Looking for the best pet-friendly campgrounds near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests? Finding a place to camp in Colorado with your dog is easier than ever. You're sure to find the perfect pet-friendly campsite for your Colorado camping excursion.
A camping trip to the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park makes for a beautiful getaway for sightseeing, stargazing, and hiking. The park protects the most dramatic section of the Gunnison River Canyon; no other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths of Black Canyon.
Take one of many spectacular hiking trails such as the Oak Flat Loop Trail and watch for birds like the black-billed magpie. In summer, catch an evening educational program in the campground amphitheater. Winter activities include snowshoeing on Rim Rock Trail or go cross country skiing on South Rim Drive (South Rim Campground is first-come, first-served in winter).
Perched on the South Rim of the Black Canyon, this campground is surrounded by scrub oak forests and sits atop ancient hard rocks. Deer, grouse, bears, and bobcats are known to frequent the area.
Visit the Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit to see railcars and the last remaining railroad trestle on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison route. Head upstream to Curecanti National Recreation Area to enjoy water recreation on Colorado's largest reservoir.
$20 - $34 / night
This is the most popular campground at Ridgway, located on the top of a mesa covered in Pinyon pine and juniper trees. Offering campsites 80-187, it is also part of the Dutch Charlie area of the park. RV campsites have electric hookups and shared water and there are 10 walk-in tent sites. The dump station is located down the hill at the entrance to the Dakota Terraces Campground.
All campgrounds offer: Restrooms; also, during the high season, showers, laundromat (coin operated), snack machines and a change machine in a Camper Services Building A playground Additional restrooms Hiking and biking trails
Official NPS North Rim Website The North Rim campground is remote and has 13 sites dispersed among pinyon and juniper trees. Sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Elevation: 7767 ft (2367.4 m). The ranger station is open intermittently in the summer and closed in the winter. In the summer, maps and newspapers are available on the ranger station porch. The ranger station also has a self-pay station for the park entrance fee and a self-registration kiosk for wilderness permits.
$20 / night
The Potholes Recreation Site, located 12 miles up Escalante Canyon, offers picnic tables and shade shelters with several designated overnight camping sites nearby.
Please note that 4wd may be necessary.
In areas closed to the use of vehicles off forest roads, where developed parking sites are not provided, and where not otherwise prohibited, direct access to a suitable parking site within 300 feet of the road is permitted. Such travel must not damage the land or streams. Please select your route carefully, and do not cut live timber. Off road travel should be limited to when the ground is dry. The public is encouraged to camp in locations where others have previously camped and utilized existing routes to those camp areas. Campers are required to leave a clean camp, not to damage vegetation or pollute streams and lakes on the National Forest and implement “Leave No Trace” practices
Finding a site to camp and enjoy dispersed recreation activities in remote areas or in relative solitude has become a popular form of camping throughout the Forest. At some more popular areas,toilet facilities may be provided. Contact the local Forest Service office for current information and refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for each forest (Grand Mesa, Gunnison, and Uncompahgre National Forests). Dispersed camping is permitted in most areas of the Forest. Some caution should be used in selecting a site because of intermingled private lands within the National Forest. Recreation maps are available at all local Forest Service offices. Personnel at each office can answer questions on specific sites. Unlike developed campgrounds which are designed and maintained to protect the vegetation, soils, and natural setting, camping in undeveloped areas require more from the camper to help keep the site in the condition in which it was found. Dispersed camping must not occur within 100 feet of water sources (rivers, streams, ponds, or wetlands) or within 100 feet of any road or system trail. In some areas, dispersed camping is restricted to specific sites, contact the local Forest Service office for current information. Campsites can be occupied for no more than 14 days, then the site must be moved at least 3 miles away. Camping is also limited to a total of 28 days in a 60 day period.
Situated on several acres of beautiful landscape, the Ouray KOA Holiday offers several amenities such as a hot tub, pet walk, onsite restaurant, gem mining, and playground. With spacious RV sites, deluxe cabins, camping cabins, and a variety of tent sites, you can pick the pace of your travel. We offer an experience for every kind of camper, whether you're traveling with kids, pets, or friends, book your getaway today!
