Rosa Campground at Navajo State Park accommodates tent, RV, and cabin camping with pets throughout the year. Tiffany Campground and Carracas Campground within the same park system also welcome pets at their lakeside sites. All three areas provide water hookups, electric service, and sewer connections for RVs while maintaining pet-friendly policies across all accommodation types. Dispersed camping options near Arboles include Fossett Gulch Road sites where pets can join campers in a more primitive setting. Sky Ute Casino Resort RV Park in nearby Ignacio provides full hookups for RV campers with dogs from April through November. Most campers note the spacious sites at Rosa Loop provide enough room for pets to relax while maintaining distance from neighboring campers. The steep hillside between Rosa Loop and the water presents challenges for pet owners accessing the lake directly from their campsites.
Navajo Lake's extensive shoreline offers multiple access points for dogs to swim, though owners should watch for sticker burrs that can become painfully embedded in fur. The marina provides boating opportunities for campers who want to explore the lake with their pets. Several dispersed camping areas along the North Shore allow pets with appropriate off-grid preparation. Campers traveling with dogs should bring extra water supplies when staying at primitive sites like those along Fossett Gulch Road where no drinking water is available. Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping areas provide free pet-friendly options with drive-in access but no amenities. Summer temperatures can reach uncomfortable highs for pets, requiring owners to ensure adequate shade and cooling options at their campsite. The lakeside camping areas experience strong winds at times, so secure pets and their supplies appropriately when weather conditions change.
$20 - $41 / night
"The campgrounds are spread all throughout the lake which reaches from Northern New Mexico into Colorado. The Marina is newly remodeled and expansive."
"We prefer to disperse camp along the North Shore of the lake, basically directly North, across the lake from the marina, in the small coves that have 4×4 and dirt road access."
$22 - $100 / night
"Pulled in around 3:30pm and still 2 tent sites left. Table fire pit and BBQ stand. Lots of trees. Pit outhouse not too far and was clean and well stocked."
"It was a great stop as the campground is only $20 and it is only about 25 mins from Pagosa Springs so you can easily drive into the town and soak in the springs and then spend a semiquiet night in the"
"Relatively convenient for access to the town and activities in the area. The main road into the area is very easy navigable by any vehicle. Some of the side roads get significantly tougher."
"A residential area with no access to BLM land. Instead, search for Durfield dispersed camping nearby and it will take you to the correct place."
$35 - $85 / night
"Very convenient for trips to the lake. Easy to get in and out. Plenty of shade. Loved our stay!"
$20 / night
"The views from our campsite overlooked the lake. The bathroom and showers were clean."
$15 - $90 / night
"Several sites available right on the lake, just steps away from the water. Bathrooms available. Water and trash available just a short walk."
"Navajo Lake was a last minute reservation to escape the southern heat. SUCCESS, the sites had shelter, access to water and good Marina. Not many marked trails but you can still explore."
"The pull-off was flat and about 150ft from highway 160. There was a gate near our spot that was closed, presumably for the winter. Although we could hear road traffic it didn't keep us awake."
$47 - $197 / night
"Dog park was large enough with a shaded tree and benches. Pickle ball, movie night, pool, playground ect included."
"They have a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a small dog park, and a very basic playground."
$20 - $120 / night
$36 - $41 / night
GuideOur family vacation destination- would provide 6 stars if a could. Main features- pool, great family play areas, huge lots and shaded lots- not really a bad spot. Pond, 2 Acre dog park- beautiful sites and quick drive to town or off-road. We stayed here twice because a bad experience in Silverton
ScoutIncredibly friendly staff, great store with camping necessities and fun swag. Dog park was large enough with a shaded tree and benches. Pickle ball, movie night, pool, playground ect included. Almost every space was filled but it was quiet because the activities are spread nicely away from where we were. Pull through sites with enough room. Good price for the location.
GuideAbout 5 miles drive to town which is fine for us. We stayed in a shady spot near the back. Bathrooms are clean and decorated with a country/western vibe, and a 2 acre dog park !
GuideFriendly staff, enjoyable stay. Wide spaces with picnic tables and grills. Showers, laundry, dog park
TravelerThe campground is set just a couple miles before Durango. They have a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a small dog park, and a very basic playground. They also have a little Caboose from which they serve simple breakfast items, and a little store with a couple of Essentials. Overall the staff was friendly and helpful and our experience was very positive. It was 55 bucks for a pull through site with hookups. We were not allowed to pitch a tent in the camper campsite.
GuideWe grow tired on boondocking and enjoy a nice RV Park sometimes. 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. The laundry is located beside the pool - you can swim while waiting for our laundry. However, there is no way to drive to the laundry door; it’s quite a walk carrying your clothes. There are picnic tables and small grills at each site. There’s a small dog park; and, of course the casino nearby for entertainment and dinner out. All sites are asphalt with concrete pads for the tables. The sites are level
TravelerSpent two nights to rest and relax after crossing Red Mountain Pass during snow storm. Enjoyed bathrooms, showers and dog park (2 acres). Camp hosts were especially friendly and helpful. Spent time at Durango Hot Springs too! Make sure you go!
GuideWhile driving into Durango finding a place to stay overnight this time of year (November) was a blessing. The website would not let me book our stay because it was within 24 hours. I called and there was one spot open. We arrived and were escorted to our spot. There was tree removal and fall clean up happening. The facilities were clean and the dogs Loved the Huge dog park. The views are beautiful. It is expensive but we are happy to have found a place.
GuideWell kept. Trolley stop so close you don't need to find a parking place while exploring downtown. Wifi is good enough to stream. No dog park but enough area to do their business. Tight spaces. We're 43 feet fifth wheel. Barely enough room to park truck in the site. We would stay again.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Arboles, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Arboles, CO is Rosa Campground — Navajo State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Arboles, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 138 dog-friendly camping locations near Arboles, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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