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Established Camping

Dowdy Lake Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Dowdy Lake Campground, near Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors year-round. With a beautiful lake at its center, this campground offers a peaceful atmosphere where you can unwind and soak in the natural beauty.

The sites here are spacious and well-maintained, with many offering electric hookups. Visitors have noted that the campground is quiet, especially during the week, making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle. As one camper mentioned, “The sites are nicely spaced and most are shady,” which adds to the overall comfort of your stay.

For those who enjoy fishing or paddling, the lake is perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, though swimming is not allowed. The surrounding area features lovely walking paths, and the campground is known for its clean facilities, including vault toilets. Campers appreciate the friendly hosts and the serene environment, with one reviewer stating, “It’s so peaceful here. The sound of birds and the wind going through the trees is so calming.”

If you're planning a visit, keep in mind that reservations are recommended during peak season, as this spot can fill up quickly. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer retreat, Dowdy Lake Campground offers a charming and relaxing experience in the heart of nature.

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Location

Dowdy Lake Campground is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Fort Collins, take Highway 287 north for approximately 24 miles to Livermore. Turn west on County Road 74 and continue about 23 miles to Dowdy Lake Road. Turn right, then another right onto Dowdy Drive and continue to the campground.

Coordinates

40.7965139 N
105.5655056 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Connectivity

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    Verified by 1 user
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    AT&T
    No Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

23 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 14, 2025

Beautiful spot by the Lake

Dowdy is a busy campground but it's well cared for by the camp hosts. The bathrooms are clean and the sites are accessible by virtually any size of vehicle. The main challenge here is finding a spot!

Site51
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Alex W., August 14, 2025
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Alex W., August 14, 2025
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Alex W., August 14, 2025
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2025

Nice Campground With Fishing and Hiking

This is a nice campground, the sites are not huge but they are adequate. Dowdy Lake is really scenic and the trout fishing was decent, I saw a lot of people catching at least one or two fish. The vault toilets are cleaned daily. I had 1-2 bars of LTE on T-Mobile. Elevation is just over 8,000 feet.

Site55
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Jacob V., June 27, 2025
Reviewed Apr. 22, 2025

Probably 20 Times Have Camped @ Dowdy!

First time there was around 1978. Been our favorite since. The lake is magnificent, complete with islands, giant boulders, and peaceful beyond belief. One thing that

is difficult explain why, is that every Sunset is stunningly beautiful. Have seen rainstorms that are powerful, as with all Colorado sites. We had an experience @

Lake Granby where it rained heavy the entire weekend, was not a great weekend.

After you have been to Dowdy the first time, it "gets in your blood" and likely will

be your instant go to campground.

Site30
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Mark L., April 22, 2025
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Mark L., April 22, 2025
Reviewed Mar. 30, 2025

4-season camping

We've camped at Dowdy Lake several times and each has been enjoyable. In the summer, reservations are hard to get, but the lake, the forested sites, and clean bathrooms are worth booking ahead for. Winter camping is FCFS and is a really nice if you get a "warm" winter weekend. The power at the sites is a plus, even for tent camping. The campground has a lot of outdoors to offer, between fishing, crawdad fishing, hiking, paddling, etc. Highly recommended!

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Becky M., March 30, 2025
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Becky M., March 30, 2025
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Becky M., March 30, 2025
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2022

Great spot

We arrived on a Monday morning hoping to get a first come first serve spot and we’re lucky enough to get one. But online said they had more available then they did so just be sure to check.

We had an electric spot, all that was left, but it was great. Spots were spread out and big. All pretty close to water access. Some spots were right on the water too. Super quiet area and everyone seems respectful of noise. Lots of dogs but leashed.

Nice walking area around the lake. And day area was empty.

Site58
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Alyse P., August 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Alyse P., August 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Alyse P., August 9, 2022
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2021

Reflections

Status: Open year round 

Reserve mid spring through September 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov 

weekend reservations recommended 

70 sites including 10 walk-in tent 30 sites year round $24.00 tent sites $32.00 electric $64.00 double sites 

Vault toilets, water during season ,tent sites have bear boxes, picnic table, fire ring/grill, trash no sewer or water hookups The campground has beautiful Ponderosa Pines but the Pine beetle is beginning to take its toil. 

The back loop closes early fall. all sites have electric except the tent sites. There are 5 double sites. The campground can accept various size rigs. The day use area with a boat ramp and pit toilet with a nice size parking lot. There were a lot of people fishing from the shore. The lake is beautiful with small islands and rock formations. The road to and in the campground is gravel and rather dusty. Potholes 

Directions: Drive 21 miles north of Fort Collins on US Highway 287. Turn left (west) onto the Red Feather Lakes Road (County 74E) and travel approximately 22 miles. Turn right (north) and travel another mile to signed campground entrance on the right.

LNT

Better than when you found it 

Stay safe Happy travels

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by N I., October 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by N I., October 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by N I., October 17, 2021
  • (21) View All
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2021

Dowdy Lake, CO

Loved this campground and the nice lake. Camp hosts were very nice and accommodating. Was lucky to get a site w/o a reservation as runs pretty full. Lots of kids on weekends but quieter during week. Good fishing, kayak, etc access- no wake lake, no swimming. Lots of paddle boards. Electric sites, vault toilets very clean, no shower. Sites are nicely spaced and most are shady. Forest service so got a discount w my Lifetime NP pass

Site15
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2021

Beautiful but busy

Very nice and clean campground. Since this is an hour from Fort Collins and the front range and has a large day use area attached expect a lot of people. Evenings and early mornings are great but on the weekends expect crowds of trail walkers going by your campsite and floatillas of SUPs, kayaks and canoes on the lake. The wind also gets really strong in the late morning through the afternoon. Bathrooms are very clean. Campsites area well spaced and large.

Site41
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Matt R., July 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Matt R., July 11, 2021
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  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2021

Beautiful and clean!

Love love love this campground! The hosts are super friendly and helpful. The lake is gorgeous!!! If you’re camping with friends, they have multiple double sites available. We plan on coming back here every year!

SiteB9
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Mandi K., June 30, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2021

Mountain Lake Peace and Charm

First time to Dowdy Lake and I've fallen in love with this campground. It's so peaceful here. The lake is beautiful. The sound of birds and the wind going through the trees is so calming.

Some technical notes. There is no dump station and I noted on the water hydrants that filling RV potable water tanks is not allowed.

So while there is 30 amp power count on tankering in water for your stay.

SiteUnit 56
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Paul Z., June 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Paul Z., June 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Paul Z., June 19, 2021
  • (15) View All
Reviewed Jun. 13, 2021

Quaint Quiet Camp Ground

This camp ground seems so underrated. While it doesn’t boast views of the mountains as much as other places, it’s a great quiet place to get some lake time!

Sites are very easy to pull into/out of. We had electric hook ups. Camp sites are not super level, but there is plenty of space.

The lake is amazing. Super great for fishing /and paddle boarding.

  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Kelsey C., June 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Kelsey C., June 13, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 30, 2021

Now we know

Now we know why it's so hard to get a spot at this campground. Not only is the lake beautiful, the sites are well maintained, the bathrooms are clean, and the fishing is good!

Site29
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Maria M., May 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Maria M., May 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Maria M., May 30, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2020

Beautiful Lake

Very nice camping not far from Fort Collins. Great lake for non-motorized boats. 

Leave no trace.

  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Morgan Y., November 6, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2019

Enjoyable lakeside campground

Easy to navigate. Unfortunately we did have 1 set of rude & loud neighbors who happened to be middle aged adults. The college kids on the other side of us were extremely polite & quiet. Stayed Sunday of Memorial Weekend. First time with small children in a tent. Beautiful sunset over the lake.

Site27
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Ryan S., July 25, 2019
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Ryan S., July 25, 2019
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Ryan S., July 25, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2019

An unexpected family tradition

This campground is gorgeous. The lake is amazing and the sites are very spacious. I love the addition of the bear boxes. This campground was found on a whim about 5 years ago and now it’s the one we have to go to every year. The hosts are always very friendly and the town is adorable. It’s an amazing place to get away from the world for a bit and to become one with nature. It truly looks like it’s snapshotted from a postcard. I have multiple pictures of dowdy lake on canvases and in picture frames around my house. I took my husband up there for the first time last year and he wasn’t used to this kind of camping (he was military so think non leisure) and he just loved fishing out on the lake and taking me fishing too. It’s simply incredible.

