Lone Rock Campground provides river access for dogs at most campsites, with spacious areas for tents, RVs, and vehicle camping. Pets must be leashed throughout the campground and on nearby trails. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area and Rampart Range Recreation Area both permit pets with standard national forest leash regulations. Sites right on the South Platte River offer excellent opportunities for dogs to swim and cool off during warmer months. Campers report clean vault toilets and well-maintained areas at most pet-friendly sites. Redskin Creek Road dispersed camping areas provide free options for camping with dogs, though without amenities like running water or waste stations.
The trail system around Deckers offers numerous pet-friendly hiking options with moderate terrain suitable for most dogs. Fishing enthusiasts frequently bring dogs to accompany them along the river, though the campground sees heavy fisherman traffic even on weekdays in October. Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake permits pets at its cabin sites with additional pet fees. During summer months, campgrounds can experience wasp problems that may affect dogs and their owners, particularly around water sources and picnic areas. The closest veterinary services are approximately 17 miles from most campgrounds in the area, and cell service varies significantly between campgrounds with most reporting no T-Mobile coverage and limited Verizon service.
"The "Buffalo Creek Recreation Area" is ONLY the 35 designated dispersed campsites that start just west of the intersection marked on the map(Redskin Rd/County road 550 AND Deckers Road/hwy 126)."
"Most spots are near the road, as you can see from my photo but the further up the road you get, the traffic will calm down. We did not see this as a problem at all."
$40 - $120 / night
"Regardless, the lake is pretty and the trail is fun for hiking. Word of caution- every year I see/hear about multiple dogs going down the waterfall. No major injuries but it scares the owners."
"One of the rare truly lake front camp site. The water is warm and inviting. Definitely would stay here again! But be aware of a couple things
- The Ride In - it is a BUUUUMPY ride in."
$36 - $200 / night
"As it is very close to the city, the temperature stays consistent with Denver temps. So in the summer, it will not be as cool as some mountain spots."
"The dog park is by far the best. Off leash- so much room; well taken care of and big lake for the dogs to swim. And it’s close to Denver - so we go here weekly!"
$28 / night
"Very accessible to Deckers. Most of the shops close by 6PM."
"We hear that the cafe In Deckers may be getting wifi. The campground is open all year but the water is shut off in the winter. Sites are close to each other."
"Very accessible, pet friendly and the kids love it! Lots of room and a fire pit with a built in grill!"
"No issue driving through the first 6 sites. Mine we #6 ALL DESIGNATED SPOTS WITH STEEL FIRE PIT AND MARKERS.
Beautiful pine trees with plenty of pine kindling to start fires."
"We came up Sunday and drove around for an hour trying to find a spot. It was so busy with campers and there were dirt bikers everywhere!"
"My 9 yr old son and I have been “jeeping” around Colorado for about 8 months now. We make it a point to wake up to a different view every day."
$28 - $38 / night
"Colorado campground is situated outside of Woodland Park (10 minute drive) and right next to Manitou lake. "
"CAMPGROUND REVIEW: COLORADO CAMPGROUND PIKE NATIONAL FOREST https://www.recreation.gov/camping/colorado-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?"
$28 / night
"The site was large (could easily fit a large RV) and tree lines but was pretty close to the road. There were cars going in an out but everyone was being super cautious and going slow."
"Welcoming campground, spur trails connecting it straight to the Colorado Trail and other connections in the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area."
$20 - $30 / night
"Dakan Road is mostly known as an Off-Road vehicle Road, so 4x4’s are suggested to get up to the sites."
"The only issue I found is that being so close to civilization/the city is that there was a lack of camp etiquette from neighboring campsites."
$24 / night
"This is a very popular spot for families with easy access to the South Platte for tubing and swimming, but not ideal for fisherman as many people playing in the river."
"Spruce Grove Campground is a beautiful location approximately 2 hours Southwest of Denver."
GuideAwesome campground. Activities for the kids. Helpful and kind staff. Rented golf cart to ride trails there the kids loved it. Nice dog park. Close to everything in Colorado Springs. Can't wait to go back.
LegendGoosecreek campground Access is via CR 211 either from CR 24 via Tarryall Road which turns into Matukat Road from Lake George or alternatively from the north from deckers.
The campground is absolutely beautiful. It sits right on goose Creek and the views are amazing. It sits down in the valley, but a short drive, and you’re absolutely up on top looking out over all of pike national forest.
