Troy W.
Traveler
TravelerTwin Peaks Dispersed Campground- Colorado
Love love love!
Easily one of my favorite places to camp in Colorado! It’s a must stay every year for me. Killer views, great hiking, beach days and a peaceful location.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Blue River, CO
370 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Tiger Run RV Resort and White River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground welcome pets with designated areas for dogs to exercise. Both campgrounds provide pet-friendly accommodations including cabins at Tiger Run and tent, RV, and cabin options at Heaton Bay. The sites are spacious enough to fit large rigs, with Tiger Run offering full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections. Campers report that Tiger Run maintains clean facilities and friendly staff who accommodate pet owners. Heaton Bay features bear-proof containers at each site, with some sites offering enough room for 40-foot fifth wheels. Neither campground imposes breed restrictions, though pets must remain on leash when outside designated exercise areas.
Nearby trails provide excellent opportunities for hiking with dogs, with many campers using these campgrounds as base camps for exploring the surrounding mountains. The Blue River offers water access where dogs can cool off during summer months. Prospector Campground, located near Dillon Reservoir, provides large sites with mountain views and lake access via an 18-mile trail around the reservoir. Sites are well-spaced despite the lack of tall trees due to pine beetle damage. During thunderstorms, which are common in Colorado mountains during summer afternoons, secure pets inside vehicles or shelters as hail and heavy rain can occur suddenly. The campgrounds maintain quiet hours to ensure peaceful stays for all guests, including those with noise-sensitive pets.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Blue River (370)
1. Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
"Roadside pull off areas. Mostly one lane dirt, can be tight and bumpy. Best for truck camper, small RV or tent. Don't get discouraged if the 1st spots are full just keep driving."
"While many of the campsites are quite small and located right along the roadside with limited parking, we were lucky to find a fantastic, more spacious spot."
2. Prospector Campground
"This campground is one of five Forest Service campgrounds around Dillon Reservoir, also referred to as Lake Dillon. There is a group campground called Windy Point near Prospector."
"Located on Dillon Reservoir, Prospector Campground offers a nice balance of feeling remote while being conveniently near some really neat towns."
from $27 / night
Check Availability3. Peak One Campground
"You can tell the campground is a relatively recent development, but they planted enough pines that they have finally grown tall enough to hide the nearby town—while remaining short enough to preserve the"
"Our site was also a short walk down to Lake Dillon which was perfect for the kids and dogs to splash around in. Close proximity to Frisco is great too if you want to get some pizza for a meal."
from $28 / night
Check Availability4. White River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground
"The site is open and spacious behind the paved parking for the rig. Bear proof containers are at each site. Our site wasn’t 100 level. It was a little lower on the left side."
"The campground is in a beautiful, scenic area near Dillon Reservoir. Site 38 angles in the wrong direction if you’re trying to back a trailer in."
from $29 - $56 / night
Check Availability5. Hoosier Pass Dispersed Camping
"Not super private and lots of off leash dogs but beautiful walking trails!"
"I arrived around 4:00 in the afternoon on a Friday and there were still a few sites available."
6. McCullough Gulch Designated Dispersed Camping
"It’s right next to the stream which my pup was able to cool off many a times. We had neighbors (only one close by site) the other sites were up wheeler trail more."
"I would recommend a 4x4 or offroad vechicle for most of the pull off roads in the area. Campsites have signs designating them and fire rings. Look for signs and pull offs from the main road."
7. Tiger Run RV Resort
"You can catch the Blue River rec path right from across the road (access by gravel trail under a bridge) and ride into Breckenridge, Frisco, Copper Mountain, or Vail."
"Multiple segments of the Colorado trail are accessible right from the park."
from $105 / night
Check Availability8. Lowry Campground
"Bathrooms were pretty clean considering location and the host was nice and welcoming."
"This campground is near Lake Dillon-you would need to drive down to the lake itself but it is within .5-1 mile. "
from $27 - $38 / night
Check Availability9. Lower Crystal Lake- Dispersed Camping
"The road up can be a bit challenging, especially for novice offroaders, but it's doable. The lake is beautiful but can be very windy."
"We were at Lower Crystal Lake on July 27-28, 2022. This was our first overnight backpacking trip with our 9 and 12 year old. "
10. Gore Creek Campground
"If you are looking for a great boondocking location that is close to great trails and breathtaking views, this just might be the place for you."
"We stayed at the Gore Creek Campground last summer 2017 on a drive from Southern California to Denver, CO. We took highway 15 through Nevada and Utah, and connected to Highway 70 in Utah to Colorado."
from $29 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 1 hr 34 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 44 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 3 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 20 min from Fort Collins, CO
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Blue River, CO
435 Photos of 370 Blue River Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
McCullough Gulch Designated Dispersed Camping
Hoosier Pass Dispersed CampingC
Tiger Run RV ResortB
North Fork Swan Road #354 - Dispersed Camping
White River National Forest Peak One Campground
Peak One CampgroundJ
Prospector Campground
Lowry Campground
Delmonica Gultch BLM Dispersed
White River National Forest Heaton Bay CampgroundM
Pike National Forest Handcart Campground
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Blue River, CO
3240 Reviews of 370 Blue River Campgrounds
John H.
