Boyd Lake State Park in Colorado, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-30. Check linked official notices before travel.

Boyd Lake State Park in Loveland combines lakeside paths, picnicking and camping. Low water changes the visit in 2026: boating is closed for the rest of the year, with an exception for hand-launched craft. The marina also remains closed for the 2026 season.

Keep a lakeside walk and picnic as the flexible plan

Walking and cycling offer alternatives to a trip built around powered boating. Picnic sites operate on a first-come basis. A reserved campsite can extend the visit, including during the park’s winter camping season.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Cold water still affects permitted activities

The boating exception does not remove cold-water risk. Cold shock can cause drowning even for an experienced swimmer. Wear a suitable life jacket when paddling. Keep within the designated no-wake zones shown in the park brochure. Use the water-safety and zone guidance before launching.

Stage 1 fire restrictions apply through November 3, 2026, unless the order changes. Uncontained open fires are prohibited. Confirm the current order before using any grill or fire device.

Protect the beach and bird habitat

Pets, glass containers and charcoal grills are prohibited on the swim beach. Boats cannot enter the buoyed swimming area. Watch wildlife from a distance and avoid nests. Follow closures rather than making new paths around them.

Reserve camping before arrival

Campsite reservations are mandatory and open up to six months ahead. Use the booking link on the camping information page or call 800-244-5613. Check-in begins at 1 p.m., and checkout is noon. Confirm the selected site and winter services.

Use the single Loveland entrance

Navigate to 3720 North County Road 11-C, Loveland, CO 80538-2307. The official park page supplies directions, the brochure and current closures. A route to a different shoreline does not replace the park’s entrance.

Two other state parks within driving reach

Lory State Park is at 708 Lodgepole Drive in Bellvue. Check for muddy-trail closures. St. Vrain State Park is in Firestone. Its paving work closes several pond-side trails through November, possibly into December, so check which areas are available before driving there.

Choose a plan that fits the water restriction

• Walk or cycle, then use an available picnic site.
• Hand-launch a kayak or paddleboard only in an authorized area and in suitable conditions.
• Fish under Colorado licensing rules. Do not fish from the marina docks.

Campsites and beach-area amenities

The campground has 140 paved pull-through sites with electrical hookups. Winter reduces bathroom availability. The beach pavilion area has restrooms, rinsing showers and a playground. Check seasonal service operation before relying on beach amenities.

About the Loveland reservoir park

Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages recreation around an irrigation reservoir. Variable water levels affect how visitors can use it.

From an engineered lake to state recreation

Burton D. Sanborn constructed Boyd Lake in 1905–1906. It became a state recreation area in 1965. Colorado State Parks acquired recreation surface rights and water access in 1978.

Look for birds along the lake

Great blue herons, white pelicans and great-horned owls appear on the park’s bird list. Binoculars let you observe without approaching nests or resting birds.

Contact

Park information: 970-669-1739. The office operates Wednesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Check holiday exceptions before visiting the office.