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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Crested Butte, CO

1,884 Reviews

Oh Be Joyful Campground offers pet-friendly sites along the Slate River outside Crested Butte, with most campsites positioned near the creek where dogs can enjoy the peaceful flow of water. Pets must remain leashed throughout the campground, with designated areas for waste disposal. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near Crested Butte, Colorado. Lake Irwin Campground also welcomes pets, providing spacious sites with fire pits and picnic tables where dogs can settle in comfortably. Both campgrounds feature vault toilets and trash collection, though neither offers hookups or showers. The tent and RV sites at these locations provide good spacing for privacy while keeping pets at a comfortable distance from neighboring campers. Some sites at Oh Be Joyful may require fording the creek, so vehicles with 4WD or AWD are recommended when water levels are high.

Hiking trails near these pet-friendly campgrounds provide excellent opportunities for dogs to explore the surrounding wilderness. The Three Lakes Loop near Lost Lake Campground offers a popular trail where leashed pets can accompany their owners through wildflower meadows and dense forests. Some campsites require parking 50-100 yards away, so portable water containers for pets are recommended. During summer months, the mountain streams provide refreshing spots for dogs to cool off, though the water remains quite cold even in warmer weather. Wildlife is abundant in the area, so keeping pets secured is essential for their safety and the protection of local fauna. The proximity to Crested Butte (approximately 15-20 minutes from most campgrounds) allows easy access to veterinary services and pet supplies if needed during your stay.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Crested Butte, Colorado (213)

    1. Oh Be Joyful Campground

    22 Reviews
    Crested Butte, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 642-4940

    $20 - $60 / night

    "This campground is in the middle of one of the prettiest places in Colorado. Crested Butte is an amazing place to begin with but this campground makes it even better."

    "This is a small campground along the Slate River outside of Crested Butte, CO. There are bathrooms and tent sites. No utilities. Abundant hiking, fishing and mountain biking opportunities."

    2. Gunnison National Forest Lake Irwin Campground

    21 Reviews
    Crested Butte, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 349-6348

    $24 - $34 / night

    "My dog loved swimming in the lake and we loved paddle boarding. Vault toilets in decent shape. Would definitely come back. Overall beautiful scenery and a quick drive into crested butte"

    "Loved the clean sites, vault toilets, accepts reservations, spread out sites, proximity to Crested Butte and all the wildlife that visited the campground."

    3. Lost Lake Campground

    13 Reviews
    Crested Butte, CO
    13 miles
    Website

    "Lost Lake Campground near Crested Butte, Colorado, is a hidden gem that combines serene alpine beauty with a peaceful camping experience."

    "There are some reserve able sites near the lake, and some first come/first serve sites as well. Also dispersed camping on the way up to the campground."

    4. Difficult Campground

    35 Reviews
    Aspen, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 927-0107

    $33 - $120 / night

    "You can fill up your RVs water tank at this location! Town is real close by like 6 miles. Great bike paths hang out areas. And the sound of the creek is nice. I've camped there twice and love it!"

    "So much of Colorado is impressive, let me just start with that."

    5. Musician's Camp

    4 Reviews
    Crested Butte, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 641-0471

    "Not too far outside Crested Butt CO. (About 25 mins) The road is ok , but not great getting there.  Campsites and view of the mountain range is great."

    "It was early October, we only stayed for 2 nights, and we stayed in a tent.There were other people there, but they stayed near the fire ring and slept in their cars."

    6. Bogan Flats Campground Grp S

    27 Reviews
    Marble, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 927-0107

    $32 - $166 / night

    "Every year, my family (+- 10 people) heads somewhere in Colorado to camp over Labor Day. This year we headed up to Marble, CO and stayed at the Bogan Flats campground."

    "Lovely quite campground in the woods next to a river. We stayed on the side away from the river and I wish we had stayed on the river side, but it was still fantastic."

    7. Lottis Creek Campground

    16 Reviews
    Pitkin, CO
    20 miles
    Website

    $26 - $250 / night

    "Slept right next to the creek. Trailheads walking distance away."

    "This a an amazing place to bring your dog.

    Trails right out of the camp site to hike."

    8. Portal Campground

    27 Reviews
    Aspen, CO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 925-3445

    "The water a crazy blue color. 4 wheel drive is probably the best as the road is very rough. There were plenty of spaces to camp along the road to the campground and beyond it."

    "This was a stunning campground tucked away high up in the mountains on Independence pass."

    9. Pearl Pass Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Crested Butte, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 319-2670

    "Pearl Pass is nested in a beautiful area between Aspen and Crested Butte. "

    "Just past the ghost town of Ashcroft you start your travels off road. A sign tells you only the numbered sights 1-9 are authorized for fires in metal pits."

    10. Rosy Lane

    7 Reviews
    Almont, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 642-0566

    $28 - $58 / night

    "Small campground in the Gunnison National Forest, closest to Gunnison and Crested Butte, spelled Rosy and Rosey, depending on what sign or website you see!"

    "It does have a highway next to it so there is road noise. The camp sites are fairly secluded from each other. There is water available but no electricity."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Crested Butte, CO

198 Photos of 213 Crested Butte Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Crested Butte, CO

1884 Reviews of 213 Crested Butte Campgrounds

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2021

    Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins (Formerly Tall Texan)

    Great place to stop for the night

    The tent sites are kind of centralized, not a lot of privacy. With that said, the sites were level and the facilities were fine. Good location, not far from crested butte.

  • g
    Jun. 12, 2021

    Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Top tier site

    4x4 recommended, I managed to get in to a deeper site with my Prius though. Bugs not bad, creek water tastes great (with filter). Some of the best views I’ve seen in CO. 20 minutes from Crested Butte. Very quiet and serene. 10/10 go here!

  • S
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Kebler Corner

    Planned on staying 1 night, ended up staying 2!

    This campsite was a nice creekside getaway! It had community bathrooms that included a sink with soap and even a shower! They had a general store that was accessible and had any goods that you may have forgotten. Overall this was a very clean and safe campsite with beautiful scenery. About an hour out from Crested Butte, this was great for a weekend getaway.

  • Riley F.
    Aug. 21, 2020

    Slate River Road Designated Dispersed - DISPERSED NO LONGER ALLOWED

    Unbelievable location!

    Just past the Oh Be Joyful Campground. GPS Coordinates: 38.93123,-107.05068 I spent two nights in a row here in mid August. There were plenty of people near by but I didn’t feel over crowded. Things to know: •Verizon service was decent •15-20 min from Crested Butte proper •Vaulted toilets near my coordinates •River/stream near by for rinsing off if need be, be warned tho it is quite cold. •If, by chance, this location is full, you can continue driving along the road and there are miles and miles of available spots.

    Oh do enjoy!

  • Amy S.
    Jul. 21, 2020

    Almont Campground

    Small, primative sites between 135 and the Gunnison river.

    Small, primative campground just off 135 on the way to Crested Butte. (10 minutes to Gunnison and 20 from Crested Butte. Just south of town of Almont). About five tent sites on north side of the campground and some camper/trailer sites on the south side. Fire pits at each site. Picnic tables. Stayed in a tent. No problems. Can hear traffic on 135, but it quiets down at night. Pit toilet is clean with usual odors. Apparently there is some electricity available on the camper/trailer side. Bear safe trash dumpsters. This is a bear site so care needs to be taken. Self pay envelopes and drop tube at the kiosk at entrance. Pd $12, but is $6 if have one of the senior passes as it’s on national forest land. If you’re pretty self sufficient and looking for a nice bargain, this is a good site. Had a great view of the milky way over the campsite as minimal light pollution.

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 15, 2024

    Lost Lake Campground

    Tranquil Alpine Retreat

    Lost Lake Campground near Crested Butte, Colorado, is a hidden gem that combines serene alpine beauty with a peaceful camping experience. Tucked away in the Gunnison National Forest, this campground offers stunning views of wildflower-filled meadows, dense forests, and the pristine Lost Lake itself, which mirrors the surrounding peaks.

    The campsites are well-maintained, spacious, and thoughtfully spaced for privacy, with some offering lakefront views. There’s a charming rustic vibe, with basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables, but no hookups. The nearby trails, including the popular Three Lakes Loop, are perfect for hiking, fishing, and soaking in the mountain scenery.

