Colorado Parks & Wildlife - Park Activities

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Park Activities

Park Activities

Tubing

Biking
During the spring and summer, bicyclists enjoy a meandering, paved trail under cool cottonwood trees by the water's edge. Boyd Lake's trail is a segment of the larger City of Loveland recreation trail system. Please look at the Local Attractions page for more information.
(Updated: 11/20/2015 11:15 AM)
Boating
Boyd Lake is CLOSED to boating effective 12/1/2018.
All boats must be properly registered and equipped in accordance with the State Law.
Evidence of Quagga Mussel Larvae in Green Mountain Reservoir
Green Mountain seals and receipts (blue or white) are no longer valid for pre-inspection anywhere in Colorado State Parks. These boaters can no longer use drop box/pre-inspection after hours.
On Aug. 18, as part of a state and federal initiative to monitor aquatic nuisance species (ANS) in the state, specialists with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation first confirmed the presence of the veligers, initially through microscopic analysis followed by DNA testing. An independent laboratory contracted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed Reclamation's findings. It is unknown if the veligers were dead or alive at the time of detection.
ANS Alert - Green Mountain Reservoir Information
Safe speed while boating:
Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that proper and effective action can be taken to avoid collision and so that the vessel may be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.
In determining a safe speed the following factors shall be among those taken into account by all vessels.
(1) The state of visibility;
(2) The traffic density including concentration of fishing vessels or any other vessels;
(3) The maneuverability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing conditions;
(4) At night the presence of background light such as from shore lights or from back scatter of its own lights;
(5) The state of wind, sea, and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards;
(6) The draft in relation to the available depth of water.

No vessel shall, under any condition or in any manner, exceed forty (40) miles per hour, except during authorized race events and patrol vessels operating in emergencies.
Aquatic Nuisance Species Inspections
All vessels are required to be inspected for Aquatic Nuisance Species (Zebra Mussels, et al.) prior to launching.
ANS Inspection Hours
March 2018:
- Daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
April 2018:
- Daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
May to July 31st:
- Daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Aug 1st-Sept. 3rd:
Daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sept. 4th to Sept. 30, 2018:
- 7 a.m. to 7 p.m
Oct. 1st- Oct. 31st:
Weekends 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Weekdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
November 1-30, 2018:
- Daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ice dependent)
---LAST DAY FOR BOATING IS NOV 30!
Please help us protect our waters from these destructive creatures. Take time to read park and boating regulations posted at the boat ramp and help to promote safe boating. The ANS Inspection station is located at the main boat ramp. Outside of inspection hours, boats are required to have valid pre-inspection documentation (seal and receipt) prior to launch.
New for 2017/18: Recent legislation now requires you to dry your vessel AND remove your plug before driving it on public roads.
(Updated: 11/30/2018 11:42 AM)
Camping
Boyd Lake State Park campground has 148 excellent, paved, electrical ONLY, pull-through campsites, which can accommodate tents, pick-up campers, trailers and motor homes up to 40' in length.

If you do not have a reservation during the summer peak season, you may camp at Boyd Lake if space is available. BUT you need to be sure the site you choose does not have a reservation card in the numbered post marker. We recommend you reserve camp sites for any weekend day/nights & any stay longer than 2 nights. You have the site until 12:00 (noon) the next day. Check in time for campsites is 1:00 pm.
Reminder: Clearance at the entry gate is 14 feet 2 inches.
Reservations
To make reservations, visit CPW's online reservation page or call 1-800-244-5613. Please note that camping reservations must be made at least three days in advance of your stay, and you must have a camping permit AND a daily or annual parks pass.
Cancellations or Changes to a Reservation
If customers would like to cancel, change, or inquire about a refund, please visit CPW's reservation cancellations and/or changes page.
Amenities
All sites have 20, 30, and 50 amp electric hookups. Each site has a picnic table, grill, and fire pit.
Between each of the two camping loops, there are restrooms & shower facilities available during the summer.
During winter, the only bathroom building that's open is between E/F loops, with flush toilets and showers. No laundry facilities are available during the winter.
Swing sets, horseshoe pits, picnic tables and grills create a very family-friendly experience.
A dump station is located at the top of the campground for campers only.
Cottonwood Campground Map
See an aerial view of the campground.
(Updated: 11/16/2018 11:23 AM)
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome in the park as long as:
- they are on a six foot or shorter leash at all times and hand-held or secured some way;
- their waste is properly disposed of
Please note that dogs are not allowed on the swim beach.
(Updated: 7/20/2018 11:55 AM)
Education Programs
See calendar of Events on Main Page
(Updated: 5/6/2017 1:12 PM)
Equipment Rental
Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals
3 companies offer Stand Up Paddleboard Rentals to Boyd Lake. Please contact them directly for pricing information.
Mountain Rentals
- Phone: (970) 667-2922
- Website: www.mountainrentalsinc.com
- 401 E. Eisenhower Blvd, Loveland, CO 80537
- Located At The Swim Beach Pavilion.
What's SUP
- Phone: (855) SUPS-4-YOU or (970) 797-4996
- Website: www.nocosup.com
- BY RESERVATION ONLY
Epic Paddleboards of Colorado
- Phone: (303) 748-0888
- Website: EpicPaddleboardsofColorado.com
- Epic Paddleboards Brochure
- BY RESERVATION ONLY
Boyd Lake Marina Inc.
- Phone: (970) 663-2662
- 4430 N. County Road 11C, Loveland, CO 80538
- email: boydlakemarina@gmail.com
The marina is CLOSED for the season. (The Marina is located inside Boyd Lake State Park-must purchase a daily or annual park pass to access this business). Click here for the latest copy of the Boyd Lake Marina Brochure.
(Updated: 11/16/2018 11:24 AM)
Fishing

Reported by Type of Fish: GRADE; Lures Reported Used; Location Reported.
WATER TEMPERATURE: 53 F
Bass, Largemouth: FAIR; soft plastic; northern end & around Marina
Bass, Smallmouth: FAIR; soft plastic; northern end & around Marina
Bass, White: POOR; spoons/cranks/live baits; north end & pump house
Blue Gill: No report; No bait report
Carp: No report; No bait report; no location
Catfish: FAIR; live bait/worms; sandy areas
Crappie: POOR; live bait; pump house
Trout: POOR; spoons/spinners; deep waters.
Walleye: FAIR; live bait/rigs; north end & pump house
Yellow Perch: No report; No bait report; no location
***Reminder - No fishing from marina slips or docks (next to is okay but can't use them in any way.***
NOTE: No snowmobiles or Off Highway Vehicles are allowed on Boyd Lake State Park.
PLEASE NOTE: Any live fish collected for use as bait may only be used in the same body of water from which they were collected. All live bait/fish from a commercial source and transported by anglers must at all times be accompanied by a receipt for the source. Receipt is valid for 7 days. If you do not use all live aquatic bait in one trip, you must provide your own distilled water to transport from each body of water.
See the Colorado Fishing Regulations for further clarification and information.
(Updated: 10/27/2018 2:12 PM)
Geocaching
Boyd Lake State Park has several geocaching locations hidden within the park. The locations and names for each can be located on various geocaching internet web sites. Always remember that you must have a valid parks pass if you are on the park searching for these locations.
(Updated: 1/8/2015 12:04 PM)
Hiking
Hikers enjoy the paved and gravel trails beside the beaches and under the shade of cottonwood trees next to the water's edge. Boyd Lake's trail is a segment of the City of Loveland's recreation trail system. You can find out more on the Local Attractions page. All pets must be on a six-foot leash, and we must request that visitors pick up after their pets.
Also available is the 1/2 mile self-guided Nature Trail on the south end of the park past the Campgrounds over the bridge on the Heinricy Inlet. The area is shown on the Boyd Lake Brochure Map. Here is the Interpretive Trail Guide
(Updated: 10/18/2017 3:22 PM)
Hunting
Boyd Lake State Park is OPEN to waterfowl hunting for the season on Sept. 29, 2018. Please check the regulation brochure for times, areas, and daily/possession of species.

Waterfowl hunting is allowed in designated areas called "Red Zones". Red & white signs alert trail and park users of these areas. Please see Boyd Lake Hunting Information and Map 2018 for locations. No hunting from boats.

When Boyd Lake is closed to boating, the only vessel allowed to retrieve downed waterfowl on the water is a belly boat.

The new Colorado Waterfowl Regulation Brochure is available to the public on the Regulations Brochures page. To learn more about waterfowl hunting, visit the Waterfowl Hunting page.
(Updated: 10/4/2018 6:59 AM)
Ice Skating
During the winter Ice Skating is definitely an activity that has been popular the last few years at Boyd Lake. This activity is not officially sponsored by the park, but we have seen individuals come out and clear their own areas and skate regularly, mostly around the Heron Cove location.
(Updated: 1/8/2015 12:05 PM)
Jet Skiing
Boyd Lake is CLOSED to boating effective 12/1/2018.
Evidence of Quagga Mussel Larvae in Green Mountain Reservoir
Green Mountain seals and receipts (blue or white) are no longer valid for pre-inspection anywhere in Colorado State Parks. These boaters can no longer use drop box/pre-inspection after hours.

In Aug. 2018, as part of a state and federal initiative to monitor aquatic nuisance species (ANS) in the state, specialists with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation first confirmed the presence of the veligers, initially through microscopic analysis followed by DNA testing. An independent laboratory contracted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed Reclamation's findings. It is unknown if the veligers were dead or alive at the time of detection.

ANS Alert - Green Mountain Reservoir Information

All boats must be properly registered and equipped in accordance with the State Law.
The MAXIMUM speed limit is 40 MPH (see Boating for all speed limit rules)
All vessels are required to be inspected for Aquatic Nuisance Species (Zebra Mussels, et al.) prior to launching.
The Heron Cove (north) ramp is used for launching Jet Skis (personal watercraft) and sail boats,
Just a reminder: Colorado State Parks require that your boat and trailer registrations be current before launching.
Young people aged 14 or 15 years who want to ride a jet ski or drive a boat, should register for Boating Safely courses by sending an email to: boating.safety@state.co.us.
The cost of the course is $15.00 per attendee.
The Boyd Lake State Park address is 3720 N. County Road 11-C, Loveland CO 80538. Our phone number is (970) 669-1739
Find out more about Boating Safety.
(Updated: 11/30/2018 11:44 AM)
Picnicking
Boyd Lake State Park features 67 individual first-class picnic sites. These sites are available "first-come-first-serve." Most have grills at the site and some have a shelter.
GROUP PICNIC AREA: The "Mariner Point Group Picnic Area" is open every year from approximately mid-May to mid-September for use and is available by reservation only. The GPA can accommodate up to 200 guests! The Group Picnic Area has a great view of the Park and the mountains in the distance. It has twenty 8' picnic tables and two large serving counters. It also has many amenities including a beach volleyball pit, horseshoe pits, playground equipment, a fireplace, and BBQ grills.
For fee information, please view the Fees page.
This is a perfect location somewhat isolated from the rest of the Park. We often host school and business groups. This is also a great site for an outdoor wedding.
Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance by completing and submitting the GPA Rental Agreement with payment to the park office by mail, email: boyd.lake@state.co.us, in person or by fax (970-667-0071).
You will receive a confirmation letter if the date is available. If you do not receive a confirmation letter within three business days of submission please contact us. Find the GPA Rental Agreement, Brochure and the Reservation Calendar that lists current openings on the Group Picnic Area page.
(Updated: 11/16/2018 10:02 AM)
Swimming
The swim beach is CLOSED to swimming.

The Boyd Lake State Park swim beach provides cool relief on Colorado's hot summer days. A pavilion at the beach includes rinsing showers, restrooms, a playground, and picnic tables and Fun Foods snack bar where you can purchase food and other items.
Float toys may be used in the buoyed-off swimming area.
For the safety and enjoyment of our visitors, glass containers, charcoal grills and pets are prohibited on the swim beach. Boats are prohibited within the buoyed swim area.
Swimming from vessels is also permitted from sunrise to sunset in the three designated no-wake areas as shown on the map in the Boyd Lake State Park Brochure (North No Wake Area and East No Wake Areas 1 and 2). USE CAUTION - HAZARDS MAY EXIST.
(Updated: 9/7/2018 8:21 AM)
Volleyball
During the summer season there are two volleyball courts (sand based) at Boyd Lake.

One volleyball court (sand based) is located at the Swim Beach Plaza and is available to the public on a first come, first serve basis.

The second volleyball court (sand based) is private and located at the Mariner Point Group Picnic Area. However, the Group Picnic Area is only available with a paid reservation fee only; this is a great place to hold larger group functions at a very reasonable rate.

The net is in place but you must provide your own volleyball.
(Updated: 1/8/2015 12:07 PM)
Water Skiing
Waterskiing is permitted in the south half of Boyd Lake only. A person that is the "observer" is required when towing or skiing during the legal hours.

All powerboats in the designated skiing area must travel in a counter-clockwise direction.
(Updated: 9/27/2018 9:47 AM)
Winter Camping
During the Winter Season (November 1st - March 31st), the campground is open but the number of campsites available is reduced. The only restroom building open with flush toilets and showers during this time is between E/F.

No laundry facilities are available during our winter camping phase. Please see Winter Camping Map.
Reservations
To make reservations, visit CPW's online reservation page or call 1-800-244-5613. Please note that camping reservations must be made at least three days in advance of your stay, and you must have a camping permit AND a daily or annual parks pass.
If you chooses to camp without a reservation, you may have to move if you want to camp longer than two days at a time should someone reserve the site. Check out time for the campsite is 12:00 noon. Check in time for campsites is 1:00 pm.
Cancellations or Changes to a Reservation
If customers would like to cancel, change, or inquire about a refund, please visit CPW's reservation cancellations and/or changes page.
Amenities
All sites have 20, 30, and 50 amp electric hookups. Each site has a picnic table, grill, and fire pit.
During winter, the only bathroom building that's open is between E/F loops, with flush toilets and showers. No laundry facilities are available during the winter.
A dump station is located at the top of the campground for campers only.
The campsites are paved and pull-through, which can accommodate tents, pick-up campers, trailers and motor homes up to 40' in length.

Reminder: Clearance at the entry gate is 14 feet 2 inches.
(Updated: 11/16/2018 11:25 AM)