was reported to be low. 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.
Trails and Outdoor Recreation
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. 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.





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