Mueller State Park Campground near Divide permits pets within designated camping areas while restricting dogs from most hiking trails. The campground offers electric hookups, showers, and picnic tables at spacious, well-maintained sites set among Ponderosa pines at nearly 10,000 feet elevation. Campers report seeing wildlife including deer, elk, bear, and coyotes while hiking the park's extensive trail system. Clean facilities include vault toilets near campsites plus centralized modern restrooms with coin-operated showers and laundry facilities. Most sites accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers with both back-in and pull-through options available.
Several dispersed camping areas near Divide allow pets with fewer restrictions. Rampart Range Road and Mount Herman Road offer free dispersed camping where dogs can enjoy more freedom than at established campgrounds. Pet owners should note that Mueller State Park strictly prohibits dogs on all trails within the park boundaries, which limits hiking options with canine companions. Nearby alternatives include Golden Bell Camp and Conference Center, which welcomes pets and features private walking trails with views of Pikes Peak. When camping with dogs in this area, bear-proof containers are essential for storing pet food, as black bears are frequently sighted. Temperatures at these high-elevation sites drop significantly at night, even in summer months, so appropriate cold-weather gear for pets is recommended.
$28 - $270 / night
"Pets are not allowed on the trails & they do have rangers hiking looking for rule breakers. "
"This Colorado state park brings visitors year-round for all types of recreation. We have traveled here several times, both tent camping and in our camper."
$40 - $87 / night
"This campground will be rated as a Basecamp — grounds that offer a comfortable home base that you’re happy to return to after a day of exploring the surrounding area."
"It is in Cascade, CO right off of Highway 24. It is minutes away from Pike's Peak, Manitou Springs, Cave of the Winds, Red Rocks Open Space, and Colorado Springs."
"The park is conveniently located close to everything to do in Colorado Springs. Spaces were VERY close together. There is no view of any of the surrounding beauty."
"This campground is a great central location for everything around Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. It is very close to Garden of the gods park and red rock open space."
"Bears and cats abound. I heard a cat bigger than the one that I had with me screaming his/her lungs out before sunrise. The area is beautiful and wild with an expansive tree canopy."
"Rampart Range Road is the main dirt road that has plenty of smaller trails branching off of it to keep you busy exploring all summer."
"This park has set up campgrounds, but we chose to drive off road a bit and set up camp on the edge of a rocky overlook. Given we went in October, but we were the only campers around our area."
"There were a few pull-off roads off of rampart. Each pull off had a few camping spots with a place for a tent and a fire circle. The view was great and it was a beautiful area."
"Looked at 3-4 different sites all had a decent amount of broken glass so be careful with pets/little ones. Certain areas of this road are heavily graded so take it slow if need be"
"There is a LOT of trash out there that you don’t really notice until you stop to take a look The first place we stopped was so covered in broken glass that we opted to find another spot bec our pet pig"
$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?"
$30 - $110 / night
"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."
"This location was perfect for exploring the area. It is very close to downtown Woodland Park and many attractions. Deer wander through the campground throughout the day."
"There is a dog park area."
"Only downfall is that it was a bit of a drive to many main attractions in Colorado, but it was worth the drive."
$28 / night
"It’s a long and bumpy drive to the back of the last camping area, but soooo worth it. We were greeted by a pack of donkeys who were very friendly and let us pet them."
"Our visit this weekend was amazing, even with some much needed rainstorms during a crazy Colorado fire season."
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.
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.
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!
GuideWe'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.
ScoutEasy , fast, but the water in the dog park is no bueno
TravelerThis is a really neat spot. Big dog park, hot air balloons, ice fishing.
ScoutI asked for a space for my rv. The owner, Lauren offered me a site with only water and charged me 50.00. REALLY!!!!!!! No dog park. The stream that goes through the campground is VERY POLLUTED. No where to walk. The shower room had a vent that is so DIRTY that it is no ventilation. Muddy mess when it rains everyday. No pavement through the park. Owner is too busy dating someone who walks around like he owns the place.
GuideHaving lived and worked in this area (previously not as a full time traveler), Chatfield SP has a lot to offer for being one of the few campgrounds in the Denver Area.
The biggest dog park around (25 acres), many endless, open spaces/trails for biking and ‘hiking’/walks/runs (mostly flat grounds), 15m from most necessities (stores/restaurants etc) Also: Really look forward to doing laundry here as a traveler (kept clean and always in working order with use of machines via an app!)
Camphosts are on time and do a great job cleaning up sites for new guests.
Couple of great playgrounds at the camp loops!
