Marina Lottery Opens for Horsetooth, Carter Lake Slips

The Larimer County Department of Natural Resources has opened its third-year marina lottery for boat slips at Horsetooth Reservoir and Carter Lake—marking the only formal pathway for newcomers to secure scarce marina space at two of Northern Colorado's most popular reservoirs for recreational boating.

With returning customers getting first claim on slips, the lottery has become the only realistic entry point for new boaters seeking space at these two reservoirs.

Boaters can submit applications between January 1 and February 28 at www.larimer.gov/naturalresources/parks/boating/lottery-marina-slips-and-mooring; submissions close at 11:59 p.m. on February 28.

The limited capacity explains the lottery system. Carter Lake Marina has 126 slips—including 24 electric slips—and 80 moorings. Inlet Bay Marina at Horsetooth Reservoir has 240 slips. But these totals shrink after returning customers renew their contracts, leaving little for newcomers.

With inventory this tight, LCDNR will select winners by random number generator before March 15, and marinas will contact selected applicants to begin vetting.

The selection process carries no guarantees. "Being chosen in the lottery guarantees a chance to be interviewed and vetted for a contract—it does NOT guarantee a slip or mooring," according to Larimer County's lottery documentation.

Larimer County residents receive preference points in the lottery, giving locals an edge even in the random draw. Out-of-county newcomers face longer odds within an already competitive pool.

Larimer County has not published application counts for previous lottery years, so the true competition ratio remains unclear. Boaters seeking that data can contact [email protected].

Entry is free. Apply at larimer.gov/naturalresources/parks/boating/lottery-marina-slips-and-mooring.