147 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Del Norte's dispersed camping sites welcome pets with minimal restrictions across several natural areas. Natural Arch Dispersed Site and Ventana Arch Dispersed Camp both feature open terrain for dogs to explore while remaining on leash. Woods & River RV Park offers tent sites along the Rio Grande where pets can enjoy river access, though they must be supervised at all times. Established campgrounds maintain stricter pet policies - Del Norte City Park requires pets stay on leash and be walked off property. The camping sites range from primitive dispersed options with no facilities to fully-developed RV parks with pet waste disposal areas.
Forest Road 614 and Penitente Canyon provide dog-friendly trails connecting directly to camping areas, giving pets room to exercise after setup. Campers report Natural Arch as exceptionally quiet with minimal disturbances from wildlife or insects - ideal for nervous dogs. During summer months, the rocky terrain near dispersed sites can be hard on paw pads, necessitating morning or evening walks when surfaces are cooler. South Fork campground's seasonal operation from May through October coincides with optimal weather conditions for camping with pets. Most sites enforce standard leash requirements but don't impose breed restrictions or limit the number of pets allowed at dispersed locations.
"LESS THAN ONE MILE FROM DEL NORTE WITH SHOPS AND DELICIOUS MICRO BREWERY AND MICRO BAKERY (WHICH OPENED THE DAY WE ARRIVED). HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FOR FAMILIES AND PETS."
"Great place in an awesome location! Stayed for 3 months beginning of 2020 and had a great time! The host is always checking to make sure your stay is everything g you need!"
"Found a couple sites near the road headed into the arch. The area has many trails and other outdoor opportunities."
"Great site 3 miles off the main highway. Never saw another person. Great views of the mountains, cool rock features, and lots of cactus."
"Short drive off the 160. Signs at this park indicate this as a FREE dump station and water fill station for RVs. 5 spots to park overnight, 1 night stay authorized."
"Right in town, not in the best area, but close off the main highway. Looks like a city park with tent camping only, no fires, charcoal grill only. Picnic tables at all the spots."
"Overnight with One of my dogs had a great time very nice no bugs dark night"
"Amazing proximity to Penitente Canyon rec area, perfect for climbers especially!"
"There are composting toilets, no showers, and no access to River water."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Nestled next to the Rio Grande River hand its gorgeous. This is the Rio Grande in Colorado so there's plenty of running water for tubing, rafting and fishing."
"There is an office at the entrance and the staff were friendly. Next to the office is a community room and laundry room. The RV sites have water and electric hookup."
from $29 - $42 / night
Check Availability"It’s about 10 miles off the highway down a narrow, dirt road, and there were plenty of empty spots over the Holiday weekend."
"Great location, easy drive on a road, would maybe have a hard time turning into campsite with large camper. Only negative is no water. It's a really awesome free campground. Great stream."
from $11 / night
Check Availability"Right off highway. Good Verizon signal. Away from town, so not congested. Have full hook ups and picnic tables, but close together. Also have a lodge onsight."
"some online business before heading out to go boondocking Has great cell with verizon and onsite WiFi Manager is awesome
There are alot of places to stay but was looking for a low key place just outside"
"The On-site camper at Schofield Homestead has an awesome location near the Sangre De Cristo Mountains & tons of cool spots around their property. "
from $90 / night
Check Availability"They also have great trails close that you can drive to via atv or ohv's. Wonderful views all around from our campsites! Great mom and pop business that is reasonably priced."
"Only an hour from the Sand Dunes, 45 min from Creede, and close to Three Barrel Brewing Co! The cabin was perfect, full bathroom, half kitchen, and plenty of sweetness that makes you feel cozy!"
GuideRoad is paved but can see some wear and will get more bumpy. Be prepared for the incline to get to camp sites. Road rough in spots in campground. We are 50’ with our tow. We stayed in 22 and see this view…
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.
ScoutBeautiful and quiet, miles from any traffic or noise. We used it as a base camp for hiking the local ranges.
GuidePlenty of spaces after you continue left!
ScoutEasy access with a Honda. Chilly nights
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
TravelerGreat camp with several trails starting there. Set back from the dunes by a short trail, but that gets you away from the crowd at the main parking area.
Go barefoot on the sand!
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.
RangerWow, I really love this place. And also certain spots have a great view of the San Luis valley along with the Western side of the sangria de cristos It is quiet but I did see 1 or 2 motorcycles. But not many, the road was very decent. We have a twenty five foot mercedes sprinter camper and made it no problem.
Del Norte's camping options sit within the San Luis Valley at an elevation of approximately 7,900 feet, offering campers a high-desert environment with dramatic mountain backdrops. Summer temperatures typically range from 45°F at night to 80°F during the day, creating ideal conditions for dog owners seeking pet friendly camping. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop well below freezing, especially at dispersed sites with minimal protection from elements.
