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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Buena Vista, CO

2,059 Reviews

Near Buena Vista, CO, lie impressive peaks and some of the best camping and rafting experiences on the Arkansas River and in Browns Canyon. From the canyon, you can marvel at the towering granite walls as you float down the river. Camping in the Pike-San Isabel National Forests brings campers closer to nature. From their campsites, campers can explore the trails that wind through the forest and catch glimpses of deer and other wildlife. RV drivers will also find plenty of campgrounds by the river or national forest that can accommodate their vehicles as they enjoy the area’s sights.

Map showing campgrounds near Buena Vista, ColoradoExplore the Map

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Buena Vista, Colorado (278)

    1. Turtle Rock Campground

    38 Reviews
    Buena Vista, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-8500

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Free and easy to get to from Buena Vista"

    "**Campground Review **

    I initially found this campground while searching on The Dyrt for a place to camp near Buena Vista for a weekend."

    2. Ruby Mountain Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 539-7289

    $28 / night

    "Dogs were entertained watching the chipmunks walk in front of them. Great hike near by. Great fishing too walking distance. Short driving distance to Buena Vista and/or Salida."

    "Here are the positives:

    • Great access to the Arkansas River (fishing, put-in/ - take/out access)
    • Very well-maintained spaces and clean bathrooms
    • Minutes from rafting outfitters (we always go through"

    3. Browns Creek

    23 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    9 miles

    "The location is perfect, situated right between Salida and Buena Vista."

    "Located in the middle of Salida and Buena Vista, there are a lot of spots in this area. Most of them are very large and can accommodate RVs and trailers."

    4. BV Overlook

    19 Reviews
    Buena Vista, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 204-3505

    $40 - $180 / night

    "We visited Buena Vista mainly to mountain bike and we loved that you can ride right from the campsite onto the trails."

    "It’s a great location, has hiking and biking trails and some amazing views of the mountains. It is close to all the things Buena Vista has to offer."

    5. Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site

    18 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "Located at the bottom of Mount Princeton (14,199 ft) and Mount Antero (14,275 ft). 270-272 is one of the most unpleasant roads I’ve driven, but worth the traverse. Sites are heavily shaded."

    "Kinda busy with good access to Browns creek and the Colorado trail, but otherwise quiet if you can squeeze in. Easy for trailers too."

    6. Collegiate Peaks

    18 Reviews
    Buena Vista, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $25 / night

    "Great large campground close to Cottonwood Pass and about 20 mins from Buena Vista. Most sites are nice, spacious, and wooded."

    "About 15 min from Buena Vista up Cottonwood Pass. Everything I want in a campground: roaring river, Aspen, trails views. Plenty of shade and the sound of the river at night was wonderful."

    7. Cascade (colorado)

    18 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $25 / night

    "This place is beautifully positioned in the trees.  Clean facilities, a wonderful camp host and fellow campers were great.  15 minutes from Buena Vista and 30 to Salida. "

    "This is probably my family's favorite area to camp in Colorado. Off the beaten path enough that traffic is minimal. But nice and close to some great four wheel and off roading areas."

    8. Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 395-8301

    "Great location between Buena Vista and Salida. We had a site right on the creek. Easy access to Arkansas River off the highway for fishing and we drove up to St."

    "Easy drive to buena vista for restaurants and groceries
    Friend ly and knowable staff."

    9. Hecla Junction Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

    21 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 539-7289

    $28 / night

    "HJ is a great campground for rafters. 20 mjnutes drive from Buena Vista. Fills up quickly, reserve early!"

    "The campground is north of Salida Colorado on the Arkansas River. This is the busy spot at the end of the commercial river rafting run."

    10. Salida North BLM

    22 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    14 miles
    Website

    "It's about a 12 minute drive to Buena Vista or Poncha springs (which has water and a dump station) and a 20 minute drive to downtown Salida."

    "We were looking for something in the Buena Vista/ Salida area. The spots are about 20 south of BV and about 10 minutes north of Salida. A great base camp for a multitude of activities."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Buena Vista, CO

247 Photos of 278 Buena Vista Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Buena Vista, CO

2059 Reviews of 278 Buena Vista Campgrounds

  • Michael J.
    Aug. 23, 2021

    Arrowhead Point Resort

    Love BV!

