Things to do nearBoyd Lake
Boyd Lake is a beloved reservoir in northern Colorado offering warm-water swimming, sailing, and miles of scenic shoreline trails.
Boyd Lake was created as an irrigation reservoir in the early twentieth century, drawing water from the Big Thompson River to support the agricultural communities of Larimer County. Over the decades it transitioned into one of Colorado's most visited state parks, managed today as Boyd Lake State Park. The reservoir covers roughly 1,700 acres at full pool, giving it enough fetch for sailing and motorized boating while still feeling approachable for casual paddlers.
Visitors come primarily for the water. A designated swim beach with lifeguards on duty during summer months draws families from across the Front Range. Anglers work the shoreline and open water for walleye, bass, and catfish, and the lake has a reputation as a reliable warm-water fishery by Colorado standards. A paved loop trail circles much of the park, connecting the campground, picnic areas, and beach in a route that also serves cyclists and joggers.
The campground at Boyd Lake sits close enough to the water that you can hear it from your tent, yet it remains well-organized and uncrowded compared to more famous Colorado destinations. Evening light on the reservoir, with the Rockies silhouetted to the west, is a quiet reward for those who stay past sunset. Nearby Loveland offers restaurants, coffee shops, and galleries for visitors looking to extend their time in the area.
Boyd Lake occupies a comfortable middle ground between a working reservoir and a genuine natural retreat, making it one of northern Colorado's most accessible and satisfying outdoor escapes.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Boyd Lake
Visit during the week in July and August to enjoy the warm water without the weekend crowds that fill the swim beach.
Try launching a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from the boat ramp on the north end for a quieter stretch of open water.
Bring sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat, as the high-altitude sun reflects strongly off the water even on partly cloudy days.
Arrive early in the morning for the best birdwatching along the eastern shore, where great blue herons and white pelicans are frequently spotted.
Pack a picnic and claim one of the shaded tables near the swim area before noon, as they fill quickly on warm afternoons.
Top tours & experiences near Boyd Lake
Rent a Sea-Doo Jet Ski in Loveland
Ride a Sea-Doo GTI SE with onboard Bluetooth audio
Pontoon Boat Rental at Boyd Lake
Rent a Del Mar 18U pontoon with shade, Bluetooth, and room for your group
Wake Boat Rental on Boyd Lake in Loveland
Ride luxury waves with AutoWake tech and room for your whole crew
Viaggio Diamante 23S Tritoon Boat Rental
Rent a Viaggio Diamante 23S tritoon with swingback lounger and tow-ready gear
Cruise Horsetooth Reservoir on a Tritoon With Slide
Rent a 2024 tritoon with upper deck, water slide, and towable tube
Sea-Doo GTI SE 155 Jet Ski Rental in Loveland
Rent a Sea-Doo GTI SE with easy pickup or delivery options
Sea-Doo GTR 230 Jet Ski Rental in Loveland
Rent a Sea-Doo GTR 230 with supercharged power and Bluetooth audio
Ride a Sea-Doo Jet Ski Rental in Loveland
Rent a Sea-Doo GTX 170 with Bluetooth audio and stable handling
Rent 2 Sea-Doo GTI SE 130 Jet Skis in Loveland
Rent two Sea-Doo GTI SE 130 jet skis with Bluetooth audio on one trailer
Ride 2 Sea-Doo Jet Skis in Loveland
Rent two Sea-Doo GTI SE 170 jet skis with delivery or take-and-go options
2 Jet Ski Rental at Boyd Lake
Rent two Sea-Doo Spark/TRIXX jet skis with trailer pickup or on-the-water setup
EX Deluxe Jet Ski Rental at Carter Lake
Yamaha power and flexible rental options for your Carter Lake day
Sea-Doo Spark Jet Ski Rental in Loveland
Ride a Sea-Doo Spark with pickup or on-the-water delivery options
Sea-Doo GTI SE 170 Jet Ski Rental in Loveland
Rent a Sea-Doo GTI SE 170 with boarding ladder and Bluetooth audio
1-7 Day Tritoon Boat Rental in Loveland
Take the water your way with a feature-packed tritoon for your group
Loveland Wake Boat Rental
Create tailored wakes and waves with the Supra SE 550’s AutoWake technology
23' Tritoon Boat Rental in Loveland
Cruise, fish, or lounge aboard a feature-packed tritoon with a versatile rear sun deck
Surf Wake Boat Rental in Loveland
Ride a Supra SL 550 with AutoWake technology for tailored wakes and waves
Double-Deck Pontoon Boat Rental in Loveland
Ride a double-deck pontoon with a waterslide, upper lounge, and dining space
Loveland Pontoon Rental With Water Slide
Slide, lounge, and cruise aboard a double-deck pontoon
Horsetooth Reservoir Diamante Pontoon Boat Rental
Cruise, fish, or tow a tube on a feature-packed pontoon
Pontoon Boat Rental at Carter Lake
Cruise, fish, or enjoy watersports aboard a Diamante pontoon
11-Person Pontoon Boat Rental at Carter Lake
Cruise, fish, or tow on a feature-packed Diamante pontoon
Boyd Lake 23' Pontoon Boat Rental
Cruise Boyd Lake on a feature-packed tritoon with captained or self-operated options
Horsetooth Reservoir Pontoon Boat Rental With Water Slide
Cruise, slide, and relax aboard a spacious upper-deck tritoon
Carter Lake Pontoon Rental With Water Slide
Cruise Carter Lake with an upper deck, slide, and towable fun
Boyd Lake Pontoon Boat Rental With Water Slide
Slide, cruise, and relax aboard a Landau Island Breeze at Boyd Lake
Double-Deck Pontoon Rental at Horsetooth Reservoir
Slide, lounge, and cruise Horsetooth Reservoir on a double-deck pontoon
Waterslide Pontoon Boat Rental at Carter Lake
Slide, lounge, and cruise Carter Lake from a double-deck pontoon
Water Slide Pontoon Boat Rental on Boyd Lake
Cruise Boyd Lake from an upper deck with a built-in water slide
Wake Boat Rental at Horsetooth Reservoir
Ride tailored wakes with boards, a tube, and room for your crew
Wake Boat Rental at Carter Lake on Supra SE 550
Shape your day on Carter Lake with AutoWake-powered wakes and waves
Horsetooth Reservoir Tritoon Boat Rental
Cruise Horsetooth Reservoir with shade, Bluetooth, and water-sports features
Tritoon Boat Rental at Carter Lake
Cruise the lake with shade, Bluetooth sound, and optional water-sports gear
22' Tritoon Boat Rental at Boyd Lake
Cruise, tube, and relax aboard a feature-packed tritoon
Horsetooth Reservoir Water Slide Pontoon Rental
Cruise Horsetooth Reservoir with an upper deck and water slide
Double-Deck Pontoon Boat Rental at Carter Lake
Upper-deck lounging and waterslide fun for your Carter Lake crew
Boyd Lake Water Slide Tritoon Rental
Double-deck tritoon with an upper lounge and built-in water slide
Wake Boat Rental at Horsetooth Reservoir
Ride, surf, or cruise aboard a Supra SL 550 with gear included
Boyd Lake Supra Wake Boat Rental
Ride custom wakes with boards, surf gear, and a towable tube included
Scenic Pontoon Boat Tour & Rental at Horsetooth Reservoir
Captain-led tours or self-captained pontoon time with room to relax
Carter Lake Pontoon Boat Rental
Cruise, relax, and tow from a versatile Carter Lake pontoon
Boyd Lake 18' Pontoon Boat Rental
Cruise Boyd Lake with flexible captained or self-captained pontoon time