13 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Buckles Lake Rd Dispersed Camping accommodates pets with free camping sites on a well-maintained Forest Service road approximately 30 minutes south of Pagosa Springs. Sites are spacious and well-separated, providing privacy for campers with dogs. Turkey Creek Road and Kenny Flats also offer free pet-friendly dispersed camping options with no reservations required. For those seeking amenities, The Last Resort RV Park & Campground features riverfront tent sites separated from RV areas in a forested setting along the Blanco River, with cabins that accept pets. Pagosa Riverside Campground and Pagosa Springs RV Park & Cabins both welcome pets with full hookup sites. The deep valley location at these campgrounds creates a peaceful environment for pets and their owners, with minimal road noise and ample space between sites. Only saw three other campers along the mountain despite visiting during a holiday weekend.
Hiking opportunities with dogs abound on nearby trails, including the short Buckles Lake Trail leading to a lake and open field worth exploring with pets. The Blanco River provides water access for dogs to cool off during summer months. Most dispersed camping areas have no amenities such as toilets or trash facilities, requiring campers to pack out all pet waste. Campgrounds closer to Pagosa Springs provide more facilities, including bathhouses with showers where pet owners can clean up after outdoor adventures. Forest Service roads in the area are generally navigable without 4WD during summer months, though some have deep ruts requiring careful driving with pets in tow. Wildlife activity in the region includes elk and deer, with some campers noting evidence of larger predators, making leashing pets advisable for safety.
"Great location between Durango and Santa Fe, just south of Pagosa Springs. Forest Service road, well maintained. I stopped at about 8300 feet. Great site nestled in pine grove with gambrel oak."
"BEAUTIFUL camp spots by the creek and close to hiking trails!"
"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 Last Resort is a lovely RV Park and campground on the Blanco River off Highway 84 between Chama, New Mexico and Pagosa Springs, Colorado."
"Also, I have got to say their showers are so nice and powerful after having camped over 4 days in New Mexico and Colorado. Love the fact they have ice readily available when you need it."
from $28 - $48 / night
"Camp location was as close to heaven on earth I could find! 10 min drive from town if needed— we were surrounded by forests and mountains."
"Sound of creek in distance. Toilets extremely well kept. MANY hikes w/in walking distance. Silver Falls 8mi drive away. Some free sites outside of campground along drive to Silver Falls."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $32 / night
"This is one beautiful park located just south of the town of Pagosa Springs Colorado. Great family atmosphere, you even get free ice cream. Very friendly and helpful staff. "
"RV sites on the river seemed close together, but the sites next to the mountain felt more private."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $140 / night
"Very close to atv trails at east fork if it is full. But will have drive there. 10min drive"
"Dirt road off the highway into the San Juan National First. 4 designated campsites along the road with fire pits. Road dead ends after about 3 miles."
"The Rio Chama flows along the edge of the campground. The staff was friendly and helpful. The town of Chama is within walking distance. Definitely worth staying."
"Right on Rio Chama River walking distance from train station and Chama. Great hosts. Road e-bikes around safely. Huge gorgeous cottonwood trees."
"remember you're in the rockies so bundle up) Our neighbor dog was a klepto and stole ALL our pupper's bowls and toys in the night."
"There were plenty of available campsites the majority of which had access to the river. It was relaxing with the exception of the occasional can am with music blaring."
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
ScoutLovely tree lined campground on the Rio Grande. Surrounded by pine trees and aspens. Each RV site has full hookups, fire ring, picnic table. Nice, clean, bath house with showers. There are also cute covered wagon “cabins” and one cabin. We stayed in a RV site along the river. Owners very nice and welcoming.
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.
GuideWe didn't go too far before we stopped at a large open area with many rock fire rings that was level and would accommodate several campers. The road seemed like a one way but we went out the same way we came in since we were unsure if we'd have to turn our class b with motorcycle trailer around.
TravelerGood road coming into the reservoir. There is only one spot to camp.
