12 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Alpen Rose RV Park's two-acre dog park provides ample space for pets to run off-leash near Chimney Rock, Colorado. The park features separate areas so dogs don't have to co-mingle, plus a dog bathing station for muddy paws after outdoor adventures. Ute Campground, located directly across from Chimney Rock National Monument, welcomes pets at all campsites with standard leash requirements. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Chimney Rock, Colorado. Several dispersed camping options including New Jack Road, Fossett Gulch Road, and Turkey Springs permit pets without restrictions, offering free camping with fire rings in more remote settings. Pagosa Riverside Campground accommodates pets in all accommodation types including tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, and pet-friendly cabins. The campground's location along the river provides excellent opportunities for dogs to cool off during summer months.
Hiking trails surrounding Chimney Rock offer numerous pet-friendly options where leashed dogs can join their owners on outdoor adventures. The San Juan National Forest maintains several pet-accessible trails with varying difficulty levels suitable for different dog abilities and fitness levels. Wildlife encounters remain a consideration when camping with pets in this region, requiring proper leash control and food storage to prevent unwanted interactions. Durango Hot Springs, approximately 25 minutes from Chimney Rock area campgrounds, provides a welcome opportunity for humans to relax after days of hiking with dogs. The massive dog park at Alpen Rose is meticulously maintained with trees for shade and benches for owners. Local veterinary services are available in both Pagosa Springs and Durango for emergency situations, with the closest full-service animal hospital located in Pagosa Springs, approximately 20 minutes from most Chimney Rock area campgrounds.
"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"
"Chimney rock across just across the road"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $100 / night
"The San Juan River and small lake are on property. We are in spot #40 a large pull through with electric and water only. Dump station available on property too, most spots are full service."
"Located close to town off an easily acsessable road, is lakeside and riverside, offering a very peaceful vibe."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $41 / night
"Only saw one person walking their dog and a couple of cars pass on the road. Very quiet, was a peaceful night."
"Just outside the town of Pagosa with great access to everything in the area. We enjoyed the nearby hikes too!"
"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."
"Easy access to flat spots. Tall trees and very quiet. There was trash that we picked up. It looked like there were some long term campers. I would camp there again."
"Should be accessible to anybody in any type of rig. Cell service isn't the greatest. Our campsite is pretty large and nice"
"Next to the piedra river which was nice, didn’t have a Colorado fishing license at the time so not sure how the fishing was, water looked pretty high."
"In a short hike you can set up camp surrounded by pines along the river. There is also a natural hot springs."
from $22 / night
"Turned out to be a beautiful site, spacious, needled sites, surrounded by lodge pole pines. There are many comfortable tents sites, and water and power hookups at several RV sites."
"The lake is nice seen eagle catch fish more than I did lol. The only problem is they are only open for the weekends I think Thursday thru Sunday. It would be great if they were open all the time."
"Others you might require four-wheel drive."
"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."
LegendWe grabbed a spot off to the right with a view over the canyon and mountains. It was perfect for an overnight stop or a few days of kicking back. No amenities so come prepared. There was a fire ring so we enjoyed a night by the fire and listening to the coyotes and the elk off in the distance. The area is a popular recreational area so weekends and holidays you may have to go farther up the road to find spots.
GuidePlenty of spaces after you continue left!
TravelerIt’s right on the dan Juan River
GuideJust pulled in trying to beat the weather there could be more spots up the rd but I found this one! Really pretty drive in and real close to the springs in town about 13 min away
TravelerCash or check only. Level gravel sites with hookup in the main section; a few dirt and less level sites with minimal or no hook ups down by river. Friendly and welcoming host. Cash or check only. Distant road noise; quiet otherwise. Aztec Ruins National Monument just down the street. Would stay here again.
ScoutSmall camp ground by the stream with metal fire rings.
ScoutThis was the perfect spot to camp in the rain. It had a nice creek and several sites available. The creek behind the site was epic. The drive in was easy and way better and secluded spots than nearby Lime Creek. Do not drive above the frost spot at lime creek it sucked! We went all the way to the top at Potato Lake and nothing was better than the first few spots which were wide open to everyone else around. We stayed in the free spots directly across from Sig creek. Not sure what that's like, but there is no way it's better especially considering the cost ($0.00). We can pack our doo out for a few bucks and privacy. The post adjacent to our (to the right) was taken but had a small and fast flowing waterfall in the rain. I'd have loved to have snagged that.