Alta Lakes is a popular dispersed camping area that offers fishing and camping in a spectacular alpine setting. There are 20 designated campsites that are completely undeveloped. The access road to the area is narrow and rough, requiring a high clearance vehicle. Trailers and RV's are not reccomended.
Guide
We usually boondock, but stopped here for a change. Great sites, lovely staff, dog park, great BBQ, band at night ... really a top notch KOA.
Guide
Can’t say enough about this camp spot. Wow!! Pull throughs ... back ends available. Fabulous service from the owners. We planned on staying 2 nights but ended up staying a few more days. Dog park, showers, laundry faculties, full hookups, general store, art, great WiFi (we had Verizon) ... and some sites are backed up to the Colorado River. Just amazing .... very clean. Would highly recommend!
Traveler
We spend three days here between some disperse camping in the region and could not say enough good things. The staff were extremely friendly, this sites were clean, dog park great, river amazing, and location to Montrose perfect.
The laundry rooms was clean with new equipment.
The Wifi was five stars which is rare in most RV parks. Super fast speeds.
We will be back!
TravelerBook it Now! This RV park will fill up quickly. Riverbend is a beautiful park in a fantastic location. What sets this park apart from others is the owners and camp hosts. The park's owners are exceptional; everything they do is done for the benefit of their guests.
A few examples include oversized RV sites, WiFi, and they even love dogs because they have an off-lease dog park. The camp hosts here are fantastic;
Rob and Becky and Kirby and Robin are two couples that truely went above and beyond. They are simply the best!
We had such a great time we invited several of our friends to come down and rent a cabin, which they all did, and we had an absolute blast! The most amazing trip ever!
Ranger
This campsite is great if you want to do Telluride on a budget - it's free. It's right next to the town and is used a lot for Telluride's summer festivals. Its more than a campground it is also where a lot of town events are held and also has sports venues. There's also grills, bathrooms, picnic tables, a dog park, and a pond. Unless you're at a festival, the campground isn't where you will want to spend your time though. The campground is very close to Bridal Veil Falls, a huge free fall waterfall. You can drive or hike up to it, and climb around on the rocks and get blasted by cold water from the falls. It's huge. There's also a bunch of awesome hikes around Telluride - the San Juans are my favorite part of Colorado.
Scout
Great spot. Didn’t say pet friendly on the reviews but my dog and I found a nice little secluded campsite off to the right and down a less jagged road. Be careful. I wouldn’t try to go too deep looking for a campsite during wet season or if you’ve got a low hanging vehicle without 4WD.
Traveler
Nestled in a valley with beautiful view next to Uncompahgre River with wonderful walking path. Gravel parking right off hwy 550. Laundry, showers, restaurant. Primitive cabins and fully equipped cabins. Very friendly staff. Pet friendly. Close to uptown shopping and eating & grocery store. Pull thru and back in sites. Overflow parking for extra vehicles for a charge. Down side-you have to trailer to trailheads for SXS riding. Most tail heads are small parking areas but the riding in the mountains is priceless. Been here twice, same site and would go again.
Guide
This was such a magically beautiful location. The aspens were amazing, the surrounding forest, flowing river and waterfalls, and sweeping mountain scapes were breathtaking. Why only two stars? Well, first off, our campsite seemed too perfect to still be open, and it was. Unbeknownst to us, we were the only place for miles that you can get cell service, so we had 20-30 “visitors” a day drive up to our little round about spot to get a phone call or text out. That’s more people I see a day than even my own neighborhood and far more than I want to see on my outdoor exhursion.
Ok, so we picked a bad spot.... but every place we hiked and drove was overrun with cattle. Within an hour of our arrival and set up, cows began to wander over, pooping all over the place. Cows were EVERYWHERE- all the way up to Silver Jack reservoir and further. That made the flies worse than normal. They were the only “wildlife” we saw in four days... 15-20 at a time... hundreds overall. In all of my years camping in Colorado, I’ve never experienced this. Every camper we encountered complained about it. I loved the views, but I’ll never be back to camp.
