Your Guide to Boyd Lake State Park
Boyd Lake State Park sits just north of Loveland, and it is one of the most visited places in northern Colorado. The lake covers about 1,700 surface acres, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the park has been a state recreation area since 1965, as noted on the Boyd Lake State Park Wikipedia page. Whether you live in Loveland, Timnath, Berthoud or Johnstown, there is a good chance it is part of your weekends. This guide covers what is open right now, what to do when you get there, and where to keep a boat, camper or paddling gear nearby. Lockaway Storage has locations across northern Colorado.
At a Glance
- Boyd Lake State Park, at 3720 N County Road 11-C in Loveland, is open 5 am to 10 pm, and boating there is closed for the rest of 2026 because of low water, though hand launched boats like kayaks and paddleboards are still allowed.
- Lockaway Storage Gateway in Berthoud and Lockaway Storage NoCo in Timnath offer outdoor parking for boats, RVs and trailers, rented month to month.
What Is Open at Boyd Lake Right Now
Conditions at the park change from season to season, so check before you go. As of this writing, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife page says Boyd Lake is closed to boating for the rest of 2026 because of low water. The Heron Cove boat ramp is closed, and the marina is closed for the 2026 season with no set reopening date. Park management hopes the marina will reopen in 2027.
Not everything is closed. Hand launched vessels like kayaks and paddleboards are still allowed, and so is swimming. The page also notes that a pedestrian bridge near the Heinrich Trailhead is closed for repairs from October 12 to 16, 2026 and that Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect until November 3, 2026, so check the park page for what is allowed before you plan a campfire.
The park is open 5 am to 10 pm. The office is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm. For the latest on the lake level and the ramps, check the park's page or contact the office before you tow anything.
Fun on the Water
Even with boating closed, the lake gets plenty of use. Paddleboarding and kayaking are the best ways to be on the water this season, and swimming is allowed. Winter brings ice fishing and hunting, according to CPW, so check current conditions before you head out.
When boating does reopen, Boyd Lake is a popular place for powerboats, sailing, water skiing and jet skiing, with a boat ramp and marina by the entrance. Boaters will want to watch for news on the 2027 reopening and plan ahead, since a boat that has been parked for a season needs a check before its first launch.
Hiking, Camping and Trails
The park has 140 paved campsites, which can be reserved through CPW's online system. Check the park's camping page for what each site offers, such as hookups, since amenities vary. CPW also lists bicycling and walking at the park.
If you are camping with an RV or a camper, the usual question is where it lives the rest of the year. A rig parked in a driveway or on the street can run into HOA rules and take up space you need, and that is the reason many owners rent outdoor parking close by.
Wildlife and Scenery
The park is a good place for wildlife watching. CPW lists more than 200 bird species, including great blue herons, great horned owls and white pelicans, along with coyotes, muskrats and red foxes. Painted turtles and bull snakes live there too.
Remember that wild animals are wild. Keep your distance, keep dogs on a leash, and store food properly if you are camping.
Boat and RV Storage Near Boyd Lake
If you own a boat, a closure like this one changes the plan. You can leave the boat in a driveway through the season, or you can park it somewhere you can get to quickly when you want to use it at another reservoir or when Boyd Lake reopens. Two of our locations offer outdoor parking for boats, RVs and trailers.
Lockaway Storage Gateway at 316 Basher Dr in Berthoud has outdoor parking in 20 and 35 foot lengths, on a fenced, well lit lot with a Bluetooth gate. Lockaway Storage NoCo at 4973 Goodman Street in Timnath has outdoor parking at 10x25 and 10x30. Both rent month to month and let you start online. Measure your whole rig first, tongue and motor included, and call the office with the numbers, since the listed lengths are a starting point and not a promise that your rig fits. Our vehicle storage and parking page lists the details, and our post on boat and RV storage in Berthoud covers what is open on the water near us and how to prep a boat for winter.
Paddling Gear, Camp Gear and Everything Else
Not everyone who loves Boyd Lake has a boat on a trailer. Many people keep kayaks, paddleboards, life jackets, coolers, camp chairs and fishing gear, and those take up garage space fast. A drive-up unit gives that gear a dry place to live between trips, and you can pull right up to the door to load. Read our post on the benefits of drive-up storage units for how it works, or see our drive-up storage page.
If you live closer to Loveland or Johnstown, our Loveland and Johnstown locations have storage units as well. Check each page for current unit sizes and availability. Our storage unit size guide can help you work out what size you need.
Make Your Visit Plans
Boyd Lake is open all year, and each season has its own rhythm. Fall is a good time for birds and cooler walks, and winter brings ice fishing. A visit this year looks a little different because of the low water, but the trails, the campsites and the paddling are still there.
Check the CPW page for the latest conditions before you leave, and check the park's page for entry requirements. When you are ready to give your boat, camper or gear a home near the water, we are glad to help you find the right space.
