Anna R.
Guide
GuideZapata Falls Campground
Beautiful Views!!
This was our last night camping in Colorado and it was beautiful!
Dog-Friendly Camping near Gardner, CO
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Sacred White Shell Mountain provides free dispersed camping near Gardner with pet-friendly sites throughout the open meadows. Pets must remain leashed in this undeveloped area that offers basic camping without amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Hummingbird Ranch also welcomes pets with spacious sites separated by trees and bushes, though some visitors note inconsistent management and signage can make finding the camping areas challenging. Both locations accommodate tents and RVs, with Sacred White Shell Mountain offering completely free camping while Hummingbird Ranch charges fees that some tent campers consider expensive. The spectacular mountain views and stargazing opportunities make both locations popular despite their primitive facilities.
Several established campgrounds in the area provide more amenities for campers with pets. St. Charles Campground near Lake Isabel allows dogs throughout its wooded sites, providing access to fishing, hiking trails, and kayaking opportunities. The campground features bear-proof storage lockers at tent sites, clean vault toilets, and some sites backing directly to the forest for added privacy. During summer weekends, campgrounds fill quickly, especially at Lake Isabel where the campground's proximity to water activities makes it a popular destination. Dogs must be leashed at all times, and owners should be prepared for encounters with local wildlife including deer, chipmunks, and occasionally bears.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Gardner (124)
1. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
"It's a biologically diverse area in Southern Colorado, where high winds that blow through the Rockies deposit sand at the Southernmost tip . We made camping reservations about six months in advance."
"Dog friendly, many families were walking theirs around the loop and nearby trails. Very pleasant site"
from $20 - $80 / night
Check Availability2. Great Sand Dunes Oasis
"It was our first time to tent camp in Colorado and it was great. Several sites to choose from. Some have views of the dunes, some are more secluded. Bathrooms were clean."
"The campground is very close to the entrance to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and the campground has a great view of the sand dunes as well. "
from $25 - $169 / night
Check Availability3. Zapata Falls Campground
"This was our last night camping in Colorado and it was beautiful!"
"I just really enjoy the layout of this campground, the nice big bear boxes, and the park ranger who has a cat in his truck sometimes when he cruises around."
from $20 / night
Check Availability4. Piñon Campground — Lathrop State Park
"Lovely weather while I was here very early December 2021. 60s for highs and close to freezing at night. the dry camping loop and loops A B and C are closed for the season."
"The campground provides a nice visitors center, two small lakes (one non-wake), a sand beach, paved and unpaved bike trails, fishing, a kids fishing pond, trails, and electric or no-hook-up camping."
from $36 / night
Check Availability5. St Charles Campground - Lake Isabel
"The family has property in Colorado city and we still love to come to local mountain! Great fishing, clean, quiet, & plenty of space"
"It is a beautiful quiet campground right next to a creek. It is not free though, it is $25 per night which is fine."
from $25 / night
Check Availability6. Sacred White Shell Mountain
"The best part about this area, aside from the views & the sunsets, is the access to the sand dunes natl park."
"You’re down the road from the dunes and about 30 minutes outside Alamosa and other stores. I used the dump station at the sand dunes canoe ground. It was only $8 to fill up water and dump."
7. Aspen Acres Campground
"A small dog park gave our girls the chance to run free for a little. There is a shower house with bathrooms that are well maintained. Trash is kept tidy and didn’t smell even on the 97 degree day."
"Our tent spot was tucked back in a quiet place, close walk from our tent to plumbed toilets and a further walk to the bathhouse with showers."
8. Hummingbird Ranch
"My husband was a little concerned when we left the highway for a dirt county road, but his concerns quickly changed as we enjoyed the beauty and wonder of the Colorado mountains!"
"Large area to park away from others!"
from $30 - $33 / night
Check Availability9. La Vista Campground - Lake Isabel
"It does have electrical hook ups which made it nice for our dog to enjoy a air conditioned trailer when it got hot during the day."
"Loved the setting and the short walk to Lake Isabel as well as the empty picnic area across the creek."
from $30 - $35 / night
Check Availability10. Ophir Creek Campground (Co) — Psicc
"Great camping spot just south of Colorado Springs. The views were amazing of all the tall, gorgeous aspen trees and we were right by the creek which at night was so very peaceful to fall asleep too."
"We probably had the worst walk-in site, distance wise. A long walk with all of our stuff. We'll chose a different one next time. All-in-all, it's a great clean CG with an attentive host."
from $25 / night
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Drive Time
- 1 hr from Pueblo, CO
- 1 hr 40 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 33 min from Denver, CO
- 3 hrs 40 min from Santa Fe, NM
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Gardner, CO
122 Photos of 124 Gardner Campgrounds
Barbara F.
Hummingbird Ranch
Kathrina M.
St Charles Campground - Lake Isabel
David Y.