TravelerGorgeous! Our site was in amongst the trees, backed by a rapidly running creek with views of snow capped mountains. The site was large with a firepit down by the creek all set up with logs to burn. They offer a text = fire log delivery service too.
We were greeted upon arrival and shown to our site, gifted with KOA rubber bracelets too.
There was live music nightly at the cute "mountain top" restaurant. Food was ok and a bit pricey, only ate there once. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained. They picked up trash bags right from your site.
At the back of the campgrounds was Bachelors Stables, horse trail riding was offered which we highly recommend. Our daughter visited and pet the horses daily after her first ride, the owner was very accommodating.
You can rent Jeeps
We heard a rumor that this KOA was getting a full upgrade to make them a four seasons location with heated concrete pads.
Guide
This campground is on NPS land, so there is a fee ($16 in season+ water/$8 off season no water) that can be paid at the nearby ranger's station on the honor system. All 13 sites are in a single loop at the end of the road on the North Rim and are all first come first served. Pinyon and juniper offer shade and some visual privacy, however sites are all close so there is little audible privacy. Pets are OK if leashed. There are nice sized BearSaver boxes at each site, plus a fire ring and large picnic table. Vault toilets and potable water are both in the center of the camping loop, where you can also find other tables and lots of shade. Chasm trail begins near the end of the loop and there are great views of the canyon a short distance from all sites. Beware: drought year, so lots of yellow jackets - they swarm vehicles in search of water! Also, water is a limited resource brought in by truck to this canyon, don't be wasteful :)
Scout
Facilities were a five. Unfortunately as guests we weren't allowed to use them. There is a main community building with a workout center, games, big screen TV, laundry, showers, and pool. I would have liked to have worked out in the AM but was confused by if the facility was intended to be available for us and again, judging by pool hours and the locked door, was closed. The pool had very limited hours- opening at ten and closing at seven. The long term families essentially told us we were not welcome- my son was told by one child that he shouldn't go in because he didn't live there. I went to check out the pool after a long day and the owner's family was using the lodge as a living room, it felt awkward and intrusive to go into the lodge to get to the pool. There was a wagon complete with hay outside that fascinated the kids because they loved the idea of a hayride, but no mention of how to get one if it was offered.
There were tons of outside games- shuffleboard and basketball, but no mention of where you could borrow items to use them. If it was the camp store, the hours inhibited that because most families won't be back from sightseeing in time.
The camp store had super limited hours, and although you were supposed to check in here, it closed at three.
When we arrived we were assigned a spot that was decent enough, but had two hoses attached to the spigot. One was going to the spot of a long term guest and the other to a hose used by the campground. The sewer connection was buried under discolored gravel. I paid a little extra for this premium spot. There was a piece of plywood by the connections. I felt like if you are assigned a spot it should be ready for use. Allowing another guest or maintenance to use the spigot leaves the guest in the awkward spot of finding the owners or not using the water spigot.
While we were driving around to find our spot, we drew the attention of the residents, which felt a bit territorial?
If the owners hired more outside staff to keep facilities open longer and were more welcoming to short term guests, this place would easily be worthy of the resort name and could charge a bit more. There are mild signs of neglect- wire fencing tacked up in dog park area, playground overgrown a bit, landscaping with lots of dead grass (but I believe it was due to weed killer being used to get overgrown vegetation under control). The long term sites had very tall grass and weren't very tidy.
The landscaping showed signs of being refreshed, which was positive. The buildings are in good repair.