    Great location just 5.5 miles from Buena Vista downtown. Nice spacious sites (for RV) woth full hookup. Quarters required for showers. No fenced in pet area. Great spot to stop! Stayed 2 nights.

  • T
    Jun. 3, 2021

    Cascade (colorado)

    Pristine

    This place is beautifully positioned in the trees.  Clean facilities, a wonderful camp host and fellow campers were great.  15 minutes from Buena Vista and 30 to Salida.  Easy access to hiking trails and OHV. I'm headed back the end of the month.

  • K
    Aug. 17, 2020

    Collegiate Peaks

    Great Camping Near Cottonwood Pass

    Great large campground close to Cottonwood Pass and about 20 mins from Buena Vista. Most sites are nice, spacious, and wooded. Firewood for sale, pit toilets but no other services nearby unless you go into Buena Vista. Great campground, highly recommended.

  • Kat F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2018

    Turtle Rock Campground

    Amazing views, easily accessible

    Great campground with a lot of space at each site. Great views of mountains and rock formations.

    Free and easy to get to from Buena Vista

  • Sydney R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2023

    Stone Cabin

    Overall Great Site

    Great location, 10 minutes from Buena Vista and 30 minutes from Mt. Yale. Site was easy to access, and the roads are fine for 2WD. We visited fourth of July weekend and still had multiple spots to choose from. We chose a site right next to the river and head great views with tons of space.

  • patti S.
    Jun. 14, 2022

    Collegiate Peaks

    Beautiful spot!

    About 15 min from Buena Vista up Cottonwood Pass. Everything I want in a campground: roaring river, Aspen, trails views. Plenty of shade and the sound of the river at night was wonderful. We took our trailer and were in site 14. Not next to the river, but could still hear it. Friendly hosts will visit again. Price is now $24/night cash or check.

  • Whitney L.
    Sep. 10, 2021

    San Isabel National Forest Chalk Lake Campground

    reservation needed in peak season, $22/night

    From Buena Vista, take HWY 285 S for ~ 7 miles to CR 162. Turn W on CR 162, and go for ~ 8 miles. This is bear country so be prepared! This campground has a fee, is small.. < 20 sites, and is FCFS but only during the off-season, you DEFINITELY need a reservation (from recreaction.gov) during peak season! FREE dispersed camping is just 5 miles south on FR 295 and tons of true dispersed sites are in the Browns Creek area south of CR162 off of CR 270 and CR 272.

  • Steve & Ashley G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2019

    Hecla Junction Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

    World Class River Rafting

    Hecla Junction is one of my favorite sites. The campground is north of Salida Colorado on the Arkansas River. This is the busy spot at the end of the commercial river rafting run. You access the campground from the main highway along a windy dirt road. It takes about 25 minutes to reach the river and the campground which is next to the boat ramp. The campground has great facilities and well designed sites. They have a few sites with views of the river on north end of the site. Each campground site has boulders to define the site, gravel base for tents, picnic tables, and fire rings. The toilets are very clean and well maintained and a camp host is on site. The highlight here is the river. We had fast moving water this summer with class III and IV rapids. It’s a great run from Buena Vista down to Hecla Junction. If the Hecla Junction Campground is full, we counted at least 3 dispersed sites on road leading down to the river including a BLM dispersed site.

Guide to Buena Vista

If you're looking for a great getaway with your furry friend, Buena Vista, Colorado, offers several pet-friendly camping options that cater to both you and your pet's needs.

Pet owners like the amenities available at these campgrounds

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Buena Vista

  • Enjoy hiking with your dog on nearby trails at Twin Peaks Dispersed Campground, which is close to the scenic Twin Lakes and offers access to the Colorado Trail.
  • Browns Creek is a great spot for fishing and exploring the surrounding nature, with plenty of space for your dog to roam.
  • Take your pet for a swim or a paddle at Clear Creek Reservoir, where you can set up camp right next to the water.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include great features

  • White Star is big rig friendly and offers drinking water, making it convenient for pet owners who need easy access to amenities.
  • At Lakeview Campground, you’ll find spacious sites with picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for a cozy evening with your pet.
  • BV Overlook features electric hookups and a coffee shop on-site, ensuring a comfortable stay while you enjoy the beautiful views with your furry companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Buena Vista, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Buena Vista, CO is Turtle Rock Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 38 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Buena Vista, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 278 dog-friendly camping locations near Buena Vista, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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