Morning hikes with dogs: Forest Road 614 features several established campsites that connect directly to hiking trails. "I wanted a spot while driving north from New Mexico and this was perfect. Sat right above town, it was an awesome little spot. Only thing is because there is absolutely no trees or anything, the wind goes a little wild so beware!" notes Nora S. about the Forest Road 614 area.
Rock climbing access: Penitente Canyon offers prime rock climbing opportunities within walking distance of campsites. "This campground is absolutely stunning. The road to get to it is unpaved and bumpy, so I would recommend all wheel drive/high clearance, but it is absolutely worth it. Very secluded campsites with stunning views," shares Anne W. about the Penitente Canyon Campground.
Stargazing: Natural Arch Dispersed Site provides exceptional dark skies due to minimal light pollution. "The quietest place I've been. No insects, no wind, no birds.. just you and the milky way!" remarks Tilda P. The rocky, open terrain allows for unobstructed views of constellations rarely visible in more populated areas.
Riverside relaxation: At Woods & River RV Park, tent sites along the Rio Grande provide direct water access. Chad P. states simply, "Absolutely perfect place. Great showers and bathroom. Tent spot on the river was the best." Dogs can enjoy supervised water play while owners fish or relax by the Woods & River RV Park shoreline.
Mountain solitude: Many campers appreciate the quiet environment at Cathedral Campground. "We stayed here for one night at the end of August...we arrived around noon on a Friday and there were several sites to choose from. Its amazing that this campground is free! There was a wonderful trail to hike right in the campground...and at night, the stars were absolutely stunning!" reports Glenna L. about Cathedral Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The open terrain at Ventana Arch Dispersed Camp allows for easy wildlife spotting. "This is the quietest campsite I've ever been to. Literally zero sounds, not even bugs! Great for peaceful getaway. Road a little rough but nothing an Outback can't handle," notes Raven S. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best opportunities for seeing local wildlife.
Road conditions: Several campgrounds require traveling on rough roads. "We spent two night here and really enjoyed it. There is a nice hike right from the campground. The trail allows motorcycles but it doesn't appear they have been there much. We didn't see any. Usage would be light/medium I would say. The road in is good for all vehicles but I question the length recommended," explains Doug W. about Cathedral Campground.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas near Del Norte lack basic amenities. "My family and I stayed here for 3 nights over Labor Day weekend and we loved it! It's about 10 miles off the highway down a narrow, dirt road, and there were plenty of empty spots over the Holiday weekend. No drinking water is available, so bring your own!" advises Christina from Cathedral Campground.
Seasonal considerations: South Fork Campground operates seasonally from May through October, coinciding with optimal weather for pet friendly camping near Del Norte. "Spots right on the river are pure bliss. Full hookups and the sound of the Rio Grande to lull you to sleep. How great is that?" shares Sarah F. about South Fork Campground.
Protected play areas: Some campgrounds provide designated spaces for children. "Nice clean campground. Had full hookups, paid $55/night. Stayed here to go to Great Sand Dunes Nat. Park. Beautiful trees in the fall and great sidewalk that loops around and down by the river. Fun kids area with playground and treehouse with zip line," recommends Ammon L. about Woods & River RV Park.
Accessible fishing spots: The Rio Grande provides family-friendly fishing opportunities. "What a beautiful campground on the Rio Grande River. The river sites are huge. The bathrooms and laundry room are renovated (and they do not run out of hot water.) The fishing was awesome. The Rio Grande flows by and so do the trout," notes Yvonne M.
Wildlife education: Use the abundant wildlife sightings at Natural Arch Dispersed Site for nature education. "Stayed on a Friday night. Great site 3 miles off the main highway. Never saw another person. Great views of the mountains, cool rock features, and lots of cactus. Great easy stop for a night, but lots of red ants in the area make it less desirable to spend multiple days at camp," warns Tierney L.
Free dump services: Del Norte City Park provides free dumping facilities. "Short drive off the 160. Signs at this park indicate this as a FREE dump station and water fill station for RVs. 5 spots to park overnight, 1 night stay authorized. About 100m from a railroad line (not sure how active it is)," shares Stacie W. about Del Norte City Park.
Site accessibility: Several RV parks have limitations on vehicle size. "Great place for full hook up spots in South Fork. They also have great trails close that you can drive to via atv or ohv's. Wonderful views all around from our campsites! Great mom and pop business that is reasonably priced," notes Philip B. about South Fork Lodge & RV Park.
Pet exercise options: For dog owners seeking pet friendly camping, several sites offer dedicated pet areas. "River spots are nice. Water and power but there is a dump station. Rio Grand River at your door step. Sites 1 through 18. Very relaxing Staff is friendly and helpful. Would definitely stay here again," recommends Wes S. about Woods & River RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Del Norte, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Del Norte, CO is Woods & River RV Park with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Del Norte, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 147 dog-friendly camping locations near Del Norte, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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