  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Caitlin R., June 6, 2019
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Caitlin R., June 6, 2019
Reviewed Apr. 28, 2019

Love this place

This campground is absolutely gorgeous. The lake is great for crawfish and rainbow trout. The town is very near by and a great resource for any needs you may have.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2018

Beautiful spot, less than friendly hosts

We went camping mid August and pulled into our campground that was pre-paid for and was tagged with our reservation about half an hour before our check in time. We started unloading and setting up. We brought our two large dogs with us and they were anxious and barking. After constantly consoling the one that kept barking, he was starting to settle in. It had only been about half an hour since we arrived. The hosts at the campground drove up and stated that we could not camp here because it was reserved. Neither of them asked our names or if we had a reservation. We explained that, yes, the reservation was made by us. Next they went on to explain that someone had called and complained about our dog barking. One of the hosts stated, your dogs will need to be quiet or we will have to call animal control... We all stated that they would settle down once they got used to their surroundings and that would not be necessary because if they continued barking we would take them home. The campsite was great overall, clean and easy to get into. As for the hosts, they could use some manners and maybe a better approach to making all their guests feel welcome... even the furry ones! There were dogs barking all over the park the rest of the weekend, but it didn’t come from our site.

  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Lindsey C., August 29, 2018
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Lindsey C., August 29, 2018
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Lindsey C., August 29, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 23, 2018

Beautiful Campground

This campground is great! The lake is wonderful to kayak on and to fish. The sites are very clean and large. They have a picnic table and fire pit. Of course the sites very in size. There is electric hookups in most sites with the exception of the tent sites. The hosts are very friendly and welcoming. Lots of trees for shade and beautiful views.

Site39
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Cindy C., July 23, 2018
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Cindy C., July 23, 2018
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Cindy C., July 23, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2018

Perfect Paddle Spot

What a joy! Clean bathrooms, sites spread out nicely and lake access for paddleboarding. Unique Colorado location.

  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Alisha R., July 9, 2018
  • Review photo of Dowdy Lake Campground by Alisha R., July 9, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

What are visitors saying about Dowdy Lake Campground in their reviews?

Dowdy Lake Campground is highly regarded for its beautiful setting and well-maintained facilities. Campers appreciate the spacious sites, clean bathrooms, and inclusion of bear boxes. The campground features electric hookups at most sites, with picnic tables and fire pits standard. Many visitors comment on the peaceful atmosphere, particularly during evenings and early mornings. The campground hosts receive consistent praise for being friendly and helpful. Located at 8,000 feet elevation, the campground offers a pleasant escape from the summer heat. While weekends can get busy with day visitors, the overall experience remains positive for most campers.

Can you swim or paddle board at Dowdy Lake?

Swimming is not permitted at Dowdy Lake. However, the lake is excellent for paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. It's a wakeless lake, making it ideal for non-motorized watercraft and creating a peaceful paddling experience. Many visitors specifically highlight paddle boarding and kayaking as popular activities. The calm waters also make Dowdy Lake a good spot for fishing, particularly for rainbow trout and crawfish.

How do I make reservations for Dowdy Lake Campground?

Reservations for Dowdy Lake Campground can be made through Recreation.gov, the official reservation system for federal campgrounds. The campground is popular and sites fill quickly, especially during summer months, so booking well in advance is recommended. For those camping with friends, note that multiple double sites are available. Contact the campground directly or check the Recreation.gov website for the most current reservation window and availability information.

Where can I find a map of Dowdy Lake Campground?

Maps of Dowdy Lake Campground are available through several sources. The Recreation.gov website provides campground maps when making reservations, showing the layout of individual sites and their proximity to the lake and facilities. Physical maps can be obtained from the campground hosts upon arrival. For those wanting to explore the area before visiting, the USDA Forest Service website for Roosevelt National Forest may offer downloadable maps. The campground is easy to navigate with clearly marked sites and paths.

Is there dispersed camping available at Dowdy Lake?

No, dispersed camping is not available at Dowdy Lake. The area only offers developed campground camping with designated sites that include amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. Most sites have electric hookups, and the campground provides clean bathroom facilities. For those seeking dispersed camping options, you would need to look elsewhere in the surrounding Roosevelt National Forest, away from the developed recreation areas of Dowdy Lake.

What are the prices and fees for camping at Dowdy Lake?

Dowdy Lake Campground offers various sites with different amenities and corresponding price points. Most sites include electric hookups (with the exception of tent-only sites), which affects the pricing. Sites come equipped with picnic tables and fire pits. For the most current fee information, check the Recreation.gov website or contact the campground directly, as prices may vary by season and can change from year to year.