Nestled where you might least expect it, the Fort Collins Lakeside KOA is an oasis of tranquility located just four miles from the heart of Downtown Fort Collins. Complete with paddle boats, cabins, tent sites, pull-through RV spots, and activities throughout the year, the Fort Collins Lakeside KOA is an ideal spot to set up camp if you're a local looking for a close place to feel far away or if you're a visitor looking to connect with nature while enjoying all the amenities Fort Collins has to offer. 

We spoke with Tiffany Crumrine, General Manager at the Fort Collins Lakeside KOA, to learn more about this in-town gem.

 

What do you love about Fort Collins? 

The vibrant and friendly community perfectly blends outdoor activities, culture, art, food and drink.  There is always something going on. Love it!

A cabin with a lake in the background. The trees around the cabin have yellow leaves and there are leaves on the ground

What are your top 3 favorite activities to do in Fort Collins?

  1. Biking on the Poudre Trail from the campground to spend the day downtown at the shops, restaurants and the farmers market.
  2. Catching live music at all the local venues.
  3. Breakfast Burritos! Since I arrived in June, I've been on a quest to try every breakfast burrito in town to find the best one.


What "can't miss" activity/restaurant/place would you tell a first-time visitor to go?

During the warmer months, a bike ride on the Poudre Trail to town and then to Colorado State University's Trial Gardens is a must - especially when there is live music at the gazebo. On the way back, stop at Ginger and Baker for a beverage and a slice of pie.

 

Three people jumping on a jump pad


What makes the Fort Collins Lakeside KOA unique?

The campground is the closest to Downtown Fort Collins, located just ½ mile from the Poudre Trail entrance on Taft Hill Rd. It offers a variety of amenities including fishing, paddle boat rentals, mini-golf, bike rentals, and daily activities. The resort caters to tent campers, RVs, and "glamping" with cabin accommodations. It also features a large conference center with a kitchen that is ideal for groups. The campground has dedicated, long-term staff who take pride in the campground and genuinely care about guest satisfaction and experiences.


What is the story behind how this KOA got its start?

This campground has been part of the community since the 1970s under various owners. It’s heartwarming to hear stories of people who visited as kids and now bring their own children. We’ve had 4 generations of a family staying with us at one time. However, many locals in Fort Collins are still unaware of the campground, and my goal is to raise awareness about all it has to offer and the joy of camping.

Three people on pedal bikes getting ready to go down a dirt trail lined with trees.
What do you want visitors to experience at the KOA?

 The goal is for guests to experience what matters most to them, whether it's relaxing, spending time with loved ones, enjoying Fort Collins, a home base while in the area, or simply a clean and safe place to stop for a night on their way to somewhere else. The campground offers great amenities and a dedicated staff to help create memorable experiences.

An RV at the Fort Collins Lakeside KOA

(Photos courtesy of Fort Collins Lakeside KOA)

Fort Collins Lakeside KOA

Office Hours: November-April 9am to 5pm daily. May-October 8am to 9pm daily.
Phone: (970) 484-9880
Email: fclakeside@koa.com
Website: https://koa.com/campgrounds/fort-collins-lakeside/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FortCollinsLakesideKOA/
Instagram: @fort_collins_lakeside_koa