A
Ann M.
Traveler
TravelerSleeping Elephant Campground (Temporarily Closed)
Small spots, road noise, great area.
Very close to the road but lots of tall vegetation. No services except outhouses. Only suitable for cars, small vans
Dog-Friendly Camping near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG, CO
13 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Pingree Road Dispersed Camping sites allow pets throughout the numerous free camping areas along Poudre Canyon in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests. These primitive sites dot both sides of the road on the way into Pingree, with most sites appearing after passing the first cattle grid. The dispersed locations offer fire rings at many established sites, with vault toilets available but no drinking water or hookups. Several reviewers note that sites can accommodate both tents and RVs, though higher clearance vehicles access the best spots. Dogs particularly enjoy the numerous hiking opportunities, with the Flowers Trail noted as an excellent nearby option for pet owners.
Mountain Park Campground's pet-friendly sites include both reservable electric hookup spots (sites 1-32) and first-come, first-served primitive sites (33-54) with several positioned directly alongside the Cache La Poudre River. The campground provides coin-operated showers, vault toilets, and picnic tables at each site. The forest of Ponderosa Pines creates natural barriers between campsites, offering privacy and shade for pets. Dogs should remain leashed throughout the campground, particularly due to wildlife in the area including coyotes that have been heard at night in nearby Jack's Gulch. Pet owners should be prepared for no cell service throughout the canyon and bring plenty of water, as the area experiences high black fly activity during warmer months which some dogs find particularly bothersome.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG (228)
1. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
"Took the kids camping in Colorado for the first time and we had a blast. It rained on us a lot but it didn't stop us. Took a great hike up deer mountain....stunning views. Can't wait to go back."
"I was a Ranger one summer in Rocky - please respect the wildlife and keep a very long distance to not affect their behavior."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $60 / night
2. Upper and Lower Ansel Watrous Campgrounds
"There is a hairpin switchback to get into the lower loop and the website states that it is not accessible to trailers longer than 20 feet."
"The sites are a bit small and the walk-up tent sites are pretty close together, but overall it was a great stay. The bathrooms were very clean."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 / night
3. Mountain Park
"There are many places for multiple groups to be near each other, and reservations usually fill up."
"They have done a lot of work on the sites and surroundings. Family oriented and nice playground for them to play on."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $41 - $185 / night
4. Dowdy Lake Campground
"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."
"Clean bathrooms, sites spread out nicely and lake access for paddleboarding. Unique Colorado location."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $47 / night
5. Dutch George Campground
"Beautifully placed right at the curve of the Poudre, there is a short walking trail next to it,a perfect hammock place in a shallow runoff, a spot to tether tubes or paddleboards in an eddy, a picnic table"
"The drive into the Poudre Canyon is a beautiful one. We camped Thursday to Sunday. Spots are scarce and were full by Friday mid day. Some sights have shade, some do not."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $50 / night
6. Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
"Firewood sold next to the entrance by the same husband and wife that have been selling firewood there for 35 years. There is a shed full of firewood."
"The spaces are large, but quite close to one another with few trees for privacy. Each site here is variable, with some open with no trees and others nestled in some mature trees."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 - $70 / night
7. Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake
"Great place for kids and pets. Playground , pool, and nicely stocked camp store. Not a ton of shade so, it gets hot at 2:00 p.m. It is right off the road so some traffic noise."
"There’s access to a small playground for kids. The pool looked nice, the lake is right across the road. Overall a good campsite."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 - $70 / night
8. Aspenglen Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
"Huge bear boxes that fit our cooler, kitchen bin and dog food bin (plus more). We stayed at 004 loop A right next to the entrance."
"I got a walk-in site, and, besides not having trees perfectly situated for my hammock, I had no complaints - secluded, quiet, well-maintained, beautiful scenery, plenty of bear lockers, easy park access"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 / night
9. East Portal Campground at Estes Park
"The bathrooms were clean, and close to almost every site. They had a very nice playground for the kids with a climbing wall."
"Estes Park Campground at East Portal is a short drive away from both RMNP and the city of Estes Park, so you are nearby everything."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 - $80 / night
10. Pingree Road Dispersed Camping
"I stayed here for a couple of nights on a road trip through Colorado and I found it to be a nice place to relax."
"Be careful driving along the highway to the entrance here the roads are windy and the mountain rocks come pretty close to the road."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 22 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 1 hr 42 min from Greeley, CO
- 1 hr 55 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 1 hr 58 min from Boulder, CO
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG
287 Photos of 228 Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Mountain Park
Dutch George Campground
Upper and Lower Ansel Watrous Campgrounds
Bellaire Lake CampgroundJ
West LakeM
Dowdy Lake CampgroundM
Lost Lake Dispersed
Comanche Peak View CampgroundS
Beaver Meadows Resort RanchT
Long Draw Campground
Aspenglen Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
Backcountry Campground — Horsetooth Mountain Open SpaceM
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG
2428 Reviews of 228 Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG Campgrounds
- AAnn M.Traveler
Browns Park
Very quiet, private,
Great for peace and quiet. Mostly for small vehicles, no electricity, phone or water.
- M
Mathew S.
GuideHell Canyon Dispersed
Nice location and pretty, but difficult
The drive up the mountain is a bit sketchy, even in a high clearance vehicle. It’s steep, very bumpy, and has quite a few narrow switchbacks. I ended up helping a group get their vehicle back on the road because they weren’t able to get back up to the road after pulling down into their spot. There also seem to be a very limited number of “sites”. I ended up just pulling off into the only level field I could find as all the turnouts were full. It’s in a good location though, pretty views from the mountain side and easy access to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Liam D.TravelerHell Canyon Dispersed
It’s a pretty cool spot, but definitely tough to get in and out. 0 cell service.
Drew M.GuideCaribou Dispersed Site 6
#7
# 7 was a sweet spot - You can get three to four tents in this spot if you tent camp.
Tons of deadfall for firewood
I was able to pick up three pieces of trash. I am saying it's a clean spot!
Super quiet - Saw a moose!
Great area! Easy to get to!- Liam D.Traveler
Forest Road 119
It’s awesome, but only if you have a very capable 4wd. There’s a great spot to camp at as soon as you start going up the hill. Past the first spot, the road becomes REALLY rough. So just be aware.
- Adam C.Guide
Lost Lake Dispersed
It was a great site. Not hot surrounded on three sides by rocks. Lake was dried up but Colorado was dry this year.
Leona A.
ScoutCottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park
Nice, level spots. Great mountain and lake views. Great views of all your neighbors. 😉
Finn S.GuideMoraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
The campground itself is great! The sites can be pretty hit or miss. Some are very exposed and crowded up with other sites; some are set back in the trees and lovely! If you have strong preferences, be careful when picking your site.
Guide to Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG is Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 103 reviews.
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Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG?
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TheDyrt.com has all 228 dog-friendly camping locations near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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