Facing west provides unobstructed views of the park and foothills (varying based on the loop and site)
Overall, clean, safe, spacious and conveniently located while not being IN the city or nearby towns.
Dispersed camping areas near Divide accommodate pets with greater freedom than established campgrounds. Several options exist along Rampart Range Road where sites provide views of Pikes Peak at elevations reaching 10,000 feet. These free camping locations have variable road conditions requiring careful driving, especially after rainfall when dirt roads become rutted.
Fishing at Manitou Lake: Located near Colorado Campground, this 5-acre lake offers trout fishing opportunities just a short trail walk from camp. "Easy hike to Manitou Lake Recreation Area for fishing, and we always get at least one fish on the line here," notes Amanda M.
Hiking at Rampart Reservoir: Access trails from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping areas. "Nearby is the Rampart Reservoir via Rainbow Gulch trail I recommend walking from the site due to limited parking at the trailhead. We took this hike and it was absolutely fantastic—a majestic walk through the woods brings you to flowing creek that you follow all the way down to the reservoir," shares Heather C.
Visit historic mining towns: From Cripple Creek KOA, explore nearby mining history. "Great hiking nearby and the towns of Cripple Creek and Victor are full of old mining history!" says Sarah F. The campground sits at what they claim is "the WORLD'S HIGHEST KOA @ 10,000 ft," according to Tasha M.
Wildlife sightings: Deer frequently visit many campgrounds in the region. "We woke up one morning at our tent site with deer walking and eating down the creek right next to us," shares Tessa S. about her stay at Lone Duck Campground and Cabins.
Mountain views and fall colors: The mountain ridges provide spectacular backdrops, especially during autumn. "The trees were turning yellow in the Fall and the weather was perfect. You could see mountains all around and the roads were really great getting there," reports Lisa H. about dispersed camping at Cascade-Chipita Park.
Cooler temperatures: The high elevation provides relief from summer heat, though nights get cold. "Got below freezing so be ready for the cold," advises Bruce K. who camped at Mueller State Park. Most campers recommend bringing extra layers regardless of season due to temperature fluctuations at these elevations.
Road conditions to dispersed sites: Many free camping areas require careful driving. "The road up after Loy Creek rd was EXTREMELY washboard for the next few miles we drove very slow," reports Heather C. about accessing Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping. Some areas may require 4WD after rain.
Limited amenities at dispersed sites: Pack in all necessities including water. "No water sources so you'll have to pack out water," explains Bryce B. about Rampart Range Road camping areas. Portable toilets are rare at these locations, so come prepared with proper waste disposal equipment.
Trash management: Many dispersed camping areas suffer from litter problems. "We love to camp and get away, but not to this campsite. We arrived and notice the trash not the beauty of the mountain. There was trash everywhere and not just camping trash," reports Ashley B. about Cascade-Chipita Park. Practice leave-no-trace principles and consider bringing bags to pack out extra trash.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Divide: Diamond Campground & RV Park welcomes pets and offers family amenities. "Paved roads throughout made for nice bike rides with the kids and larger than usual dog run area was nice (right next to the playground made it easy to run both the dog and the kids)," notes Sarah S.
Activities for children: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "This is a great campground for introducing little ones to car camping. The campground is clean and well-maintained, the sites are good-sized and it's a short hike to decent fishing at Manitou Lake," recommends Cody R. about Colorado Campground.
Weather preparation: Temperature swings can be extreme, even in summer. "The nights were cold some lows 32° and it snowed the first night which we were hoping for," shares Heather C. about camping in late September. Always bring warm clothing layers for children regardless of season.
RV site selection: At Garden of the Gods RV Resort, choose carefully. "Sites very close together and most utilities in the back. The one we were first assigned was very short and had a large drain in the middle of the site," reports Becky W. Research site dimensions before booking.
Water hookups: Some campgrounds have unexpected arrangements. "Checking in late, I didn't know we would SHARE a water spigot with my back neighbor until the next day," warns C.W. about Garden of the Gods RV Resort. Call ahead to confirm details about shared hookups.
Mountain road navigation: Many RV-friendly campgrounds near Divide still require careful driving on mountain roads. "I recently purchased a 26ft sustainable travel trailer and decided to take it out for the first time. Well the road up is very tight. Very skinny switchbacks," cautions Jaymin B. regarding Mount Herman Road. Stick to established RV campgrounds if driving larger rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Divide, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Divide, CO is Mueller State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 61 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Divide, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 202 dog-friendly camping locations near Divide, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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