Each site has its own picnic table and a fire ring. Each fee is $23 per night. There is also a day use fee of $10 if you just want to come in and use their facilities. The area is easily accessible from the main road. Once you are down into the campground, the sites are very spacious. They’re also reasonably far apart so you don’t feel like you’re sitting right on top of your neighbor. The Sites are big enough to pull a sizable rig into. They are not pull through sites. The sites do not appear to have an electric hook up or a water hook up so make sure you come prepared. It’s it feels a little bit more like dispersed camping, but with some Structure to it. So it’s look like they’re on a first come first serve basis, as it is a drop your fee in the envelope type of campground. Restrooms are clean and the whole area looks like it’s incredibly well taken care of by the campsite management team. At $23 a night. It is a good price for a well located campground. We pulled in on a Wednesday afternoon towards the end of August and the entire place was deserted. We literally had our choice of campsites. There was no cell service at the campground. There are no bathrooms on site.
TravelerAs it is very close to the city, the temperature stays consistent with Denver temps. So in the summer, it will not be as cool as some mountain spots. That being said, it is very easy to get to and you’ll have the lake right there to cool off!
Entrance into the state park is about $7/day. There is a dog park within the state park that allows off leash and has some ponds the dogs can swim in. Entrance to the dog park is $2.
GuideThis park is definitely well visited, but for good reason. It is located in Woodland Park, a lovely mountain town about 30-40 min. outside Colorado Springs. Lots of sites, mostly RV but there is a nice tent only section with a good number of spaces. We stayed overnight in early July and actually pitched our tent next to our family RV underneath the awning, safe from the summer showers that seem to pass thru almost daily in the summer months. Lots of amenities, including parks with play equipment for the kiddos, a dog park, nice bathrooms & showers.
TravelerLocated in the city, but once you’re in the park you don’t feel like you’re in the city at all!!! The RV spots have full hookups and are nice and spacious, as are the neighbors. We were able to set up a tent too! Great place to stroll and relax. Beautiful sunsets. Clean bathrooms and laundry facilities with a little vending machine.
A great place for camping (RV and tent spots), fishing, wildlife/nature viewing, hiking, boating (all water activities), has a swim beach, marina, off leash dog park, shooting range, horse stables that you can do a beautiful hour horseback ride.
FEES: Campsites $41 full hookup, basic campsite $28, daily park pass is $11, annual park pass $83, daily dog park pass $3, annual dog park pass $25, and group camping is available too.
TravelerLocated in the city, but once you’re in the park you don’t feel like you’re in the city at all!!! The RV spots have full hookups and are nice and spacious, as are the neighbors. We were able to set up a tent too! Great place to stroll and relax. Beautiful sunsets. Clean bathrooms and laundry facilities with a little vending machine.
A great place for camping (RV and tent spots), fishing, wildlife/nature viewing, hiking, boating (all water activities), has a swim beach, marina, off leash dog park, shooting range, horse stables that you can do a beautiful hour horseback ride.
FEES: Campsites $41 full hookup, basic campsite $28, daily park pass is $11, annual park pass $83, daily dog park pass $3, annual dog park pass $25, and group camping is available too.
GuideGreat campground here at this state park. We have always stayed in the Arapahoe Group Loop for holiday weekends. Arapahoe Group Loop has a great pavillion with outdoor kitchen and bathroom. Overall Camper amenities are great and very clean. Many well shaded individual sites are available. Campsites are far from other park amenities like Dog Park, Shooting Range, Marina. Swim beach is a 10 minute walk-able distance from campground. Recommend driving to get around the park.
TravelerChatfield is such a great park; I’ve spent so much time biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, spending time with family; picnics areas are even great to have lunch. The dog park is by far the best. Off leash- so much room; well taken care of and big lake for the dogs to swim. And it’s close to Denver - so we go here weekly!
TravelerGreat Campground, Incredible Dog Park
Dispersed camping areas around Deckers, Colorado sit at elevations between 6,500-8,000 feet in Pike National Forest. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F with afternoon thunderstorms common from July through September. The region follows fire restriction patterns of the Front Range with Stage 1 restrictions typically implemented by early June in most camping areas.
