RV Parks In Loveland, Colorado
40.3978° N, 105.0750° W
Quick Overview
Loveland sits right at the foot of the Colorado Front Range, just off I-25 between Denver and Fort Collins, and it makes an excellent RV base for Rocky Mountain National Park. The town pairs flat, easy valley driving and comfortable full-hookup parks with quick access west up US-34 to Estes Park and the national park. We like Loveland as a base because camping inside and right at the national park is scarce and competitive, while Loveland offers plentiful full-hookup sites, a lake in town, and an easy drive to the high country, all with full services and supplies close at hand.
You have strong private parks plus public lake camping. Loveland RV Resort offers 156 resort sites with full hookups, mountain views, and big-rig pull-throughs up to 60 feet, about an hour from the national park. Riverview RV Park & Campground sits on the Big Thompson River with shady full-hookup sites about 35 minutes from Estes Park, and North Shore RV Park west of town puts you next to Carter Lake. For public camping, Boyd Lake State Park is right in Loveland with electric sites and a dump station on a reservoir, and the county campgrounds at Carter Lake offer foothills red-rock scenery. Between them you can stay in town, by a lake, or closer to the canyon.
Big rigs do great in the valley, which is flat with easy I-25 access, but the drive west on US-34 into the Big Thompson Canyon toward Estes Park is narrow and winding, so leave the coach at camp and take a tow vehicle up to the national park. At about 5,000 feet the days are warm and sunny with cool nights and afternoon thunderstorms, and the high country opens fully only from late spring through fall. Rocky Mountain National Park uses timed-entry permits in peak season, so plan ahead. Staying a while and need to empty your tanks? See our guide to RV dump stations in Loveland.
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All Dump Stations Near Loveland
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loveland RV Resort | 3.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Loveland RV Resort | 3.3 mi | 4.2 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Faicon's Landing RV Park | 4.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| RV Retreat At Johnson's Corner | 5.8 mi | 4.2 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Riverview RV Park | 6.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Sky View Campground | 8.2 mi | 4.9 | Dump Station | Varies |
| North Shore RV Park & General Store | 8.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| South Bay Campground | 8.5 mi | 4.5 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Horsetooth Reservoir South Bay Campground | 8.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Horsetooth Inn And R.v. Park | 9.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Loveland RV Resort
3.3 miLoveland RV Resort
3.3 miFaicon's Landing RV Park
4.4 miRV Retreat At Johnson's Corner
5.8 miRiverview RV Park
6.1 miSky View Campground
8.2 miNorth Shore RV Park & General Store
8.3 miSouth Bay Campground
8.5 miHorsetooth Reservoir South Bay Campground
8.9 miHorsetooth Inn And R.v. Park
9.8 miTraveling to Loveland by RV
Loveland is easy to reach on I-25, which runs north-south just east of town between Denver, about an hour south, and Fort Collins just north. US-34 is the key route west, climbing through the Big Thompson Canyon to Estes Park and the Beaver Meadows entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, and US-287 connects north-south through the Front Range towns. The valley itself is flat and easy for any rig; the canyon drive on US-34, however, is narrow and winding, a beautiful but tight route best driven in a tow vehicle rather than a big coach.
The smart play is to base in Loveland or at one of the foothills lakes and day-trip up to the mountains. Estes Park is about 40 minutes west, the national park just beyond, and Boyd Lake State Park is right in town for an easy evening on the water. Reserve Rocky Mountain National Park timed-entry permits ahead in the busy season, since they are required to enter during peak hours. Check the Rocky Mountain National Park page for entry timing, Trail Ridge Road status, and conditions, since the high alpine road is only open seasonally.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Loveland, Colorado, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Loveland
Camping costs in Loveland are reasonable for a Front Range gateway. The private full-hookup parks generally run about $45 to $65 a night for a site with water, electric, and sewer, with the resort-style parks and big-rig pull-through sites at the higher end, and weekly or monthly rates for longer stays. That is good value given you are a short, scenic drive from one of the most popular national parks in the country, where on-site camping is far harder to get.
Boyd Lake State Park in town is the value pick, charging Colorado State Parks rates for its electric sites plus the required park pass, a bargain for a lakeside spot minutes from town. The Larimer County campgrounds at Carter Lake offer similar value in the foothills. Dispersed camping on national forest land toward the mountains is free for self-contained rigs. Budget for the national park pass and timed-entry reservation, plus fuel for the day trips up the canyon. Reserve private and state-park sites ahead for summer and fall weekends, when national park visitors fill the Front Range parks.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
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Best Time to Visit Loveland by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
20°F - 45°F
Crowds: Low
Cold with snow and chinook thaws; high country largely closed. Valley parks quiet; bring cold-weather gear.
Spring
Mar - May
33°F - 60°F
Crowds: Medium
Variable with late snow possible; the high country and Trail Ridge Road open later. Quieter shoulder season.
Summer
Jun - Aug
56°F - 86°F
Crowds: High
Warm sunny days, cool nights, afternoon storms; peak national park season fills Front Range parks. Reserve ahead and book timed entry.
Fall
Sep - Oct
37°F - 67°F
Crowds: High
The best season; crisp days, golden aspens, and the Estes Park elk rut. Book ahead for color weekends.
Explore the Loveland Area
A few things we have learned camping Loveland. First, use it as a national park base rather than trying to camp at altitude. Sites in and right at Rocky Mountain National Park are limited and competitive, while Loveland offers plentiful full-hookup parks at lower elevation with full services, just an easy drive from the mountains, so park the rig here and drive a tow vehicle up US-34. Second, that canyon road is narrow and winding, so it really is better tackled without the coach; the Big Thompson Canyon is scenic but tight.
Third, plan for the national park's timed-entry system. In peak season Rocky Mountain National Park requires a timed-entry permit to enter during the day, separate from the park pass, so reserve ahead and build your entry window into the day. Fourth, time your visit. Late spring through fall is the window for full high-country access, including Trail Ridge Road, and fall is special, with golden aspens and the elk rut in Estes Park. Finally, watch the weather: afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, mountain conditions change fast, and nights are cool even after warm days, so pack layers.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Loveland
What are the best RV parks in Loveland?
For full hookups with resort amenities, Loveland RV Resort offers 156 sites with mountain views and big-rig pull-throughs up to 60 feet, about an hour from Rocky Mountain National Park. Riverview RV Park & Campground sits on the Big Thompson River with shady full-hookup sites about 35 minutes from Estes Park, and North Shore RV Park west of town puts you next to Carter Lake. For public camping, Boyd Lake State Park is right in Loveland with electric sites and a dump station on a reservoir, and the Larimer County campgrounds at Carter Lake add foothills scenery. Together they let you base in town, by a lake, or closer to the canyon and mountains.
Do Loveland RV parks have full hookups?
Yes. The private parks offer full hookups with water, electric, and sewer at the site, usually with 30 and 50 amp service. Loveland RV Resort, Riverview RV Park & Campground, and North Shore RV Park all provide full-hookup sites, with Loveland RV Resort handling big rigs up to 60 feet on pull-throughs. The public options differ: Boyd Lake State Park offers electric sites with a dump station rather than full hookups, and the county campgrounds at Carter Lake have some electric sites. So for full hookups choose a private park, and for an affordable lakeside stay use Boyd Lake and the dump station on your way out.
How much does RV camping cost in Loveland?
It is reasonable for a national park gateway. Private full-hookup parks generally run about $45 to $65 a night for water, electric, and sewer, with resort-style and big-rig sites at the higher end and weekly or monthly rates for longer stays. Boyd Lake State Park in town is the value pick, charging Colorado State Parks rates for electric sites plus the required park pass, and the Larimer County campgrounds at Carter Lake offer similar value. Dispersed camping on national forest land toward the mountains is free for self-contained rigs. Budget separately for the national park pass and timed-entry reservation when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park.
How far ahead do I need to reserve a campsite in Loveland?
For summer and fall weekends, reserve well ahead, since Rocky Mountain National Park visitors fill the Front Range parks. The private parks and Boyd Lake State Park book up for peak-season weekends and especially for fall color and the elk rut, so reserve early through the parks' systems and the Colorado State Parks system. Midweek and in the off-season you have more flexibility. Separately, you must reserve a national park timed-entry permit ahead during peak season to enter during the day. For a summer or fall mountain trip, book both your campsite and your park entry in advance.
When is the best time to go RV camping in Loveland?
May through October is the window for full Rocky Mountain National Park access, including the high alpine Trail Ridge Road, which is only open seasonally. Summer brings warm, sunny days, cool nights, and afternoon thunderstorms, along with the biggest crowds and the timed-entry requirement. Fall is arguably the best, with crisp weather, golden aspens, and the dramatic elk rut up in Estes Park. Winter is cold with snow, and the high country largely closes, though the valley parks stay open. If you can choose, aim for late summer or fall and reserve both your site and park entry ahead.
Can big rigs camp in Loveland?
Yes, easily in the valley, which is flat with easy I-25 access and full-hookup parks built for large rigs; Loveland RV Resort handles pull-throughs up to 60 feet. The route to avoid with a big coach is US-34 west through the Big Thompson Canyon to Estes Park, a narrow, winding mountain road far better suited to a tow vehicle. So base your big rig in the Loveland valley, where driving and parking are simple, and use a smaller vehicle for the day trips up the canyon to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Inside the park, vehicle-size limits also apply on some roads.
Is Loveland a good base for Rocky Mountain National Park?
It is one of the best Front Range bases. Camping in and right at Rocky Mountain National Park is limited and highly competitive, while Loveland offers plentiful full-hookup RV parks at a comfortable lower elevation with full services and supplies, just 40 to 60 minutes from the park via US-34 and Estes Park. Basing here lets you keep the big rig on level ground with hookups and drive a tow vehicle up for day trips into the park. You will still want a timed-entry permit for peak-season visits, but for combining national park access with RV comfort, Loveland is a smart, practical choice.
Do I need a reservation to enter Rocky Mountain National Park?
In peak season, yes. Rocky Mountain National Park has used a timed-entry permit system during its busy months, typically late spring through fall, requiring a reservation to enter during daytime hours, in addition to the standard park entrance pass. The exact dates and rules change year to year, so check the National Park Service site before your trip and reserve your timed-entry permit ahead, since they are released in advance and sell out. Entering very early or later in the day can sometimes avoid the requirement. Plan your park days around your entry window, and base in Loveland for easy access.
Are there free or first-come camping options near Loveland?
Yes, in the foothills. Roosevelt National Forest land west toward Estes Park and the mountains allows dispersed boondocking with no services, free for self-contained rigs. Boyd Lake State Park and the Larimer County campgrounds at Carter Lake charge modest fees and may have first-come sites outside busy weekends. For full hookups and convenience near town you will want a private park, but boondockers have real free options on the national forest land in the foothills. As always with dispersed sites, arrive with full water and empty tanks, pack out everything, and check fire restrictions, which are common in summer.
What is there to do while camping in Loveland?
The headline is Rocky Mountain National Park, 40 to 60 minutes west through Estes Park, with alpine peaks, the high Trail Ridge Road, abundant wildlife, and endless hiking. Estes Park itself offers shops, the historic Stanley Hotel, and famous elk wandering town, especially during the fall rut. Closer in, Boyd Lake State Park provides swimming, boating, and fishing right at the edge of Loveland, and the town's Benson Sculpture Garden reflects its reputation as an art and bronze-casting hub. Fort Collins just north adds breweries and a lively downtown. Between mountains, lakes, and culture, Loveland fills a week easily.
How do I get to Loveland with an RV?
Loveland is easy to reach on I-25, which runs north-south just east of town between Denver, about an hour south, and Fort Collins just north, with Denver International Airport the nearest major hub. US-287 connects the Front Range towns, and US-34 heads west into the mountains toward Estes Park. The valley driving is flat with no grades or low bridges, so it is simple for any rig. Avoid taking a big coach up the narrow Big Thompson Canyon on US-34; base in the valley instead and day-trip up in a tow vehicle. The RV parks and Boyd Lake sit close to I-25 and US-34.
Are Loveland campgrounds open year-round?
The private parks generally operate year-round, so you can find a full-hookup site any month, with winter being quiet and cold along the Front Range. Boyd Lake State Park is typically open year-round as well, though services may be reduced in winter. The big seasonal factor is the mountains: Rocky Mountain National Park's high Trail Ridge Road and much of the high country close in winter, reopening from late spring through fall. If you camp in the cold months, the valley parks work fine with a furnace and freeze protection, but plan your national park visits for the warmer seasons when the high country is fully open.
Is there a dump station in Loveland?
Yes. The private full-hookup parks let you dump at your own site, which covers most RVers staying in the valley. Boyd Lake State Park in town has a dump station for campers using its electric sites, and the county campgrounds at Carter Lake have dump facilities as well, so plan to use one on your way out if you camp at a non-sewer site and top off fresh water at the same time. If you are boondocking in the national forest or staying somewhere without sewer, see our companion guide to RV dump stations in Loveland linked from this page for the public and pay options around town.
What are the best RV parks in Loveland?
For full hookups with resort amenities, Loveland RV Resort offers 156 sites with mountain views and big-rig pull-throughs up to 60 feet, about an hour from Rocky Mountain National Park. Riverview RV Park & Campground sits on the Big Thompson River with shady full-hookup sites about 35 minutes from Estes Park, and North Shore RV Park west of town puts you next to Carter Lake. For public camping, Boyd Lake State Park is right in Loveland with electric sites and a dump station on a reservoir, and the Larimer County campgrounds at Carter Lake add foothills scenery. Together they let you base in town, by a lake, or closer to the canyon and mountains.
Do Loveland RV parks have full hookups?
Yes. The private parks offer full hookups with water, electric, and sewer at the site, usually with 30 and 50 amp service. Loveland RV Resort, Riverview RV Park & Campground, and North Shore RV Park all provide full-hookup sites, with Loveland RV Resort handling big rigs up to 60 feet on pull-throughs. The public options differ: Boyd Lake State Park offers electric sites with a dump station rather than full hookups, and the county campgrounds at Carter Lake have some electric sites. So for full hookups choose a private park, and for an affordable lakeside stay use Boyd Lake and the dump station on your way out.
How much does RV camping cost in Loveland?
It is reasonable for a national park gateway. Private full-hookup parks generally run about $45 to $65 a night for water, electric, and sewer, with resort-style and big-rig sites at the higher end and weekly or monthly rates for longer stays. Boyd Lake State Park in town is the value pick, charging Colorado State Parks rates for electric sites plus the required park pass, and the Larimer County campgrounds at Carter Lake offer similar value. Dispersed camping on national forest land toward the mountains is free for self-contained rigs. Budget separately for the national park pass and timed-entry reservation when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park.
How far ahead do I need to reserve a campsite in Loveland?
For summer and fall weekends, reserve well ahead, since Rocky Mountain National Park visitors fill the Front Range parks. The private parks and Boyd Lake State Park book up for peak-season weekends and especially for fall color and the elk rut, so reserve early through the parks' systems and the Colorado State Parks system. Midweek and in the off-season you have more flexibility. Separately, you must reserve a national park timed-entry permit ahead during peak season to enter during the day. For a summer or fall mountain trip, book both your campsite and your park entry in advance.
When is the best time to go RV camping in Loveland?
May through October is the window for full Rocky Mountain National Park access, including the high alpine Trail Ridge Road, which is only open seasonally. Summer brings warm, sunny days, cool nights, and afternoon thunderstorms, along with the biggest crowds and the timed-entry requirement. Fall is arguably the best, with crisp weather, golden aspens, and the dramatic elk rut up in Estes Park. Winter is cold with snow, and the high country largely closes, though the valley parks stay open. If you can choose, aim for late summer or fall and reserve both your site and park entry ahead.
Can big rigs camp in Loveland?
