Dog-Friendly Camping near Arboles, CO

Dispersed camping around Arboles, Colorado sits at an elevation of approximately 6,200 feet along the shores of Navajo Lake. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 85-95°F with cool nights dropping to 50-60°F. Winter camping sees daytime highs of 30-45°F with frequent below-freezing temperatures at night. Seasonal winds often intensify across the open water, particularly in the afternoon hours.

What to do

Trout fishing opportunities: The San Juan River below Navajo Dam offers world-class fishing experiences. "The fishing at this lake and the San Juan river are world renowned. The river has a few guided tour companies, but Abe's is the best. They have a store, gas, restaurant, and hotel," notes Justin C. from Rosa Campground — Navajo State Park.

Water sports: The expansive lake supports various activities beyond fishing. "A beautiful lake any time of year... Bring kayaks, SUPs, and tubes to spend the day in the water - easily accessed from every camp sight I've been to there. Then the cliff diving!" suggests Elizabeth V. from Rosa Campground.

Hiking options: Trails around the lake and Chimney Rock National Monument provide land-based recreation. "Endless hiking options. Wildlife viewing. Chimney rock across just across the road," explains Brooke C. from Ute Campground.

What campers like

Uncrowded locations: Some campground areas remain quieter than others. "The quieter side of Navajo Lake State Park, this is a nice, clean campground with pull through and tent sites (elec and non) close to Sims marina. Nothing spectacular and a bit remote, so not a place I would seek out necessarily," writes Brett H. about Sims Mesa Campground.

Spacious sites: Many campgrounds provide adequate room for equipment. "We had no problem pulling our 30' airstream into one of its many open pull through sites. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table... The scenery was beautiful and quiet and the bathrooms were clean with hot showers and coin operated laundry," reports Jolene C. from Rosa Campground.

Cost-effective options: Multiple free camping areas exist near Arboles. "The sites in the middle tend to be better because they're away from the highway and some sort of pumping station further on. The rhythmic sound of that pumping station can be maddening. We camps just beyond that and though we could hear it, our site was spacious and relatively quiet," explains VanRumschpringa V. about Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping.

What you should know

Limited tent sites: Some campgrounds have few dedicated tent areas. "4 tent only sites, and more RV sites. Pulled in around 3:30pm and still 2 tent sites left. Table fire pit and BBQ stand. Lots of trees," notes HootmonHarry at Ute Campground.

Lake access challenges: While some sites appear near water, reaching it may be difficult. "I'll give this place a 5 for scenery and beauty/nature and a 2 for lake access for waterfront sites. From Rosa Loop (the full hookup loop) it's about 2 miles to the beach each way even though it's literally the ugh below you. There is a steep Rocky and sticker burr infested slope. Very steep," warns Jeff N.

Winter closures: Some dispersed camping areas restrict access seasonally. "The gate was closed from Dec 1- April 30. Looked like it would have been a nice spot," shares hannah P. about Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping.

Tips for camping with families

Beach safety considerations: Not all waterfront sites work well for children. "I wouldn't recommend staying by the water if you have kids, it's right by a cliff. You have to walk into the spot which isn't too bad. If you have a boat then this is a great place. The views and sunset are amazing though!!" advises Katie S. about Rosa Campground.

Playground access: Some campgrounds offer additional recreation facilities. "The entire grounds feel spacious which is not true for a lot of parks. This park is designed for the customer, not the business. Has a really nice playground, putt putt and pickle ball courts," shares andrew about Durango RV Resort.

Protective clothing needed: Prepare for environmental hazards. "Summer can be quite hot with little shade so bring pop ups or shade cover! There's a marina to rent boats," suggests Elizabeth V.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for privacy: Strategic campsite choice enhances the experience. "We stayed in the main campground, Pine. There are trees for some privacy and the angles of the sites help get as many sites to have views of the lake," explains Anita B. about Rosa Campground.

Hookup reliability: Facility quality varies between campgrounds. "Our spot #136 had 50amp hookup and water, although the water leaked pretty badly," mentions Jolene C.

Dog-friendly camping options: Sky Ute Casino Resort near Arboles welcomes pets with designated areas. "This RV Park is nicely designed to give you privacy from your neighbors with bushes and trees planted between sites. No grass at the sites, but lots of grass all around... There's a small dog park; and, of course the casino nearby for entertainment and dinner out," writes Melody M.