Campers seeking pet friendly camping near Aguilar, Colorado can access several state parks and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 7,000 feet, creating significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. The area between Walsenburg and Trinidad offers camping options with views of the Spanish Peaks and Sangre de Cristo mountain range.
What to do
Hiking with dogs: Multiple trails at Lathrop State Park provide exercise options for both humans and pets. "Hogback trail moderate (perhaps on side of harder moderate, tough for older large dog--wouldn't take him on it again)," notes camper Mark M., who also mentions the park has "paved trail around lake, some other hiking paths."
Fishing opportunities: The lakes at Carpios Ridge Campground offer good angling for campers with dogs. "We stopped here on our way in to Estes park and really enjoyed our stay. I wasn't expecting much but the campground is beautiful, we were right on the lake and a walking trail," reports Hannah F., who appreciated the lakeside location.
Golf course access: Some campgrounds provide unexpected recreational amenities. Bethany S. observed at Yucca Campground: "Lake for fishing, jetskiing, swimming. Hogback Trail and other trails. Golf course for campers (prob for fee; looked quite nice!)."
What campers like
Mountain views: The Spanish Peaks dominate the landscape at several area campgrounds. At Piñon Campground, camper erin D. noted: "Great spot for our first RV stay. Good views of Spanish peaks and site was very quiet. Bathrooms with showers and toilets were close by."
Accessibility to towns: Many campgrounds offer a balance between natural settings and proximity to services. At Gears RV Park and Cafe, Elizabeth S. appreciated this balance: "Right at mile marker 30 on Rt 25 in CO, there are full hook ups, amazing views, and a terrific little cafe with great food and clean bathrooms. But the best part are the people. Friendly, helpful, so kind."
Clean facilities: While camping with pets, access to clean bathroom facilities matters to many campers. Christopher P. mentioned at Piñon Campground: "Nice trails and two lakes. Enjoyed our stay. Only ding is the showers. You have to enter a code for entry and then feed to machine with quarters for a just ok shower."
What you should know
Extreme weather conditions: The region experiences significant weather variation. At Yucca Campground, Rachel noted: "It was a little challenging to find a good flat spot to set up our tent and the spot we did find didn't last long, it got VERY windy that night and we had to move our tent between some trees which helped a little."
Bathroom facilities vary: Different campgrounds offer different bathroom options, which matters when camping with animals. Rachel continued her review of Yucca Campground: "The bathrooms are hole in the ground outhouses and were quite smelly and loaded with flys but that's camping for ya!"
Cost considerations: State parks require both campsite and entrance fees. Cheryl M. pointed out: "Colorado State Parks are expensive. We had a VERY basic site with communal water & vault toilets for $28 + $9 day fee. Nice picnic tables & fire rings though."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families with both children and pets can find amenities for all. At South Shore Campground, Jason S. found: "Really nice camp ground, cool play ground for the kids, fire place, picnic table and she'd with great views. Views where great from ever angle."
Swimming beaches: During summer months, some campgrounds offer swimming options. Suzi F. mentioned at Yucca Campground: "Nice, clean park. Pretty views, great swim beach. Didn't try the fishing."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds experience road noise that might disturb light sleepers or anxious pets. Cheryl M. noted at Yucca Campground: "Way too close to the highway — noisy! Plus helicopter overhead made sleep difficult."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: RV campers with dogs appreciate adequate space between sites. Kevin at Piñon Campground shared: "Nice sites with loads of amenities. We stayed at the piñon campground and was very pleased with all what it had to offer. Nice clean restrooms and showers!"
Utility access: For pet owners in RVs, knowing the available hookup details is important. Steve & Ashley G. explained: "This area has gravel rods and less facilities than the Yucca campground. However, you have large pull in space and more rustic camping... The sites are basic with electrical and water."
Site leveling: Some campground sites require more setup work than others. Mark S. advised about Tower 64 Motel & RV Park: "Not much to this RV park, large parking lot behind the Tower 64 motel serves as an RV campground. Full hookups but be aware that the sites are stacked right on top of each other. We could barely fit our 24 ft rig in our spot."