Matthew G.
Guide
GuideCascade (colorado)
One of our favorites
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.
Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Cotopaxi, CO
Sweetwater River Resort's 16 pet-friendly sites accommodate tent and RV campers along the Arkansas River near Cotopaxi. The campground enforces leash requirements throughout the property while providing designated areas for dogs to exercise. Cutty's Resort at Hayden Creek and Bighorn Park also welcome pets with specific amenities for four-legged visitors. Most campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities with regular staff patrols to ensure pet policies are followed. Campers with service dogs should note that while all campgrounds legally must accommodate service animals, some locations distinguish between service animals and pets in their policies. The fenced dog park at one nearby campground provides ample space for dogs to run off-leash in a controlled environment.
Hayden Creek Roadside Camp offers dispersed camping options for those seeking a more primitive experience with their pets. Dogs must remain leashed on trails due to wildlife encounters, including moose and deer that frequent the area. Cows graze near several campsites, making proper pet control essential for safety. The Arkansas River provides water access for dogs at multiple campgrounds, though owners should watch for seasonal fluctuations in water levels and current strength. Temperatures in the Cotopaxi region can fluctuate dramatically between day and night, requiring campers to pack appropriate gear for pets during all seasons. Veterinary services are available in nearby Salida, approximately 20 minutes from most campgrounds in the area.
Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Cotopaxi, Colorado (218)
1. Cutty's Resort - Hayden Creek
10 ReviewsCoaldale, CO6 milesWebsite+1 (719) 942-4222$60 - $300 / night
"Close to everything you need but you will feel away from it all."
"Our family and another reserved two sites next to each other. The pools on site were perfect for the kids. On site mini golf was a blast. The views in the campground were awesome."
2. Sugarbush Campground
7 ReviewsHoward, CO8 milesWebsite+1 (719) 942-3363"really friendly staff, clean facilities, and very close to Salida! Was a perfect weekend."
"The creek that runs through the sites drown out any highway noise. Easy 5 minute run to fishing access. Very family friendly."
3. Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
10 ReviewsCotopaxi, CO12 milesWebsite+1 (719) 539-7289$28 / night
"Our original spot ended up being closed and this was near by. Great little campground. The sites are a bit small but we fit our 2 tents."
"It tends to be a bit loud at night being so close to a major roadway but the breeze that blows through the canyon takes the edge off the heat."
4. Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust - CLOTHING OPTIONAL
9 ReviewsVilla Grove, CO13 milesWebsite+1 (719) 256-4315"The camp sites were simple but great and you have total access to all hot springs, bathrooms, showers, sauna, AND a communal outdoor kitchen."
5. Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
8 ReviewsHoward, CO11 milesWebsite+1 (719) 539-7289$28 / night
"This is a lovely, well maintained campground next to the Arkansas River. There is a boat launch and vault toilets (clean). There are no frills, but it is a peaceful setting."
"Basic campground surrounded by beauty nice lake"
6. Bighorn Park
3 ReviewsCotopaxi, CO3 milesWebsite+1 (719) 942-4266"We spotted big horn sheep on the cliff behind us! The park also had a live singer entertain one night!"
7. Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
4 ReviewsCoaldale, CO7 miles"level, shaded, right by nice size creek. perfect for exploring and quiet. we were in tent but saw several largeRV. some traffic but never heard another person. were a few spots right next to us but we"
"Quite a few flat tent spots right by the creek although there are boulders from preventing you from driving too far into the woods."
8. Sweetwater River Resort
3 ReviewsCotopaxi, CO5 milesWebsite+1 (719) 276-3842$50 - $150 / night
"You can absolutely see stars at night and are surrounded by the mountains. Only down side is how remote the tent sites are. Need to go across walking bridge."
"Driving in my car. Didn't have a tent. tenting campground is across a bridge that is only on foot. They compensated for me camping in a car."
9. East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge
25 ReviewsCañon City, CO23 milesWebsite+1 (719) 269-9028$20 / night
"Hiking: What we really loved about this place was its access to some great hiking trails! Once in the south loop, you'll see a wooden sign that says "trails" near campsite 7."
"Paved & gravelled roads, hiking trails, free camping, sightseeing, off roading, atv, handicap accessible, dogs off leash, picnic tables, firepits, kid friendly."
10. Pleasant Valley RV Park
2 ReviewsHoward, CO7 milesWebsite+1 (719) 942-3484"It's tucked away but close to the main road. It feels peaceful and secluded. It's close to Salida. The river is steps away and we had a blast fishing steps from our campsite. "
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Cotopaxi, CO
167 Photos of 218 Cotopaxi Campgrounds
Amy C.
Sweetwater River Resort
Pepper I.
Cutty's Resort - Hayden Creek
Kyli H.
Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
Jennifer L.
Rocky Top River Ranch
Hannah T.
Point Barr Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Anthony B.
Salida East Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Horizon M.
Salida RV Resort
Shelby S.
Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
Zach B.
Alvarado Campground
Sondra M.
East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge
Brenna M.
East Ridge Campground - Royal Gorge
Nora S.
Marshall Pass
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Cotopaxi, CO
1557 Reviews of 218 Cotopaxi Campgrounds
Max B.GuideBuffalo Pass Campground
Dispersed camping, solitude
Great place to camp in Colorado to avoid weekend crowds. Wide open, off the beaten path as far as Colorado goes.
- D
Darcie K.
ScoutSalida RV Resort
Very nice new RV park. Right on the Arkansas River, great mountain views.
Very clean, large level spots with gravel and plenty of room in between RVs. Great location, close to Salida and hiking & biking trails. Directly on the Arkansas River -- river view spots are very nice and all spots have a view of the mountains, there's a bit of road noise from nearby highway. Friendly staff, nice clubhouse with showers, pool table & fitness center, there's a small dog park and pickleball courts. Direct access to Arkansas River for kayaks and small boats (walk down to river, can't drive there). Campground internet was spotty but cell service is great so internet is very good if you have a hot spot. Highly recommended, my only complaint is there's no pool or hot tub.
Isabelle K.
LegendRoad 240 - Dispersed
A hidden paradise
This spot is one of the best kept secrets for dispersed camping in Colorado. The road has plenty of camping spots all the way up to the lake. Most spots are wooded and offer plenty of shade. We were lucky enough to end up right along the river. If you keep driving down the road, you will end up at a stunning alpine lake basin that offers plenty of hiking. High clearance vehicle is necessary to get down this road.
- EElizabeth S.Guide
Haggards RV Campground
One of Our Favorites!
We've been staying at this campground for several years as we travel between Arizona and Wyoming. The owners are so helpful, and the park is immaculate. Fantastic views, country feel, and safe. There's a seasonal pool, walking trails and a HUGE fenced dog park. Most spots are pull thru, and it's worth the short, easy drive from I-25.
- DDavid Y.Guide
The Pine Lodge
Veterans with Service Dogs feel unwelcome
As I start this, the manager Crystal is a very polite and wanting to make your stay is comfortable. The high point of my stay.
If I was told sooner that my service dog was just considered a pet to the owners, I would have canceled my trip to here. It was three days when one of the owners made what I consider as a put down of me as well as my service dog. If I was told sooner than the three days, I would have canceled my trip all together and gladly lose only $20, instead if I canceled on that day I would have lost nearly $450.
Ask any veteran if their service dog is only a pet. For those who do not realize this, but a veteran and their service dog is just one entity. The service dog being considered a pet is like telling someone with an artificial limb if that part of the vet is a"pet". The service dog is a part of the veteran and has specific duties to that veteran and is trained to do those duties to assist the veteran.
My service dog has 8 specific jobs to help me live my life, he is never to be considered just a"pet" as I had been told. This is sent out to my brothers and sisters on just how unwanted we are going here, as well as The Lodge@ San Isabel Lake and Aspen Acres.
Realistically, all I wanted was some sort of acknowledgement that it was an honest mistake in saying that, but when there is silence that screams louder than what words could ever say.
- Casey W.
TravelerGreat Sand Dunes Oasis
Amazing stay with views of the Dunes!
We loved this camp site! It was our first time to tent camp in Colorado and it was great. Several sites to choose from. Some have views of the dunes, some are more secluded. Bathrooms were clean. Very spacious tent site with a fire pit. Our tent sleeps 6 and we had no trouble fitting in the spot.
Jason L.GuideMosca Campground
Amazing views
We stayed here for two weeks and every day there were new breathtaking views all around. You feel as if you are walking the top of the world when exploring the area, the entire San Luis Valley gives this feeling. The lake is beautiful and has a beautiful view of the Great Sand Dunes National Park to the north and Mt. Blanca to the east. Camping is by permit, so stop anywhere you can get a Colorado hunting or fishing license and get a State wildlife area permit, they're $43 per person, but if you're age 18-64 you're required to have an SWA permit to camp in Colorado State wildlife areas. The permit is good from April 1st through March 31st of each year, and yes they are yearly permits, so try to get them in April. The campground has electric hookups, but no water. So pack in your water, vault toilets on loops B and C, RV dump station, and dumpster at exit of campground areas. You can stay 14 days every 45 days. Zapata falls nearby is a MUST visit and there is a pay to camp campground there. Cell service is spotty for Verizon, not sure about other carriers.
- Jennifer F.Traveler
Snowy Peaks RV Park
Great staff & Clean
Staff is accommodating and friendly, campground and facilities are clean, they are pet friendly. Have a club house, mail service, 24 clean efficient laundry room. Nothing allowed on their grass except the picnic table they provide, no shade tents, dog pens or mats we had a gravel area behind our site where we were allowed to put our dog pen, small foldable table with Our BBQ grill on it (they will allow BBQ grills on their picnic tables) and fire ring they provided for us.
Guide to Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi sits at approximately 6,700 feet elevation in the Arkansas River Valley between the Sangre de Cristo and Collegiate Peaks mountain ranges. Daytime temperatures range from 70-85°F during summer months but can drop significantly at night. Many dispersed camping options on Forest Service land provide more primitive experiences than established campgrounds in the area.
What to Do
Fishing access points: Five Points Campground offers direct river access via a tunnel under Highway 50. "We pulled off into this campground exhausted from the day of driving through Kansas on US route 50. There is a tunnel to walk through under the highway to get to a pavilion created for viewing the Arkansas River, it was very nice there," notes Paul A.
Mountain biking trails: Royal Gorge Park East Ridge Campground connects to numerous trail systems. "What we really loved about this place was its access to some great hiking trails! We took the Canyon Rim trail to the Overlook trail and got some gorgeous views of the gorge (out and back hike, a little over 4 miles)," shares Shannon C.
Hot springs soaking: Several natural pools at Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust provide relaxation after hiking. "The gem here is the wonderful landscape and the soaking pools throughout. I can't speak highly enough about the pools, the overall vibe and the expansive views," writes Morgan Y.
What Campers Like
Minimal light pollution: The absence of nearby cities creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. "Nice and warm for the elevation, especially at night. Beautiful spot to watch a sunset," explains Nicholas P. about camping at Royal Gorge Park East Ridge.
Water features: Sugarbush Campground provides creek access that masks road noise. "The creek that runs through the sites drown out any highway noise. Easy 5 minute run to fishing access," reports Mike M.
Proximity to outdoor adventures: Multiple campgrounds serve as ideal basecamps for activities. "Sites are close together but very nice and level, plus there isn't large gravel which is a lot easier on the tent. So much to do in this area makes it an excellent choice," writes Will T.
What You Should Know
Road noise impacts: Many campgrounds along Highway 50 experience traffic sounds. "This campground is very convenient when rafting the Arkansas. It tends to be a bit loud at night being so close to a major roadway but the breeze that blows through the canyon takes the edge off the heat," explains Karla S. about Five Points Campground.
Varied cell coverage: Service is spotty or nonexistent at many sites. "No cell service via Verizon; very spotty with AT&T. But good, fast Wi-Fi is available," notes Matt about Sugarbush Campground.
Weather fluctuations: Pleasant Valley RV Park campers mention significant temperature drops after sunset. "Absolutely beautiful campground. Quiet and peaceful. Great views of the continental divide and relaxing sound of the river," reports Jeremy S.
Tips for Camping with Families
Activity options: Cutty's Resort - Hayden Creek offers numerous facilities for children. "The kids always had something to do with 2 pools, basketball, tennis, put put, hikes and horse shoes. We liked it so much we just decided to meet everyone at Cutty's during the same week in August each year," shares Pepper I.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Cotopaxi provide chances to see local fauna. "We spotted big horn sheep on the cliff behind us!" reports Melody M. about Bighorn Park.
Educational programming: Some campgrounds organize activities for children. "They had young staff that organized hands on crafts and science experiment classes for all the kids to participate in who were staying that weekend. One class was the kids making alka seltzer rockets," notes Thomas P.
Tips from RVers
Campsite leveling: Check site descriptions before booking at pet-friendly campgrounds around Cotopaxi. "Our particular site was pretty unlevel but that's not the campground's fault. If you're looking for shade-this place has trees galore-but that also means it gets chilly at night so be aware!" advises Sarah F.
Accessibility considerations: Not all roads accommodate larger rigs. "Not really for RV's. Even small ones like mine. Very narrow roads in with no real place to turn around," warns Lynne W. about East Ridge Campground.
Hookup availability: Hayden Creek Roadside Camp offers dispersed options without services. "There are a handful of dispersed camping sites along Hayden Creek Rd, South of Cuttys and before you get the the USFS campground. These sites seems to be primarily tent camping, though we were able to get our pop-up in 1 spot. We saw 2 other larger RVs near the upper Rainbow Trail camping area," reports Kelly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Cotopaxi, CO?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Cotopaxi, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Cotopaxi, CO is Cutty's Resort - Hayden Creek with a 4.3-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Cotopaxi, CO?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Cotopaxi, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 218 dog-friendly camping locations near Cotopaxi, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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