Dispersed camping areas along Pingree Road provide numerous pet friendly sites throughout Poudre Canyon in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests. The elevation ranges from 7,000-9,000 feet with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and dropping to 45-55°F at night. Black flies can be particularly active during warmer months, causing discomfort for some dogs and their owners.
What to do
Hiking with pets: The Moraine Park Campground area offers excellent trails for pet owners, with Jessica T. noting: "Lots of animals sighting but also a lot of screaming kids to make them run away. Clean bathrooms, friendly staff. We bought our dogs and found out they are only welcome in the campground. Still worth the stay."
Fishing access: At Dutch George Campground, the river creates perfect fishing spots. Luke C. shares: "Great well kept sites. Will be going back for sure. Caught trout 20 yards from my tent from the Cache La Poudre." Sites 19 and 20 have sandy areas along the river suitable for children.
Wildlife observation: The area offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. At Moraine Park, one reviewer explains: "We camped in Moraine Park shortly after Labor Day, and since it was nearing fall, there were large herds of elk down in the Moraine Park Valley - we could hear them in the evenings and early morning hours."
What campers like
River sounds: Campers consistently mention the soothing effect of water at Ansel Watrous Campground. One reviewer states: "Close to the highway but river drowns out the traffic." Another adds: "The site was right on the banks of the large rushing river that will lull you to sleep at night."
Privacy between sites: Natural barriers at many campgrounds provide welcome separation. At Mountain Park, one camper observed: "The campground is located in a forest of Ponderosa Pines, which provide great shade and a natural barrier between sites."
Scenic vistas: Dowdy Lake Campground provides exceptional views, with Mark L. commenting: "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."
What you should know
No cell service: Most camping areas have limited or no connectivity. At East Portal Campground, a visitor noted: "No cell service and it was glorious! But if we did need it, about a mile down the road we picked it back up."
Seasonal considerations: Camping conditions vary significantly by season. At Dowdy Lake, a reviewer shared: "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."
Bear awareness: Bears are active throughout the area. A Moraine Park camper advised: "You ARE in bear country - be bear smart and safe and use your bear box! We had our own bear box in our campsite - I believe each site has its own food locker."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Dowdy Lake Campground offers numerous family-friendly amenities. Becky M. shares: "I appreciate the playground and horseshoe area as well as the bathhouse with coin-op showers. Great for a longer stay, or a weekend."
Kid-friendly water spots: Some sites have safer water access for children. A Dutch George visitor noted: "Site 10 is very wide but doesn't have much shade BUT if the river is high this is the best spot for kids as there is a large rock in the middle of the river that creates a gentle pool/gulley."
Wildlife education opportunities: Families can use wildlife sightings as learning experiences. At Moraine Park, a camper shared: "The elk became aware of us and stood up, followed by dozens of female elk that had been completely hidden from the tall grasses."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: For RVers seeking amenities, Mountain Park Campground provides electric options. Bill R. explains: "Sites 1 to 32 are reservable and have electric. Sites 33 to 54 are 1st come, no hookups and some are right on the river."
Access considerations: Road conditions affect RV access to dispersed areas. For Pingree Road camping, one camper advised: "The Pingree Road is also super well maintained so I was able to comfortably get to the campsite with a FWD low clearance sedan!" However, another noted: "I'd recommend at least AWD but 2wd should absolutely be able to go on the main road and access most sites (2-4) will require awd/4wd."
Site selection: Choose sites that accommodate your specific vehicle. A Mountain Park visitor mentioned: "Our spot A66 overlooked a little field that every morning a little fawn would come up out of and sniff around. My kids enjoyed playing with sticks and rocks in this little field."