ScoutDenver West-Central City KOA
Beautiful view
Gorgeous views, relaxing and very kind, courteous staff. Dog park, hot tubs, laundry, all you can eat pancakes (very reasonably priced) well worth the so steep drive on way up to 9,000 ft.
Kim G.
LegendTiger Run RV Resort
Great location and nice resort
We chose to stay here while visiting Breckenridge in May. It is a great time to visit as it is between winter and summer seasons and very quiet. You can catch the Blue River rec path right from across the road (access by gravel trail under a bridge) and ride into Breckenridge, Frisco, Copper Mountain, or Vail. The resort has a lot of cabins but the RV sites are nicely spaced and shaded. We had a peek view of the mountains. There is an issue with the water here. An ambiguous notice made me think twice about using it. Also, an Airstream next to us ran their A/C all day, even when they were gone most of the day. So we had constant noise at our site.
Juliana R.
GuideWhite River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground
Quiet location surrounded by nature
We stayed at site 11. It was large enough to fit our 40 ft 5th wheel. The site is open and spacious behind the paved parking for the rig. Bear proof containers are at each site. Our site wasn’t 100 level. It was a little lower on the left side. We drove onto some blocks to level it out. We have automatic jacks and the site wasn’t level enough initially for them to come down. You are right next to the bathroom, water and dumpster. It’s enough space in between.
Beware that there is no dump station here. We stopped at the The Blue River Wastewater Treatment Plant . They take cash or personal check $3 for RV.It was easy and self service!
CK C.ScoutDakota Ridge RV Park
Not dog friendly
Portable dog pens are not allowed. Tethering is not allowed. We don’t like tethering and our rv is small so we travel with some wire folding dog fence so that our dogs can hop in and out of the rv when the weather is good. At this park they can only be on a 6 ft leash attached to a human. They have a dog “area” instead of a fenced dog park where they can play a little. The area for dogs is awful, I’ll include a picture.
- NNatalie S.Traveler
Blue River Campground (Co) — White River National Forest
Riverside Camping Close to Silverthorne
This small campground is located right on the Blue River between Silverthorne and Green Mountain Reservoir on Highway 9. It is about 6 miles from Silverthorne and beautiful Dillon Reservoir. There are 24 camping sites, vault toilets, picnic tables and fire pits with grill grates. There are also bear proof lockers at each sight. Bathrooms are well-maintained. There is no firewood available for purchase at campground, so get some in-town. $20 per night and slightly more on holidays. Pay your fee in the envelope at the entrance (side of the info sign). There was a host on duty.
There were a good amount of riverside camp sites, some with shade some with less tree cover. I was able to score an awesome sight by the river even on a busy weekend. Great spot for fishing (no bait).
The one downside is that it is relatively close to the highway, so if you don’t get a river spot the noise could be an issue depending on what you’re hoping for! It didn’t bother us as the river sounds covered the highway noise.
Stay limit is 14 days.
From I-70 take Exit 205, Silverthorne/Dillon, and travel north on HWY 9 for approximately 6 miles. The campground is on the right side of the highway
Jason F.LegendGore Creek Campground
So good, I don’t want to tell you about it.
Gore Creek Campground is a true gem of the National Forest Service. If you are looking for a great boondocking location that is close to great trails and breathtaking views, this just might be the place for you. The entrance to the campground is ~2 miles off of I-70 Exit 180 on Bighorn Road. Only 10 minutes from Vail Village and 25 minutes from Frisco.
We stayed in Site #8, which provided plenty of room for our 22’ travel trailer and pickup. The sites each have a large picnic table and fire ring.
Pit toilets are spread through the campground and were very clean and well maintained. The campground hosts do a great job of keeping everything tidy and looking great. They also have bundles of firewood for sale for $7 at their site just inside the entrance to the campground.
I can’t say enough about this place. It’s probably my favorite spot to camp in Colorado. I almost didn’t post this review for fear of the secret getting out.
- SStephen D.Scout
Parry Peak — Psicc
Great campground, close to the pass and lots of hiking.
Some spots close to the road but it gets quiet at night as Independence pass is not heavily trafficked after dark. It is in a great location, close to Twin Lakes but also all the hiking up the pass. All first come first serve. Pets are allowed, we had our dog with us.
Elise A.
RangerPeak One Campground
Inter-city escape.
