The Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR) has launched the third year of its randomized lottery for available boat slips at Horsetooth Reservoir and Carter Lake.
Boat owners hoping to rent a slip at Inlet Bay Marina at Horsetooth Reservoir or Carter Lake Marina at Carter Lake Reservoir can enter the lottery, running from Jan. 5-March 6, 2026.
LCDNR introduced the slip lottery in 2024 to ensure an open process for those interested in securing a slip at either of the two popular boating destinations.
Being chosen in the lottery guarantees boaters a chance to be interviewed and vetted for a rental contract. It does not guarantee a slip or mooring.
How to enter
To be entered into the 2026 marina slip lottery, boaters should submit their names before 11:59 p.m. March 6 at: larimer.gov/naturalresources/parks/boating/lottery-marina-slips-and-mooring.
LCDNR will select lottery winners through a random number generator before March 31 and provide the winners to the respective marinas. The winners will be contacted by the marinas to initiate the application process. Only those who have been selected will be contacted.
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. Lottery submissions will not be carried over year over year.
There is no cost to enter the lottery, but the county asks that only most interested applicants enter so that the process can remain efficient and free.
For more information and to enter the marina slip lottery through LCDNR’s website, visit larimer.gov/naturalresources/parks/boating/lottery-marina-slips-and-mooring