The owner himself was nice enough and quick to reassign us. I think it is safe enough, so if you want to keep to yourself and not be able to use the facilities, this is the place for you. It does, however, seem to be in an identity crisis. It can't decide if it is essentially a trailer park geared towards RVs or if it is a resort. At this time of the year, it should easily be booked solid with overnight guests, but wasn't. The short term guests typically don't receive the discount long term residents get, so I feel they should have access to all facilities. I have been to true resorts where no distinction was made between guest types and they had a more welcoming feel. I booked through the dyrt when the campground website showed spaces were not available. Most guests will go through the direct website and I was confused by the discrepancy. In summary, great bones but confusing business model.
Legend
We did a hike in camp site. We crossed the river and hiked up. They have little wheel barrels that you can take your stuff up with. The site was spacious. Plenty big for having some fun. They don't allow anything on the trees, no hammocks, no hanging trash bags, no pets tied to trees, nothing. They do provide a solid bear cabinet to keep food in. The views are astounding! We ended up biking what we thought was a bike trail, turned out it was not so we tackled stairs on our bikes but the views were well worth it. There was a playground and several fishing ponds in addition to the river. There was a bear when we were there. It crossed the river but we didn't see it we were told by the ranger. Definitely use the bear cabinet. Interestingly, the ranger told us (which we weren't very bear savvy) that even the clothes you cook in should go in the bear cabinet. Don't take any of that in to your tent. They can smell it and may greet you during the night. Great place to be.
Legend
Campground Review
This campground is tucked back a little ways. We had to go through a cattle gate, it's not always closed but this trip it was. Rule of thumb, leave it how you found it, but there are two campgrounds back there so it's ok to open the gate and go through. The road is narrow and a bit bumpy, at times a higher clearance vehicle is nice but I think I've seen cars back there too. The campground is right on the river, there is a boat ramp, however the water has always been pretty low when we've been to this area. This is our first time in this campground, we've stayed farther down the way before. Once you get there, there are plenty of campsites. We have never seen more then 2 campers there (us and one other this trip) but there are a good 12 or so campsites. Maybe more. They have fire pits, most have grills. Plenty of space. A couple were a little tighter but I've never seen it full so you usually have pick of the sites. They aren't numbered but if you head down the first turn to the right and make the loop, we stayed right after the loop on the other side. It was a huge site, had a small trail that went down to the river where my kids and dogs played. They found frogs and snakes and enjoyed cooling off. While there are poisonous snakes possibly around, this was a small rat snake. Looked to be some good fishing spots, a couple eddies and big rocks that fish could be hanging out behind, but we didn't have poles along.
The mosquitos can be quite bad. During the super heat of the day they were there but not overwhelming, but by the time it started to cool slightly, they came out in full force! In fact, they are the reason for the dropped star and for our early turn in for the night.
There is currently a stage one fire restriction, it still allows campfires in established rings and for the grill usage. Just make sure your fire is fully out before you leave it.
There is plenty of shade to be had and hammock use would be possible. You just have to battle the mosquitos. Which leads in to my product review…
Product Review
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - today I am testing Green Goo's Bug Be Gone. I am always skeptical of "natural" bug sprays, very few of them work. I was pleasantly surprised that this stuff worked. My husband had nothing on and I had the green goo on and the mosquitos eventually drove him to spray while they did not land on me. Also, being all natural it is safe for people as well as pets. So we sprayed down both our dogs. Our younger, slightly more apprehensive dog wasn't too sure about the sound or the smell but our older dog didn't have a problem with it. It seemed to keep the bugs at bay for the dogs and they weren't itching as the night went on. Definitely would recommend this product.
Guide
AVOID THE BOULDERS IN THE ROAD, will scratch car, do a diagonal dance up the path and you’ll be fine.
I drive up in a sedan and almost made all the way to the lake. Ended up parking half a milf from the lake and hiked the rest of the way. Good think I have a backpack and just couple luxury items.
The campsites were way too close together. I don’t know why ??? It’s not necessary. Everyone came out and just hung out at the lake anyways . I would have ratheres a more private site where I can play music and let me cat roam more
The lake was beautiful and the sunset hits it so hard it glows. Also that crazy mountain village that collapsed and is now rubble is trippy unique
Guide
This was our first KOA experience and we were very pleased. Hosts were friendly, our site was small but well kept. This KOA has a pool, mini golf, dog run, and general store. Facilities were clean and in good shape. Close to the highway, so some noise, but not e Pugh to ruin your time. Best part if this KOA is being close to Colorado National Monument!! One if our favorite places we’ve ever been!
