Lory State Park
00 review708 Lodgepole Drive, Bellvue, Colorado, 80512, United States
Lory State Park
$0.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fee structures are not detailed, aside from the interpretation of individual site costs and reservation policies. Group picnic areas are available with a capacity of up to 100 people.
About this campground
Escape into Colorado's untamed backcountry at Lory State Park, where rugged foothill terrain meets endless adventure at 6,780 feet. This hidden gem beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its network of trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, while dramatic rock faces challenge climbers against a backdrop of sweeping mountain vistas. Here, backcountry camping means falling asleep under star-filled skies and waking to the golden glow of sunrise painting the peaks.
The park primarily offers primitive backcountry camping, along with improved group picnic areas. No cabin or glamping options are indicated.
Historical SignificanceStanding sentinel over the park, Arthur's Rock carries the legacy of the region's pioneering spirit, named for one of the area's earliest settlers who helped shape this corner of Colorado. This granite guardian has watched over centuries of change, from Native American travelers to homesteaders, and now serves as an iconic landmark connecting visitors to the rich tapestry of local history.
Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons in this high-altitude wonderland. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted paradise with crystalline air and freezing temperatures that create perfect conditions for snowshoeing adventures. Summer brings warm days ideal for exploration, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that nurture wildflower meadows. Spring and fall offer the sweet spot for camping, with crisp mornings giving way to comfortable afternoons and nature's color palette shifting from tender greens to brilliant golds.
ElevationAt 6,780 feet, the park's lofty perch delivers more than just spectacular panoramas—it creates a natural air conditioning system that offers cool relief from summer heat while providing front-row seats to Colorado's most dramatic weather displays. This elevation puts you eye-to-eye with soaring raptors and opens up vistas that stretch from the Great Plains to the Continental Divide.
Natural Features and SceneryNature showcases its artistic prowess across every acre of Lory State Park's diverse canvas. Ancient sandstone hogbacks rise like prehistoric spines from rolling valleys, while meadows bloom with seasonal wildflowers between stands of aromatic ponderosa pines. The crown jewel remains Arthur's Rock, a massive granite sentinel that towers above Fort Collins, offering those who reach its summit a 360-degree theater of Colorado's Front Range beauty. From shrub-dotted hillsides to shaded forest groves, each turn of the trail reveals new wonders.
Geological RegionTucked away in Colorado's Northeast Region, Lory State Park encompasses 2,591 acres of geological wonder where the Great Plains collide with the Rocky Mountains. This dramatic meeting point has sculpted a landscape of contrasts—weathered sandstone hogbacks tell stories of ancient seas, while younger granite outcroppings speak of volcanic forces. The result is a natural playground where open grasslands flow into dense ponderosa forests, and rugged rock formations frame pocket meadows, creating an ever-changing tapestry that captures the essence of Colorado's diverse terrain.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are described.
Sites SizeCampsites are primitive and appear to have standardized capacity limits. Group picnic areas support up to 100 people, while backcountry sites allow up to 6.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy details of campsites are not explicitly described.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesPrimitive sites are recommended for those seeking solitude and backcountry experiences. Group picnic areas are ideal for large gatherings.
Best CampsitesPrimitive campsites such as Backcountry 001-006 offer seclusion and a rustic experience.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- 24-hour check-in policy
- sites may be resold after 24 hours if no-show.
Check-out
:
Stay Limit
14 days in a 28-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Primitive sites allow a maximum of 6 guests.
Groups
Group picnic areas, such as Lory Timber and South Eltuck, accommodate up to 100 and 50 people, respectively. Details about vehicle allowances are not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutPrimitive sites are dispersed in backcountry loops. Group picnic areas are improved.
Open and Closed SeasonCamping is available year-round but limited to Friday and Saturday nights from the Tuesday after Labor Day to the Tuesday before Memorial Day.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through www.cpwshop.com. Limited functionality is available on ReserveAmerica.com.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot applicable as all campsites are reservable year-round.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made 28 days or more prior to arrival retain 25% of the fee for one night. Cancellations 8-27 days prior retain 50%, and cancellations within 7 days retain 100%. Changes also incur percentage-based retention fees depending on timing.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Lory State Park is rich in recreational opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Activities such as rock climbing and hunting are also available. The park’s trails offer varied levels of difficulty across its 26-mile network. Boating is accessible through adjacent Horsetooth Reservoir.
Hiking
The park offers 26 miles of trails with grades rarely exceeding 12%, making them suitable for various skill levels. Trails provide access to Horsetooth Reservoir for scenic views and additional activities.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Biking
Mountain biking is a highlighted activity with trails of varying difficulties available across the park’s terrain.Boating
Boating is accessible at Horsetooth Reservoir adjacent to the park, with options for canoeing, kayaking, and power boating. Launch facilities are nearby.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is listed as an activity, although specific species or recommended locations are not detailed.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not described in the materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are supported through Horsetooth Reservoir access.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire policies are not addressed in the provided information.
- Quiet hours are :
Hazards
General hazardsNo explicit hazards are mentioned, but the backcountry nature implies potential wildlife encounters and rugged terrain.
Active alerts:
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 60%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available through the Ranger Station whose direct line is 970-493-1623.
Good to know
Peak season dates:
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresEast side trails offer access to Horsetooth Reservoir's bays and coves. Canoeists, kayakers, and rafters can hand-launch crafts nearby.
Common complaintsNo water available at campsites. Camping limited to weekends during off-peak season. Primitive facilities with minimal amenities.
HostInformation on campground hosts is not explicitly mentioned.
Campground Map
708 Lodgepole Drive, Bellvue, Colorado, 80512, United States
Driving directionsFrom North Fort Collins- Take US 287 North to County Road 54G (LaPorte). Turn left onto CR52E/Rist Canyon Rd. Continue West and turn left onto County Road 23. Continue South and take a right on Lodgepole Drive (CR 25G). The park is approximately 1.6 miles up Lodgepole Drive on the left. From South Fort Collins- Take Harmony Rd / 38E west. Turn right onto CR23. Proceed North until t-intersection. Turn left at stop sign onto CR23. Proceed north until Lodgepole Drive, turn left. Go 1.6 miles to the park entrance.
Road access quality is generally good with paved roads leading up to the park. Seasonal closures are not explicitly mentioned, but directions are clear and accessible for both northern and southern approaches.Nearby places
Fort Collins: Approximately 20 minutes (distance not explicitly provided).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and other essentials are likely available in nearby Fort Collins, approximately 20 minutes away, but explicit details are not provided.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Lory State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are not provided; therefore, aggregated sentiments cannot be summarized.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No positive user insights are available.
Common Concerns
No user complaints are documented.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
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Seasonal Insights
No reviews are available to analyze seasonal trends.
Camper Quotes
No direct quotes from users are documented.
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews are available.
Accessibility Features
No accessibility-specific user reviews are provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews address pet policies or experiences.
Last updated August 10, 2025