ScoutBeautiful campground, great service, but after staying for 7 days I returned to my campsite (after being gone for less than 3 hrs) and someone had stollen all my items. Reported to forest service. (Literally stole a felony amount, I have never had this happen and I camp on dispersed lands a lot)
LegendWould have given a 5 star but numerous sites not very level: Those listed are either level, or 'good enough/level-ish': 22, 21, 11, 12, 13, 14, 7 (group site?), 8. 9, 10, 16. Vault toilets (2 pairs on either edge of campground) were CLEAN!, well-stocked, very nice and as good as it gets for vaults. Well tree'd, quiet, not busy at all in late September. Camp host was great and when we realized site 17 was not level (nor would orange levelers have worked), she let us switch with no problem (of course, it was not busy either). Potable water: 1 station available. Some sites not very close to bathrooms. Bears active in area (see pick below!). Very close to Chimney Rock ruins (go see if you have time). Would stay here again.
Dispersed camping options surround Chimney Rock, Colorado in the San Juan National Forest, with elevations ranging from 7,000-8,000 feet. Winter camping remains possible at lower elevations, though forest service roads often close after snowfall. Most dispersed campsites sit within 30 minutes of Pagosa Springs for supply runs.
Hiking at Williams Creek: San Juan National Forest Williams Creek Campground provides direct access to the Williams Creek Trail. "The trailhead for the Vallecito river trail is right there. It's a beautiful hike through the Weminuche Wilderness area," notes Michael W., who camped at Vallecito Campground.
Fishing opportunities: The Piedra River offers trout fishing within walking distance of several campgrounds. "About 8 spots. Some were large enough to handle RVs. Others you might require four-wheel drive," reports Ben H. about Lower Piedra River Camp sites along the water.
Visit Pagosa Springs: Many campsites serve as convenient bases for exploring nearby towns. "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 trees," shares Hayley K. from Ute Campground.
Accessibility to water: The reservoir at Navajo State Park offers multiple recreation options. "The lake is beautiful wil amazing views all around. Nice campground," writes Durango H. about Williams Creek Campground, noting its proximity to water activities.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at established campgrounds. "Lots of tent and RV spots, the spaces are fairly private considering all the sites there are," explains Michael W. about Vallecito Campground.
Camp host service: Attentive camp hosts improve the camping experience. "The camp host is fantastic and was very attentive to campers and the facilities alike," states Kate A. about Ute Campground, highlighting the human element that enhances stays.
Limited cell service: Most dispersed camping areas have spotty coverage. "No AT&T coverage so we had no distractions," reports Debra P. about Fossett Gulch Rd Dispersed.
Seasonal road conditions: Forest service roads vary with weather and season. "Dirt road is in very good shape. No cell signal. A couple quick pull off sites right inside the gate would be good for a quick sleep. The other sites are 10-15 minutes drive down the dirt road," explains johny R. about Fossett Gulch Road.
Reservation requirements: Many established campgrounds fill quickly in summer. "Reserve ahead of time. We got lucky that this site was available. Site #12 is the best if you can reserve it," advises Jeremy S. about Williams Creek Campground.
Choose sites with water access: Kids enjoy swimming opportunities during hot months. "Campground is Forest Service operated by a concessionaire. All have a picnic table. Pit toilets and some water spigots. Good AT&T cell signal," notes Keven I. about Williams Creek Campground.
Find flat camping areas: Look for level ground when tent camping with children. "We stayed in our van and it was great. area is pretty rocky so i would be careful with a ground tent," suggests Erik F. about New Jack Road.
Plan for insects: Summer brings mosquitoes to waterside campsites. "The only thing that was no fun and could not be controlled was the mosquitoes. Holy cow, they were everywhere. Bring a lot of spray or bug zapper," warns Sarah G. from Vallecito Campground.
Check road conditions: Many forest service roads have limited turnaround areas. "Easy road in and plenty of opportunities for a private camping experience. The road has easy access and is easily navigated. Some motorized vehicles but not very many," says Nancy M. about Turkey Springs.
Find dog-friendly campgrounds near Chimney Rock: Most dispersed sites welcome pets without restrictions. "Roads in are gravel and dirt, easy for most RVs. FS 923 off of Turkey Springs rd. Has several sites with fire rings. No other accommodations. Sites are pretty level and in the forest," reports Mark H., noting the accessibility for RVs with pets.
Water hookup availability: Check for partial hookups if needed. "We had a great time here. Butch, the camp host, could not have been nicer and more helpful. We had a fantastic site for our little r-pod to back into," shares Glenn F. about Vallecito Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Chimney Rock, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Chimney Rock, CO is Ute Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Chimney Rock, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 179 dog-friendly camping locations near Chimney Rock, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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