Yes, easily in the valley, which is flat with easy I-25 access and full-hookup parks built for large rigs; Loveland RV Resort handles pull-throughs up to 60 feet. The route to avoid with a big coach is US-34 west through the Big Thompson Canyon to Estes Park, a narrow, winding mountain road far better suited to a tow vehicle. So base your big rig in the Loveland valley, where driving and parking are simple, and use a smaller vehicle for the day trips up the canyon to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Inside the park, vehicle-size limits also apply on some roads.
Is Loveland a good base for Rocky Mountain National Park?
It is one of the best Front Range bases. Camping in and right at Rocky Mountain National Park is limited and highly competitive, while Loveland offers plentiful full-hookup RV parks at a comfortable lower elevation with full services and supplies, just 40 to 60 minutes from the park via US-34 and Estes Park. Basing here lets you keep the big rig on level ground with hookups and drive a tow vehicle up for day trips into the park. You will still want a timed-entry permit for peak-season visits, but for combining national park access with RV comfort, Loveland is a smart, practical choice.
Do I need a reservation to enter Rocky Mountain National Park?
In peak season, yes. Rocky Mountain National Park has used a timed-entry permit system during its busy months, typically late spring through fall, requiring a reservation to enter during daytime hours, in addition to the standard park entrance pass. The exact dates and rules change year to year, so check the National Park Service site before your trip and reserve your timed-entry permit ahead, since they are released in advance and sell out. Entering very early or later in the day can sometimes avoid the requirement. Plan your park days around your entry window, and base in Loveland for easy access.
Are there free or first-come camping options near Loveland?
Yes, in the foothills. Roosevelt National Forest land west toward Estes Park and the mountains allows dispersed boondocking with no services, free for self-contained rigs. Boyd Lake State Park and the Larimer County campgrounds at Carter Lake charge modest fees and may have first-come sites outside busy weekends. For full hookups and convenience near town you will want a private park, but boondockers have real free options on the national forest land in the foothills. As always with dispersed sites, arrive with full water and empty tanks, pack out everything, and check fire restrictions, which are common in summer.
What is there to do while camping in Loveland?
The headline is Rocky Mountain National Park, 40 to 60 minutes west through Estes Park, with alpine peaks, the high Trail Ridge Road, abundant wildlife, and endless hiking. Estes Park itself offers shops, the historic Stanley Hotel, and famous elk wandering town, especially during the fall rut. Closer in, Boyd Lake State Park provides swimming, boating, and fishing right at the edge of Loveland, and the town's Benson Sculpture Garden reflects its reputation as an art and bronze-casting hub. Fort Collins just north adds breweries and a lively downtown. Between mountains, lakes, and culture, Loveland fills a week easily.
How do I get to Loveland with an RV?
Loveland is easy to reach on I-25, which runs north-south just east of town between Denver, about an hour south, and Fort Collins just north, with Denver International Airport the nearest major hub. US-287 connects the Front Range towns, and US-34 heads west into the mountains toward Estes Park. The valley driving is flat with no grades or low bridges, so it is simple for any rig. Avoid taking a big coach up the narrow Big Thompson Canyon on US-34; base in the valley instead and day-trip up in a tow vehicle. The RV parks and Boyd Lake sit close to I-25 and US-34.
Are Loveland campgrounds open year-round?
The private parks generally operate year-round, so you can find a full-hookup site any month, with winter being quiet and cold along the Front Range. Boyd Lake State Park is typically open year-round as well, though services may be reduced in winter. The big seasonal factor is the mountains: Rocky Mountain National Park's high Trail Ridge Road and much of the high country close in winter, reopening from late spring through fall. If you camp in the cold months, the valley parks work fine with a furnace and freeze protection, but plan your national park visits for the warmer seasons when the high country is fully open.
Is there a dump station in Loveland?
Yes. The private full-hookup parks let you dump at your own site, which covers most RVers staying in the valley. Boyd Lake State Park in town has a dump station for campers using its electric sites, and the county campgrounds at Carter Lake have dump facilities as well, so plan to use one on your way out if you camp at a non-sewer site and top off fresh water at the same time. If you are boondocking in the national forest or staying somewhere without sewer, see our companion guide to RV dump stations in Loveland linked from this page for the public and pay options around town.
Are there free dump stations in Loveland?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Loveland.
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