Boyd Lake State Park
Boyd Lake on a foggy morning
Boyd Lake State Park offers boating, swimming, water-skiing, windsurfing, bicycling and fishing in the summer and lakeside hiking and ice fishing in the winter. Most of the year this 1,700-surface-acre lake sees lots of sailboats, windsurfers, personal water craft, canoes, fishing boats, and ski boats. There are 148 paved pull-through campsites near the sandy swimming beach, there's even a pavilion near the beach with a coffee shop. The campsites are all located on a grassy knoll with trees scattered around. Each site has a picnic table and grill, plus 20, 30 and 50-amp electrical hookups. Scattered through the campground you'll also find 3 restrooms with showers, horseshoe pits and various playground equipment.
Boyd Lake lies at the edge of the plains, where the mountains begin their majestic rise to the Continental Divide. Sunrises and sunsets here are simply spectacular. The lake itself provides drinking water for the City of Greeley and irrigation water for area farmers.
On the west side of Boyd Lake there are 95 individual picnic sites, 15 of them with shelters. 30 sites are located at the swim beach, 50 more sites are at the north end of the park and 15 sites are strung out between the campground and the swim beach along the west shore.
Boyd Lake State Park also offers the Mariner Point Group Picnic Area on a secluded peninsula just north of the marina cove. Up to 200 people can enjoy this covered facility with fire grills, fireplace, picnic tables, food-prep countertops, electrical outlets, sink with running water and nearby restrooms. There's even a playground area, volleyball court and horseshoe pits nearby.
There are several paved and grassy trails that meander under the cottonwood trees and along the water's edge. At the north and south ends of the park, several of these trails connect with the City of Loveland's regional trail system.
Boyd Lake State Park also offers dump facilities (and water fill-up) for folks who aren't otherwise camping at the campground. Use of this facility will require that you buy a day use pass and a camping permit for the least expensive site that will accommodate your vehicle.
Boyd Lake State Park Rules & Regulations
- Vehicles allowed only on designated roads and parking areas.
- Fires are allowed only in the provided grills and fire rings.
- Pets must be controlled and on leashes of 6 feet or less.
- Excessive drinking while boating is illegal and dangerous.
- Keep glass containers in your car or RV to avoid problems.
- Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am.
Upper photo of Boyd Lake State Park courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife