Carter Lake Near Fort Collins
Carter Lake is located at the foot of the Rockies. This lake is behind the first set of hog backs like many front range lakes. In this manner the constructors has an easier time placing the damns. Cater lake like Horsetooth Lake to the north is a part of the Colorado Big Thompson water storage project.

The lake is a 1,100 acre reservoir when full and is surrounded by over 1,000 acres of public land. Some of the recreational opportunities are boating, sailing, fishing, scuba diving and water skiing. Off water recreation is camping, rock climbing and hiking.

Like all the reservoirs in Colorado there have been fish tested that have mercury content over the recommended limit. The government has said and published literature that small amounts may be consumed by most adults. This excludes women who are pregnant or nursing. and children should not consume any either. Our recommendation is for no one to consume the fish from any Colorado Reservoir. Mercury poisoning has become a very large health problem in this country in recent years. Our advice practice catch and release.

Now that we have the bad news out of the way Carter lake is a great place to spend a weekend or longer. It is a great lake for boating and all water sports. There are five campgrounds at the lake. There are three on the north end one on the south end and the last on the east side of the reservoir.

From Fort Collins drive south on Taft Hill Rd to Highway 34 in west Loveland. Turn right (west) to mile marker 85. Watch for Carter Lake signs and turn south on county road 29. Go 2 miles south and turn west on county road 18E. Go west 2 miles and watch for park signs.

  Move The map to the right to see Carter Lake. The Red Arrow pointing to Loveland should be in the upper right hand corner.
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Carter Lake To Fort Collins Attractions