Mountain biking on established trail systems: Buffalo Creek Recreation Area offers extensive trail networks popular with mountain bikers. "Great place to spend a day to a few weeks depending on lifestyle. Fire pits and hiking near," notes one camper at Buffalo Creek Recreation Area.
Paddle sports on Wellington Lake: Non-motorized boats welcome at Castle Mountain Recreation Area. "Great place to take the camper and kayaks. Kayaking, SUPs, fishing, hiking," reports a visitor. The lake at Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake offers calm waters ideal for beginners.
Climbing rock formations: Spruce Grove Campground provides unique rock features surrounding campsites. "The outcropping that surround the campground are fun to climb, and trails lead directly from the campground," explains a visitor to this area.
Creek tubing: Multiple water access points for summer cooling off. "The kids were old enough to walk up the path, tube down a little ways, then get out to do it all over again," reports one visitor about the South Platte River access.
Secluded campsites with distance between neighbors: Rampart Range Recreation Area offers privacy at many sites. "We arrived Wednesday morning and realized it was too far in than we would've liked so we landed at site 33 and it was AMAZING! No trail directly near the site, no sites surrounding," notes a camper at Rampart Range Recreation Area.
Reliable cell service at specific campgrounds: Coverage varies significantly by location and carrier. "I had decent cell service with AT&T. Verizon had limited cell signal in the area," reports a camper at Dakan Road Camping about site #93.
Free camping options with fire rings: Redskin Creek Road provides designated dispersed sites. "About 32 or more spots along redskin creek road that goes back a few miles with spots with fire rings along the dirt road," explains a visitor to Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite.
Direct river and creek access: Many sites feature water proximity. "We stayed in a mountain site (not lake-front) and the kids loved climbing the rocks and exploring the mountain," shares a visitor about Castle Mountain Recreation Area.
Weekend site availability: Competition for sites intensifies Friday through Sunday. "It was pretty well filled up but we found site #13 open so we jumped on it. After setting up we walked the grounds," notes a camper at Redskin Creek Road who arrived early Thursday morning.
Weather patterns affect camping comfort: Mountain weather changes rapidly. "Weather was perfect except for a couple 10 min afternoon showers," reports a camper at Dakan Road.
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to some sites requires appropriate vehicles. "First mile in the road is completely washboarded," warns a Colorado Campground visitor about the access road.
Fire restrictions change seasonally: Regulations vary by jurisdiction and date. "There is an active fire ban in the area and the neighbors were lighting 5ft tall fires with gasoline which put us at risk," reports a Buffalo Creek visitor, highlighting the importance of knowing and following current restrictions.
Choose sites with natural play features: Kids enjoy natural terrain exploration. "Lots of tubing and fishing in the creek. You can't get fully into the campground unless you have a reservation so it is really safe," reports a visitor to Spruce Grove Campground.
Water safety near river sites: South Platte access points require supervision. "This a great little campground right on the river. Our site was on a little hill, so we had to walk down to the tent/fire area, but it wasn't bad at all," explains a Lone Rock Campground visitor.
Prepare for limited facilities at dispersed sites: Pack essentials for primitive camping. "Sites are clean. Only a fire ring is provided, everything else you'll need to bring…AND PACK OUT when you leave so the next camper can enjoy the site like you did," advises a Redskin Creek Road camper.
Consider weekday trips for quieter experience: Noise levels vary by day of week. "Sunday evening it cleared up and we were the only ones there mon-tues! I loved the spot we found, super peaceful and secluded," reports a visitor to Rampart Range Recreation Area.
Site leveling challenges: Many dispersed sites have uneven terrain. "The parking areas tend to be very unlevel and there are only a few that you can pull right up to your campsite," warns a visitor to Redskin Creek Road.
Limited turn-around space: Larger rigs require careful site selection. "Clean camp area... Both tent and RV available," notes a visitor to Spruce Grove Campground, though access roads may be challenging.
Vault toilet availability: Plan accordingly for waste management. "Vault toilets were clean but busy with many families filling sites each weekend, and throughout the week these can get stinky fast," reports a camper at Spruce Grove Campground.
Water access planning: Many areas lack potable water. "Water- shut off on sept. 28th for winter... Toilets- long drops, no sink, no lighting," explains a Lone Rock Campground visitor about seasonal availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Deckers, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Deckers, CO is Buffalo Creek Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Deckers, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 254 dog-friendly camping locations near Deckers, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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