Both residents and visitors like visiting Carter Lake, which is situated in the picturesque foothills of Colorado’s Front Range. With its 1,100 acres of land and more than 900 acres of public space surrounding it, the reservoir is an excellent location for a variety of recreational pursuits. A vital part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project, which provides water to numerous local cities, the lake was formed in 1950 when the Carter Lake Dam was built.
A variety of facilities and amenities are available to visitors to Carter Lake with the aim of improving their outdoor experience. The area boasts five well-maintained campgrounds: Big Thompson Campground, Carter Lake South Shore Campground, Carter Knolls Campground, Carter Lake Eagle Campground, and North Pine Campground. These campgrounds offer 151 campsites, including six tent-only sites. These campgrounds provide stunning views and easy access to the lake and surrounding trails.
Boating enthusiasts will find three boat launch ramps for easy water access, 125 buoys, and 32 slip mooring spaces for securing their vessels. The Carter Lake Marina is a focal point, providing daily, monthly, and annual boat moorings, rentals, and lake access. The marina also features a restaurant, store, and sporting goods shop catering to visitors’ needs.
Fishing is a major attraction at Carter Lake, with the reservoir stocked with various fish species, including rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, brown trout, splake, walleye, yellow perch, bluegill, and largemouth bass. Anglers can fish from the shore, trails, or boats, and the lake’s water levels, which can vary by up to 60 feet, create diverse fishing opportunities.
A designated swimming beach is available on the east side of the reservoir for those who enjoy swimming. Hiking and nature enthusiasts can explore over three miles of scenic trails, offering opportunities for wildlife observation and breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The trails also cater to mountain biking and horseback riding.
Additional amenities include multiple picnic areas with 204 picnic tables and three picnic shelters, making it an ideal location for family gatherings and group outings. Visitors will also find numerous restrooms and ample parking facilities throughout the park.
Carter Lake offers more than simply outdoor recreation; it has a lengthy past. The reservoir was created by building the main dam as well as two smaller dams, and it is essential to the region’s water storage. The management of the lake by the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District and the Bureau of Reclamation emphasizes how important it is.
Carter Lake has natural beauty, well-maintained amenities, and recreational opportunities. For those who love the great outdoors and want to spend peaceful, scenic days boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping, this place is ideal.