    What sets Lost Lake apart is its tranquil atmosphere—especially if you’re visiting during the off-season. It’s the ideal spot to disconnect and enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty, whether you’re kayaking on the lake or simply relaxing by the campfire.

    Be aware that the road to the campground is a bit rough and narrow, so it’s best suited for smaller campers or tents. Also, temperatures can drop quickly at night, so pack warm gear even in summer.

    If you’re looking for a quiet retreat near Crested Butte with postcard-worthy scenery, Lost Lake Campground is hard to beat. It’s the perfect blend of solitude, recreation, and breathtaking views.

  • Ricky R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Taylor Park CO

    Taylor Park Dispersed Camping

    Numerous dispersed camping sites all along Taylor Park. A big off road vehicle destination so can be dusty and noisy during day if site is near main road. We had beautiful site next to the river with no neighbors. Nearest dump is about 7 miles away. Water and dump available in Gunninson and Crested Butte.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2025

    Kebler Corner

    Our favorite campground in Colorado

    We have been coming here for years. It is quiet and peaceful next to the roaring of the river. Perfectly situated between Paonia (Big B’s cider) and Kebler pass leading to Crested Butte. Warm showers, incredible owners , useful store and all the feelings of not being in a “campground”

  • Elizabeth C.
    Jul. 12, 2022

    Gunnison National Forest Lake Irwin Campground

    Perfect spot

    We had such a great time here. Easy to find first come first served space on a Tuesday. Each spot has a fire pit with grill grate and picnic table with plenty of space for tent(s). My dog loved swimming in the lake and we loved paddle boarding. Vault toilets in decent shape. Would definitely come back. Overall beautiful scenery and a quick drive into crested butte

Guide to Crested Butte

Crested Butte, Colorado, offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature with their furry companions.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Difficult Campground

  • At Difficult Campground, pets are welcome, making it a great choice for families traveling with dogs.
  • This campground features picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for cozy evenings with your pet by your side.
  • Located just minutes from Aspen, it provides easy access to hiking trails where you can explore the beautiful surroundings with your pet.

Pet owners like Bogan Flats Campground Grp S

  • Bogan Flats Campground Grp S is known for its spacious sites and friendly atmosphere, ideal for pet owners seeking a relaxing getaway.
  • The campground is situated near the Crystal River, offering scenic views and opportunities for fishing and swimming with your dog.
  • With ample shade and a variety of trails nearby, it’s a perfect spot for outdoor adventures with your pet.

Tips for camping with dogs near Crested Butte

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find pet-friendly camping areas in Crested Butte?

Pet-friendly camping options abound near Crested Butte. Gunnison KOA is very dog-friendly, offering a dedicated dog park where your pets can run off-leash. For a more scenic experience, Lost Lake Campground in Gunnison National Forest provides a serene setting with alpine views and accommodates pets on leash. Most public campgrounds in the area allow pets, though they typically require dogs to be leashed at all times. For RV campers, several parks near Crested Butte welcome pets while providing amenities like full hookups and convenient access to town.

What pet policies should I be aware of when camping with dogs in Crested Butte?

When camping with dogs around Crested Butte, standard policies apply across most campgrounds. Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times, and you should never leave pets unattended at campsites. Pack out all pet waste properly - this is strictly enforced. At Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins, pets are welcome but must be supervised. Lake Irwin Campground permits dogs but requires them to be leashed, especially important as wildlife is abundant in the area. Remember that even on trails, dogs must typically remain leashed to protect wildlife and vegetation, with potential fines for violations.

Is Oh Be Joyful Campground pet-friendly?

Oh Be Joyful Campground does welcome pets but requires them to be leashed at all times. This campground, located about 15-20 minutes from downtown Crested Butte, provides a beautiful setting along the Slate River with access to hiking trails that you can enjoy with your leashed dog. Remember that standard public land pet regulations apply – you must keep your dog under control and clean up after them. For a different pet-friendly option in the area, Elk Creek Campground also welcomes leashed pets with clean facilities and proximity to outdoor recreation.

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