About Revisions Carter Lake 6800 CR8-E, Berthoud, CO 80513 More Info Max Depth: Over 150ft/46m Average Viz: 5-10ft/2-3m Entry Type: Shore Aquatic Life: Might See Something Spring: 50-55°F/10-13°C Summer: 56-60°F/13-16°C Fall: 50-55°F/10-13°C Winter: Under 50°F/10°C 8/12/2008 12:06 PM

Carter Lake is located in the foothills west of Loveland at an elevation of 5,760 feet. It is a part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project operated by the Bureau of Reclamation and the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District. The purpose of this water project is to divert water from the west slope to the east slope for drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower generation. The Bureau of Reclamation is solely responsible for power generation. The agencies jointly manage water levels for irrigation, municipal, and industry use.


Recreation is managed by Larimer County Natural Resources. Three miles long and about one mile wide, Carter Lake is a 1,100-acre reservoir surrounded by 1,000 acres of public lands and is popular for fishing, sailing, camping, swimming, scuba diving, rock climbing, and water skiing. It is open year round. Park Entrance Permits and Camping Fees are required.