We stopped at Peak One Campground on our way home from a backpacking trip in the Flat Tops. At that point, I was desperate for a campground that didn’t also come with the stress of bears, extreme elevation, or being completely isolated. Don’t get me wrong—I love that level of wilderness, but after a week of it, I was ready for some dialed-down relaxation. Peak One met that need to a T. You can tell the campground is a relatively recent development, but they planted enough pines that they have finally grown tall enough to hide the nearby town—while remaining short enough to preserve the incredible views of the mountains in the distance. It offers a great balance: beautiful scenery and a connection to nature without feeling completely removed from civilization. The bear boxes are large enough to hold two full-sized coolers, and the bathrooms were clean and well maintained. When we visited, there were also at least four first-come, first-served campsites available. For camping in Colorado at the end of summer, that felt like an absolute blessing. Overall, Peak One was exactly what we needed: peaceful, scenic, convenient, and relaxing. A solid 10/10 for what it is designed to be.
Guide to Blue River
Dispersed camping near Blue River, Colorado presents options for tent and RV campers at elevations ranging from 9,000 to 11,000 feet. The area experiences significant temperature variations, with summer days reaching 70-80°F but dropping to 40°F at night. Most dispersed sites lack amenities like running water or toilets, requiring proper waste management practices.
What to do
Hiking from campsites: Boreas Pass Road provides easy access to mountain trails directly from camping areas. "There's a beautiful little valley and open space you can easily walk down to from some sites," reports a camper at Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping.
Water sports at Dillon Reservoir: The reservoir offers multiple access points for paddling and boating. "Last minute decision to car camp here but worth it. Easy access to lake from camp spot, walked our paddle boards to beach 20 yards from camp site," notes a visitor at Pine Cove Campground.
Mountain biking nearby: The network of trails around Frisco and Breckenridge provides options for all skill levels. "Nice quick stay outside of Breckinridge. Plenty of keep traffic, mountain and e-bikes. Enjoyed the views!" mentions a reviewer at Boreas Pass.
What campers like
Seclusion in accessible spots: Many dispersed sites offer privacy without difficult access. "Our site was far enough from the neighboring spots that we couldn't see or hear other campers, making it feel peaceful and secluded," notes a camper at Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping.
Lakefront camping options: Several established campgrounds provide direct water access. "This camp is along the Dillon Reservoir & close to town. The camp sites are right along the water and the views are exceptional, even though you're close to all the amenities of Frisco," explains a visitor at Pine Cove Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Higher elevation camps offer chances to spot native animals. "Wildlife was another highlight—there were clear signs of moose activity nearby, and fellow campers just up the road mentioned seeing a moose wander around their site," reports a Boreas Pass camper.
What you should know
High altitude considerations: Camping at 10,000+ feet requires acclimatization. "Being at a higher elevation, one person in our group did experience some mild altitude discomfort, even though we're from the Denver area—something to keep in mind if you're sensitive to elevation changes," warns a visitor at Boreas Pass.
Site limitations: Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles or equipment. "Not all sites are equal. Most sites are only slightly off the road. Not ideal for me. I was lucky to get site 17. Best view in my opinion. Road is fine for high clearance," states a camper at Boreas Pass.
Summer weather patterns: Afternoon storms are common in summer months. "I would recommend a 4x4 or offroad vehicle for most of the pull off roads in the area. Temps were high 70s in the evenings and low 40s at night in mid July so prepare with layers," advises a visitor at McCullough Gulch Designated Dispersed Camping.
Tips for camping with families
Avoid steep sites with children: Choose flat, accessible camping areas. "If you are in a tent, these may provide some great options. We went by the first 6 sites. Even with our lifted AWD van, there were sites we didn't want to drive up to," notes a visitor to McCullough Gulch about site selection.
Look for campsites with easy lake access: Some locations offer water recreation within walking distance. "We camped at E70 and there was a trail right to the lake. It was beautiful!" shares a camper at Heaton Bay Campground.
Consider dog friendly campgrounds near Blue River: Most dispersed sites and established campgrounds welcome pets. "Great campground with easy access. Hiking trails available. Camped with a huge group and was able to have space between all tents," mentions a reviewer at Prospector Campground, which accommodates pets.
Tips from RVers
Check site accessibility before arrival: Many forest roads have limitations. "Road gets pretty rough pretty quick, there's only like 3 of the sites I'd consider accessible with a low clearance vehicle," warns a camper at Hoosier Pass Dispersed Camping.
Use established RV parks for longer stays: Full-service options exist near Blue River for extended camping. "The lots are paved, nice and wide. The location, close to Breckinridge, is very nice," notes a visitor to Tiger Run RV Resort, one of the few pet-friendly campgrounds with full hookups near Blue River.
Plan for limited dump stations: Most forest service campgrounds lack sanitary dumps. "You get a spot and that's it. There is no water to fill your tank unless you're a lucky one who got loop C. There also isn't a dump anywhere," advises a Heaton Bay camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Blue River, CO?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Blue River, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Blue River, CO is Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 43 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Blue River, CO?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Blue River, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 370 dog-friendly camping locations near Blue River, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring