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Sentinel Mountain RV & Quick Stop allows pets at their Cowdrey location with full-hookup RV sites set on grassy, level spaces. The campground offers electric, water, and sewer connections with picnic tables at each site. Campers with pets have access to on-site showers, toilets, laundry facilities and a small market with basic supplies. Several other pet-friendly options exist nearby, including Whitewoods Outdoor Adventures which accommodates both tent and RV campers with pets. For those seeking free dispersed camping, Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping permits pets in an open setting with unobstructed mountain views, though the area lacks facilities, shade, and can experience significant mosquito activity during summer months. Roads leading to some dispersed camping areas like BLM North Sand Hills Campground may require higher clearance vehicles, especially when sandy or muddy conditions exist.
Dispersed camping in Routt National Forest provides secluded pet-friendly sites marked by fire rings along Mahogany Road (Forest Road 939.1). These sites feature shade trees and relatively flat ground suitable for multiple tents, with easy access to the Platte River for dogs that enjoy swimming. Big Creek Lakes Campground in State Forest State Park offers pets scenic camping at over 9,000 feet elevation with potable water available from spigots throughout the campground. Sites are spacious pull-throughs with fire pits and sturdy picnic tables. Vic & Sigrid Hanson Memorial Park provides free pet-friendly camping in town, though campers must call the sheriff's office to register. Wildlife encounters are common throughout the region, so keeping dogs leashed is essential, particularly with moose, elk and coyote sightings reported near several campgrounds.
"We ended up driving too far and just parking next to the lake for the night to camp. Lots of dirt trails near the lake, maybe not for camping but we showed up after driving 6 hours."
"Sites aren’t really marked/but are right next to the reservoir. No fires/water pumps."
"After deciding to take a weekend rafting trip along the Wyoming/Colorado section of the Platte River, we planned to just find dispersed camping options within the surrounding National Forest area."
"It’s clearly an area for off-roaders and people with ATVs. Since I got in so late I didn’t make it to the actual coordinates this provides."
"Sites are fairly close together but no one was around on a Sunday and Monday night. We ended up camping not in the campground but in dispersed camping located all around the dunes."
"We are full-timers in a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and needed a place to dump, do laundry and take on fresh water after a week of boondocking in the mountains outside of Steamboat Springs"
from $45 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Great spot for car camping in Colorado except its distance from Denver. It’s a trek! Takes at least 4 hours (that’s if you’re lucky). Lots to do."
"Big Creek Lakes Campground, Colorado (close to Wyoming border): camping here is only open for 3 months out of the year: June, July & August."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"on six mile road near the CO/WY border. We did the float on the North Platte River. This is a minimal campground near the river with nothing more than a vault toilet."
"Potable water a walk aways...may need 3 hands to operate. Excellent hiking opportunities."
"After driving past the more established Lake John RV Resort we found this spot to park our campervan. Site has a metal tin can fire pit. Very peaceful with private location."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Getting to the campground and visitors center is easy as they are both right off the highways 41 and 14, but it is quite a drive to get to, in general."
"My 4 year olds threw rocks in the reservoir, they bikes on nearby trails. The bathrooms were clean too. My dog was able to cool off in the reservoir on a hike."
from $28 - $120 / night
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TravelerGreat spot for car camping in Colorado except its distance from Denver. It’s a trek! Takes at least 4 hours (that’s if you’re lucky). Lots to do. Great fishing, beautiful hiking trails to a water fall, and trails for the RZR near by.
LegendThis is one of my all-time favorite places to hike and camp in Colorado. I have not yet stayed in any of the campgrounds but have backpacked to the top of the American Lakes Trail. Not only is this hike fantasticly beautiful and full of wildlife (tons of moose especially) but there is great dispersed camping along the trails. You simply cannot find more scenic and free camping in Colorado. I would highly recommended camping anywhere in State Forest State Park!
Also, there are quite a few huts, cabins and yurts that can be rented year round in SFSP!
ScoutA lovely wooded campground literally on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park - we even saw moose from the back window of our RV! Options for everyone from cabins, to FHU RV sites (limited and not the ideal locations, but still nice), water/electric sites and tenting areas. Even Conestoga wagons! There is horseback riding on site and we loved watching the horses run in and out each morning/evening and you just have to cross the road for a pretty hike along the Colorado River in RMNP (no dogs on the trails). We camped with our Great Dane - very dog friendly with bag stations around the park. Friendly and helpful staff, a small shop with supplies and souvenirs, a cute little petting zoo with goats, sheep, and pigs.
LegendCampground Review
This campground is located in the Poudre Canyon area of Colorado. This is a private, 420-friendly campground. While many will be drawn to that allure, there is a lot of other features this campground offers that makes it a lovely place to stay. There’s communal fire pits, a jungle gym for kids, and hiking trails into and up the Poudre Canyon. It’s also a good place to bunk if you like to fish, with access into the rivers just across the road and so many other spots just a short drive away. Across the road is a general store for any last-minute camping supplies, munchies, booze, and ice. There’s also the Poudre Canyon Grille – a tiny, well-kept trailer serving up burgers, fries, and other fast food sandwiches. Near the office, there’s a large covered patio that has a cell and WiFi booster and in the summertime is a lounge area with a TV. There are two areas that have a bathroom with shower – both single use. When there are nearby music festivals, Canyonside has been known to shuttle festival goers to and from areas of greater access to help you enjoy the show. Speaking of shows, there are sometimes laser light shows where the hosts reflect their displays off the rocky canyon walls, and up the canyon there is also a small ampitheatre.
To learn more about what may be going on near the time of your stay, just call the campground. Which is also what I suggest you do before you book, especially if you’re interested in renting one of their really cool themed cabins (there’s a few, are different sizes, and each have a unique décor theme and were all incredibly clean). There are a few factors like the day of the week, amount of people, and amount of dogs you have that will affect your nightly rate. Ask about the dog policy when you call too, as not all sites allow for pets – like the tent sites – and there is a pet waiver that should be read.
One thing I noticed that was neat for tent dwellers was that one area of the tent sites (there are two sent site locations on either side of the park) had a hammock or swing chair and access to water to do dishes (there is also communal dishware) in addition to your typical flat plot, fire pit, and picnic table. There is also poured concrete sites for RVs with electric and water hookups, but I don’t remember seeing a dump station.
Not sure you want to go all the way in on a cabin but don’t want a tent site and you don’t own an RV? That’s OK as there’s also a pop up trailer on site that can be rented as a “glamping” option. It was a pretty neat little place, but due to the size and chance of trapping pet dander, dogs aren’t allowed in there either.
The hosts are very accommodating and want to help you enjoy your stay. They are approachable and can point you to resources to help you make your stay a 420-featured one, if that’s your thing. I understand they’re looking to add more tent sites and shaded areas and continue to tweak their internet to help it cover more of the grounds. I look forward to returning to see how the place evolves. I do like that there’s so many ways the hosts are there to accommodate you, and one thing that I would love to hear about is that they’ve added drinkable water access. Water is there for you but bring your own drinking water on site.
I want to give this place a 5 out of 5 because of how nice the hosts are, how well kept the grounds are, how many camping options there are, and how many activity options you have, but it gets a 4 out of 5 from me because of the water access, pet restrictions, and add-on fees (pet, extra guest), plus possible fines for any ‘dog infractions’. If you plan your trip ahead, you will have a great time here and really enjoy the atmosphere.
Product Review
As part of the Dyrt Ranger program I am given camping gear to test from time to time, and today I was reviewing a new kind of spork, the Morsel Spork XL. This company makes 3 kinds: The regular sized spork, then the XL, and a spoon XL. I have the morsel XL spork. No better place to review a munchie-curing tool like a 420-friendly campground! I’ve used a lot of sporks over time, and there were three things about this one that I really liked.
These sporks are nowhere near the lightest sporks on the market, but their added weight gives them more durability. They aren’t indestructible, but they won’t snap when they get shoved in your pack either. It is technically also a knife because of the ribbed edges of the fork, but I didn’t have a lot of success cutting with this. I love how it’s dishwasher safe and BPA free! Their versatility for camping makes them a better all-around solution for satisfying your hunger than what you’re using now. 4.75/5 because of the whole knife thing not really working super great.
GuideThis is an awesome campground after finishing trail ridge road. There were lots of elk near our campsite. Fires are allowed & pets are also welcome. The bathrooms were super clean & there are washing sinks outside of the bathrooms for dishes, etc.
TravelerLots of activities to do. Loved the petting zoo and stream to swim in. Also really enjoyed the horseback riding and ATV ride. Would definitely go back.
GuideThis is a beautiful campground with lots of family-friendly activities to do. They have direct access to the headwaters of the Colorado River. We visited a little late in the season (August) to catch many fish, but we still had fun. We found some tailwaters below the big lakes and caught some trout on the fly rods.
This site is minutes away from an entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. We got up early and hiked a trail in RMNP and had a few moose walk right past us. It is also close by to the major lakes of the area.
They rent ATVs and lots of people bring their own horses to this campground to enjoy the many back-country trails that begin at the back of the property and go high up into the mountains.
Facilities were well kept and clean.
TravelerBrought my son for his first camping trip and arrived without a reservation at 12:15 on a Friday. One tent spot remained. Spacious and far enough from the road to have some peace (albeit the stretch of road is a straightaway where folks pass so there is car sound still). Far enough away to avoid a more “loud crowd.” Found closer to Ft Collins. Four or five river access points and great for kids to run, play and get into the water (wider stretch of the Poudre). Great for relaxing and enjoying the wide open space. The section from the road to our site was about 300-400 yards, so plenty of space to walk, play and bring pets. Sites are closer to the trees.
GuideThis is a great introduction to Rocky Mountain National Park. The campground is adjacent to the Colorado River, close to the Kauwuneeche Visitor Center and Grand Lake! There are plenty of bathrooms, and they have running water with sinks and toilets. The trails behind the campground follow the mighty Colorado, with plenty of sandy beaches to listen to her wonderful rips and riffles. Enjoy this busy campground as an intro to the area, and if you like something with less people, you can easily find something more rustic nearby. FIRST COME FIRST SERVE, means get in early and you can likely find a spot as people leave, but will fill up around 1pm. This part of the park is closed during winter. Enjoy! Additional Highlights nearby : Don't miss Grand Lake - Colorado's largest natural lake!
Dispersed camping near Cowdrey, Colorado offers outdoor recreation opportunities at elevations ranging from 7,500 to over 9,000 feet. The region transitions between sagebrush plains and forested mountains with dramatic seasonal changes. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-85°F during days and drop to 40-50°F at night, while winter brings heavy snow and freezing conditions.
Fishing at nearby waters: Six Mile Campground provides access to the North Platte River, where catch-and-release fly fishing is popular. "We did the float on the North Platte River. This is a minimal campground near the river with nothing more than a vault toilet. Great views of mountains and plains and even some pronghorns near the camp," noted Kim B.
Wildlife viewing: North Michigan Campground is ideal for spotting local fauna. "The kids could ride bikes in trails and throw rocks in the water. Hiking was fun. Beautiful views. Bathrooms close and super clean," reports Meghan H. The area supports diverse wildlife including eagles, moose, and elk.
Mountain hiking: Access mountain trails from Big Creek Lakes Campground at 9,000+ feet elevation. "Great spot for car camping in Colorado except its distance from Denver. It's a trek! Takes at least 4 hours. Lots to do. Great fishing, beautiful hiking trails to a waterfall, and trails for the RZR nearby," notes Liz B.
Sand dune exploration: BLM North Sand Hills offers unique terrain for off-road vehicles. "This camping site has amazing views. Sites are fairly close together but no one was around on a Sunday and Monday night. We ended up camping not in the campground but in dispersed camping located all around the dunes," reports Jessica C.
Budget-friendly options: Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping provides free dog-friendly camping with unobstructed views. "Simple, and easy place to get to... flat awesome sunset," says Quinn M. Similarly, Vic & Sigrid Hanson Memorial Park offers free camping in town with minimal facilities.
Secluded riverside spots: "We stumbled upon this campground by chance, and what a wonderful chance it was! There are plenty of campsites designated by fire rings along the road that are well spread out and offer plenty of seclusion," writes Isabelle K. about dispersed camping in Routt National Forest.
Mountain lake access: Miller Lake dispersed camping area provides lakeside sites with fishing access. "Very peaceful campground, right by a lake with a nice view. People came and went throughout the day to go fishing at the lake and some with ATVs," notes Kaden B. about this pet-friendly option just across the Wyoming border.
Well-maintained facilities: "The sites are grassy and all looked fairly level. Ours was only about a 1/3 of a bubble off side-to-side. The sites are typically spaced for a private CG. Some have smallish trees, while others are open," reports Ray & Terri F. about Sentinel Mountain RV & Quick Stop.
Road conditions matter: Access to several dog-friendly campgrounds near Cowdrey requires navigating unpaved roads. "The roads going in there are rough and then turn to sand. Car struggled a bit," warns Maya G. about BLM North Sand Hills Campground. High-clearance vehicles may be necessary during wet conditions.
Seasonal limitations: Most high-elevation camping is only accessible in summer. Big Creek Lakes Campground operates from June to September. "It's camping at over 9,000ft elevation and requires for you to be extra prepared for snow even in the summer months, bears, mountain lions, mosquitos, aggressive horse flies, leeches, strong winds, thunder storms and altitude sickness," cautions Rosina A.
Insect concerns: "Easy to get to. Lovely to see. Pelicans and seagulls. Flat, no trees and darned few bushes taller than sage. SO MANY BUGS," warns Kathryn B. about Walden Reservoir. Similarly, Whitewoods Outdoor Adventures has "very bad mosquitoes" according to Krystal M.
Extreme weather preparation: Temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night are common. Pack accordingly for camping with pets, as shelter options are limited at dispersed sites.
Water activities: North Michigan Campground offers family-friendly water recreation. "Amazing views and something for everyone. My 4 year olds threw rocks in the reservoir, they biked on nearby trails. The bathrooms were clean too. My dog was able to cool off in the reservoir on a hike," shares Meghan H.
Accessible sites: Six Mile Campground has specific tent and RV areas, though note: "About 4 sites for tents, 4 for RV, both 1/4 mile downhill hike to river. Bring waders, steep banks make fly casting tough," advises Greg P.
Wildlife safety education: Teach children proper wildlife distance protocols. Keep dogs leashed near wildlife corridors, particularly during dawn and dusk when animals are most active. "We also saw antelope and deer on the drive in and several moose, elk and a coyote off the highway," reports Sarah C.
Elevation acclimation: Allow children and pets time to adjust to higher elevations before strenuous activities. Hydration is crucial for both humans and dogs at these altitudes where dehydration occurs more rapidly.
Hookup availability: Sentinel Mountain RV & Quick Stop provides full-service sites with electrical, water and sewer connections. "We are full-timers in a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and needed a place to dump, do laundry and take on fresh water after a week of boondocking in the mountains outside of Steamboat Springs and this place fit the bill nicely," shares Ray & Terri F.
Site selection strategies: Whitewoods Outdoor Adventures offers more primitive accommodations for those with pets. "Dry campground $45 right next to LOTS of BLM (which I didn't realize) campground is dirt road lots and lots of garbage but it does look like they just bought the place and is a work in progress. Owners where very nice," notes Krystal M.
Signal considerations: Cell coverage varies significantly. At Sentinel Mountain RV & Quick Stop, "AT&T coverage is a little complicated; on the South side of the RV service ranged from 1-2 Bars of 4G/LTE with service up to 8 MB/s up, but on the North side service ranged from no service to 4 bars of 3G, with speeds up to 2.5 MB/s. T-Mobile had 4 bars of 4G service."
Leveling challenges: Many dispersed camping areas near Cowdrey require leveling equipment due to uneven terrain. Come prepared with blocks and levelers, especially when bringing pets who may be uncomfortable in an unlevel RV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Cowdrey, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Cowdrey, CO is Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping with a 4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Cowdrey, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 146 dog-friendly camping locations near Cowdrey, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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