Dispersed camping sites along Buckles Lake Road are located approximately 30 minutes south of Pagosa Springs, offering camping access for vehicles without requiring four-wheel drive during summer months. The Forest Service road features spacious sites that accommodate various vehicle sizes, with opportunities for tent camping and access to nearby trails. The road extends 7 miles into national forest land, providing increasing privacy and elevation changes as you travel deeper into the wilderness.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide river access for anglers. At Rio Chama RV Park, "The Rio Chama flows along the edge of the campground," according to Tom W., making it convenient for fishing without driving elsewhere.
ATV trails: Forest roads in the area connect to trail systems suitable for off-road vehicles. At Del Norte Dispersed Camping, "Fishing, hiking and swimming all right there. Great views of the Mountains," notes Michael W., who found the area particularly clean and quiet compared to other camping locations.
Stargazing: The remote location offers exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. The Del Norte area provides "amazing starlight," according to Andrew G., who recommends visitors "remember you're in the rockies so bundle up" as temperatures drop significantly after sunset.
Riverside camping: Sites along waterways are particularly popular with campers seeking natural white noise and cooler temperatures. At Turkey Creek Road, Misty B. reports, "Extremely quiet campsite, not a lot of traffic, and the views….WOW! We stayed from Thursday to Tuesday in the big camping spot."
Secluded sites: Many dispersed areas provide substantial privacy between camping spots. Ronan G. stayed at Buckles Lake Rd and reported, "I spent almost a week there and hardly saw anyone. Spots are spaced well apart and its nice and quiet."
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife populations that campers frequently observe. Jeff P. noticed "sign of cat activity, relatively recent scat and elk femur" while camping at Buckles Lake Rd, suggesting the presence of larger predators that may require additional precautions with pets and food storage.
Road conditions: Forest Service roads vary in quality depending on seasonal conditions and maintenance schedules. According to Michael S., at Del Norte "there are several sections to this road - the first section is reasonably smooth / gravel, but it also looks like it was just graded, so that may change."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack basic amenities. At Kenny Flats Dispersed Camping, Heather H. reminds visitors there's "no bathroom or water or electric, just beautiful open field and pine trees," emphasizing the need to "pack in pack out obviously."
Seasonal accessibility: Winter conditions can make many roads impassable for standard vehicles. Sebastian attempted to visit Del Norte in March but reported, "I got about 2-300 yards into the dirt road before the snowmelt caused everything to turn into mud," suggesting spring access requires careful planning or 4WD vehicles.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Chromo: Multiple dispersed areas welcome pets with space for exercise. Aly E. recommends Buckles Lake Road, noting "Take the short buckle trail to a lake and field! Well worth the hike!" providing an ideal activity for families with energetic dogs.
Campsites with shade: Summer temperatures can be intense at higher elevations. Ken A. recommends East Fork Campground for families, noting "Loop 20-26 all shady and nice" and adding that sites 1-4 are "right on the road, small, no privacy," helping families select optimal locations.
Water activities: Rivers provide cooling options during hot weather. Nicollette found East Fork Campground's location "as close to heaven on earth I could find," adding that her site was "Right next to the river. Let the gushing waters put you right to sleep!"
Full hookup options: Several established campgrounds offer comprehensive services for RVs. At Pagosa Riverside Campground, Joseph W. notes "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."
Big rig accessibility: Some roads accommodate larger vehicles with caution. Karen B. reported taking a 17-foot travel trailer up Buckles Lake Road, saying "Road up to the spots is a bit windy but we were able to get our 17' TT up no problem."
Seasonal availability: Most full-service campgrounds operate on limited schedules. According to Harrison M., Pagosa Riverside Campground has advantages late in the season: "We came near the end of the season so it was pretty empty. The sites are clean and there are many right next to the river."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Chromo, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Chromo, CO is Buckles Lake Rd with a 5-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Chromo, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 145 dog-friendly camping locations near Chromo, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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