Guide
Ccampground is small, but hot spring are awesome. Hotsprings are included in price. Dogs aloud at campground but not in the pool area.
Guide
Pretty campground with grass at the sites, a river a short walk away (there's a good portion of the campground with riverside sites, but limited for larger rigs). We were up by the highway, so the traffic was loud and the neighbors were fairly close. Not too terrible, and nothing a fan couldn't drown out at night. Could not park our tow vehicle at our site, but got a spot nearby across the road. We had some long term neighbors that let their dogs poop around our hookups, so the day we left was a nightmare. But that's not the campground's fault. They just need to enforce dog cleanup a little more maybe.
Guide
Our family camped at Black Canyon last July and LOVED IT. I wish we would have stayed more than just a few days. We had deer around our campsite (we had to have our dog on a leash because at that time of year the deer have babies and get fiesty. The deer at our campsite didn’t mind our dog and just seemed curious.) The views on our hikes were breathtaking and we even saw a little bear! There are hikes for all ages, many as you drive around the top are short walks to the edge to look at the views. I also recommend going to the visitors center while you are there.
ScoutGreat campground very close to downtown telluride but has lots of trees so you don’t know it’s there. Clean bathrooms, clean grounds and large sites. Very dog friendly.
GuideWe had to change our trip plans and ended up here for two nights. Clean, friendly, nice bath house(no benches in showers), very small dog area. Typical KOA. Close together but well maintained.
Traveler
In addition to plenty of tent and RV sites, Ridgeway SP also has three heated and furnished yurts for those seeking an enhanced comfort level. Each unit includes a fridge, futon type beds, dinner table and chairs. Bring your fishing poles, hiking shoes, water craft and dogs, cause they're all allowed.
GuideTypical KOA. As expected. Close sites. Level ground. Nothing super memorable but I appreciated having a couple dog runs available plus a playground the kids really enjoyed. Plus the grass patches next to each site were a great addition when it could have simply been all gravel like some other grounds we’ve been to.
ScoutThis is our second time staying here! We met the new owners today upon checking out and they were incredibly kind and you could tell how much passion they have for all the upgrades they are doing to the property. We rent a tiny cabin when we come and it’s always clean and has everything we need. I love seeing the stars at night and being able to bring our dog. Will be back next year again!
Traveler
We stopped in late, the roads are smooth and there is a lot of places to pull off and have privacy. If road noise bothers you, just venture further along the road. Downside: there was a lot of small hidden vicious cacti, we were afraid of letting the dogs out. We went mid June, it got hot fast in the morning, but was pleasant enough in the night to not need a/c. Sunrise was pretty also.
TravelerWe camped here in January and found that there was no charge for camping there during the winter season. Came with our pup and had most of the campground to ourselves since there was just one other family camping there as well. The snow on the campsites was pretty deep so we had to clear some of the area to get a tent up. Did the dog friendly hike to the visitor center which was lovely in the snow.
Scout
This is a terrific spot. Owner and staff are friendly and helpful. The spots are level concrete pad with full hook up. Most spots have shade and space between on the outer ring is about 10 feet each side.. It is quiet even though away from the highway but just minutes through town to Highway 50. Several trail options to walk the dog along the river from the park. No picnic tables or fire rings but that doesn't bother me. Added to my must stay places.
GuideStopped here for the night before skiing at PowderHorn. Campground was easy to find, clean and quite. We stayed in a tent site and were the only ones there! There is a portapotty at the entrance of the tent sites but a shower/bath house in the main are which is just a short walk. The bathroom was very clean and showers hot. There is a fenced in dog run area that my pup enjoyed.
Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests in Colorado, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests is South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 62 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 126 dog-friendly camping locations near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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