Aspen Acres Campground
Joel R.
Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
Maria L.
Davenport Campground
Mark M.
Lathrop State Park
Kevin
Piñon Campground — Lathrop State Park
Travis T.
Great Sand Dunes Oasis
Ian K.
Blanca View
Marie W.
Zapata Falls Campground
DL M.
Mountainside 4WD High-Clearance Dispersed Campsites
Jaz C.
BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Gardner, CO
1023 Reviews of 124 Gardner Campgrounds
Chris H.
LegendPueblo South-Colorado City KOA
Nice 1 night stay
There’s 2 KOA’s in Pueblo, so heads up. I drove past this one thinking I was staying at the one on the north end of town. We stayed one night and it has a cool little playground for the kids, a little dog park for your dogs and full hookups, which is nice. The people at check-in are great, and they have someone drive out to your site with you, which is very nice. The sites are right on top of each other, so if you have a neighbor you can’t open your awning, and you’re close to the highway.
- EElizabeth S.Guide
Haggards RV Campground
One of Our Favorites!
We'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.
- Kara D.
TravelerAlamosa KOA
What you expect...
Clean camp, nice amenities. Dog park is a little small, but is nice to have a place for dogs. Pool was very nice. Was disappointed in our tent site as it was all gravel with brush behind us. Pics online showed nice grassy tent sites with big trees. We had dogs with us, and it sucked to only have gravel for them to sit/lie on at our site. Otherwise, friendly place!
- DDavid Y.Guide
The Pine Lodge
Veterans with Service Dogs feel unwelcome
As I start this, the manager Crystal is a very polite and wanting to make your stay is comfortable. The high point of my stay.
If I was told sooner that my service dog was just considered a pet to the owners, I would have canceled my trip to here. It was three days when one of the owners made what I consider as a put down of me as well as my service dog. If I was told sooner than the three days, I would have canceled my trip all together and gladly lose only $20, instead if I canceled on that day I would have lost nearly $450.
Ask any veteran if their service dog is only a pet. For those who do not realize this, but a veteran and their service dog is just one entity. The service dog being considered a pet is like telling someone with an artificial limb if that part of the vet is a"pet". The service dog is a part of the veteran and has specific duties to that veteran and is trained to do those duties to assist the veteran.
My service dog has 8 specific jobs to help me live my life, he is never to be considered just a"pet" as I had been told. This is sent out to my brothers and sisters on just how unwanted we are going here, as well as The Lodge@ San Isabel Lake and Aspen Acres.
Realistically, all I wanted was some sort of acknowledgement that it was an honest mistake in saying that, but when there is silence that screams louder than what words could ever say.
- Casey W.Traveler
Great Sand Dunes Oasis
Amazing stay with views of the Dunes!
We loved this camp site! It was our first time to tent camp in Colorado and it was great. Several sites to choose from. Some have views of the dunes, some are more secluded. Bathrooms were clean. Very spacious tent site with a fire pit. Our tent sleeps 6 and we had no trouble fitting in the spot.
Jason L.GuideMosca Campground
Amazing views
We stayed here for two weeks and every day there were new breathtaking views all around. You feel as if you are walking the top of the world when exploring the area, the entire San Luis Valley gives this feeling. The lake is beautiful and has a beautiful view of the Great Sand Dunes National Park to the north and Mt. Blanca to the east. Camping is by permit, so stop anywhere you can get a Colorado hunting or fishing license and get a State wildlife area permit, they're $43 per person, but if you're age 18-64 you're required to have an SWA permit to camp in Colorado State wildlife areas. The permit is good from April 1st through March 31st of each year, and yes they are yearly permits, so try to get them in April. The campground has electric hookups, but no water. So pack in your water, vault toilets on loops B and C, RV dump station, and dumpster at exit of campground areas. You can stay 14 days every 45 days. Zapata falls nearby is a MUST visit and there is a pay to camp campground there. Cell service is spotty for Verizon, not sure about other carriers.
Terry P.GuideHaggards RV Campground
Unexpected Gem
We don't usually stay at RV parks, but we really enjoyed our over night stay at Haggard's RV Park. My wife called it an unexpected gem. Nancy, the owner, was very welcoming and set the tone for the visit. She suggested some sites and we found one that was perfect for us with beautiful views across the prairie to the mountains and a spectacular sunset to boot. Nancy came around offering ice at one point and, later, watermellon. There is a nice dog park on-site. In fact, the best we've seen while traveling. Our older greyhound, who usually just follows us, actually did a few laps. Nancy's attention to detail was evident in the way she decorated the bathhouse to create a more personal, at-home feel. Haggard's is on our list of campgrounds to return to in the future.
- EJ H.
ScoutJuniper Breaks Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park
Great campsite
It was a great campsite, have to use fire pits provided. Alcohol is allowed pets are allowed on leash. And most camp sites are within walking distance to the water. Kids loved it! It was cheap to reserve a site ($20+) and entry fee is like $8.
