Boats at Inlet Bay Marina Horsetooth

Boat owners hoping to rent a slip at Larimer County reservoirs can now enter a lottery system that ensures an open process for rental selection.

The Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR) launched a randomized lottery in March, 2024 for available slips at Inlet Bay Marina at Horsetooth Reservoir and Carter Lake Marina at Carter Lake Reservoir. Winners of that lottery have been selected and notified.

Those who did not receive notification by early May, 2024 can assume they did not win a lottery slot, however the county will contact names on the application list if slips open up later in the season.  Lottery submissions will not be carried over year over year.

For 2025, the marina slip lottery will be open January 1 through February 28.  Application links will be available on this page starting Jan. 1, 2025.

Being chosen in the lottery guarantees boaters a chance to be interviewed and vetted for a contract. It does not guarantee a slip or mooring. The goal of this system is to ensure an open process for rental selections.

Returning customers

The inventory of available slips for this lottery is determined by the remaining spaces available after returning customers in good standing are given first right of refusal. Boaters who already have a 2023 slip or mooring should contact their respective marina to confirm their plans for the 2024 season. 

  • Lottery submission dates for the 2025 summer season: Jan. 1- Feb. 28, 2025.
  • One form per registered boat owner per location.
  • Winners will be chosen by the end of April and notified soon after.
  • The registered owner of the boat to be slipped/moored is the only person who can rent the slip/mooring.
  • If you are not contacted before the summer season, please infer that you were not chosen for the lottery. However, for the remainder of the summer season, we will retain your entry and if additional spaces become available we will continue to work through the lottery list to fill what is available.

Note: For 2025, the marina slip lottery will be open Jan. 1 - Feb. 28. Lottery names will be chosen by mid-March, 2025.

FAQs

  1. Does winning the lottery guarantee me a slip for the season?

    Winning does not automatically guarantee a slip or mooring spot. After winning, the marina will contact you to vet details and discuss a contract.

  2. How much does it cost to enter the marina slip/mooring lottery?

    Submissions are free.

  3. Will my lottery submission be considered next year if I don't win this year?

    No. You must enter the lottery each year. Lottery submissions do not carry over from year to year. There is no wait list for slips and moorings.

  4. What if I already have a slip or mooring from 2023?

    The inventory of slips for this lottery is based on remaining spaces available after returning customers are given right of first refusal. Returning boaters should contact their respective marina to confirm their plans to continue renting for the 2024 season.

  5. What if I have not yet purchased the boat I plan to keep at the marina?

    You can still enter the lottery. If you are selected, you'll need to speak to the marina during the vetting process to ensure your boat will fit in the slip available.

  6. Where can I ask questions about the lottery?

    Email your questions to: parksoffice@co.larimer.co.us

  7. How much does it cost to rent a slip at one of the marinas?

    Each individual marina manages its own pricing and the individual contracts to be made after lottery winners are selected for vetting. Please contact Carter Lake Marina or Inlet Bay Marina at Horsetooth for pricing details.

  8. How are you working to ensure Larimer County residents have access to slips at the marinas?

    Verified residents of Larimer County are given preference points in the lottery, which entitles them to be entered twice. If you are a resident of Larimer County, your name will be entered into the lottery two times after the county verifies your residence. Please submit only one lottery application, but be sure to include your address and boat registration number so we can verify you.

  9. What if I am already on a waitlist for a slip in 2024?

    Waitlisted boat owners must enter the lottery to be considered for a slip in 2024 . You will receive preference points, which entitles you to be entered twice. Submit your lottery application just once and the county will take care of the rest.