Guide to Gardner
Dispersed camping near Gardner, Colorado offers free sites at elevations between 7,000-8,200 feet with minimal facilities and seasonal accessibility. Most primitive campsites become accessible by late May when mountain roads clear, though summer temperatures can fluctuate dramatically with afternoon temperatures reaching 85°F dropping to 45°F after sunset.
What to do
Hike to Zapata Falls: Take the 1-mile trail near Zapata Falls Campground to a waterfall. "The trail is pretty well worn and you have to cross the creek in three places, walking over stacked logs - some pretty precarious bridges," explains Randy H., who hiked there in September.
Sand sledding at the Dunes: Rent equipment at Great Sand Dunes Oasis before entering the park. "You can rent sand boards and sleds here if the weather is right. There is also a restaurant with food that was better than we expected it to be and a gas station," notes Myndi C.
Visit Bishop Castle: Camp at Ophir Creek Campground for easy access to this unique attraction. "We were only moments from Bishop Castle and from several hiking trails which kept me completely happy," writes Crystal C. The campground costs $21 per night and includes basic amenities.
Stargazing: The dark skies provide excellent viewing conditions. At Sacred White Shell Mountain, "The panoramic view from atop the Dunes were fantastic! Give yourself an hour to make the climb, especially if you have some little ones."
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: At St Charles Campground near Lake Isabel, campers appreciate the layout. "The sites are separated from each other with plenty of trees & space. The sound of the nearby river is very relaxing," says Rob B., who particularly valued the chance to disconnect since there's no phone or internet service.
Clean facilities: Great Sand Dunes Oasis receives praise for their well-maintained bathrooms. "Bathrooms were fantastic. Showers were some of the best I've seen with a private dressing area and hooks/shelves to put your dry clothes on," reports Myndi C.
Wildlife viewing: Campers at Lake Isabel frequently spot wildlife. Kathrina M. reports, "We were visited by several mule deer and very friendly chipmunks. Bears are in the area, but a bear-proof locker is on the site."
Convenient lake access: La Vista Campground offers electric hookups and proximity to Lake Isabel. Karen L. appreciated "the short walk to Lake Isabel as well as the empty picnic area across the creek. Campground hosts were super friendly but respectful of our space and our pups."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to several campgrounds requires navigating rough roads. At Zapata Falls Campground, "The road up is rough for sedans" according to Christina A., who visited in May 2018.
Limited water availability: Many sites lack running water. Christina A. notes Zapata Falls has "no water on site," while La Vista Campground has electricity but campers report "No water and no WiFi or cell service at all!"
Weather changes rapidly: Be prepared for sudden shifts. "Weather moves very fast through this valley. We had snow and sunshine within a couple of hours," reports Ursula from Zapata Falls.
Mosquito season: July brings intense mosquito activity. One camper at Pinon Flats warns, "July was mosquito madness. Honestly I am from the country and can deal with bugs, but being dived bombed by 30 mosquitos is intense."
Tips for camping with families
Dog friendly campgrounds near Gardner: Many sites accommodate pets with specific rules. At Aspen Acres Campground, they have "a small dog park gave our girls the chance to run free for a little," according to Michelle G., making it a standout among pet-friendly campgrounds in the Gardner area.
Best times for younger children: Visit in spring or fall to avoid extreme temperatures and bugs. Sarah B. advises, "Personally I will only return in fall or spring prior to these months from now as it can be tough to relax" due to mosquitoes during summer.
Tent placement strategy: At Ophir Creek Campground, "Some sites have tarps laid out where ideal tent sites are" to help identify the best spots for family camping setups.
Family-friendly amenities: Certain campgrounds offer extras for children. At Aspen Acres, they have "a lot of things to do for the kids in the camp store/facility," notes Quentin C.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites require equipment for leveling. At Sacred White Shell Mountain, "Most everyone else needed blocks, but they didn't seem to have much problem leveling."
Hookup configurations: Check electrical outlet locations before setting up. At Aspen Acres, Michelle G. advises, "Make sure to have a longer power cable. Our port is at the back and the outlet was way up front. To reach, we had to set up near the front of the site which limited our parking."
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds offer easier access sites. At Aspen Acres, "they have huge pull-through sites" according to one camper, while Pinon Campground has "short in depth but double-wide drives to position the vehicle beside the trailer."
Water quality concerns: Test water before filling tanks. Richard R. cautions about Aspen Acres: "All fine for a night except we filled our tank with the most disgusting undrinkable water imaginable. I'd not come back for that reason."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Gardner, CO?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Gardner, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Gardner, CO is Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park with a 4.4-star rating from 96 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Gardner, CO?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Gardner, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 124 dog-friendly camping locations near Gardner, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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