Cascade (colorado)
One of our favorites
This is probably my family's favorite area to camp in Colorado. Off the beaten path enough that traffic is minimal. But nice and close to some great four wheel and off roading areas.
Forest Service Road 250 Dispersed camping area offers free pet-friendly dispersed camping near Guffey, with easy accessibility for larger vehicles. Pets are allowed at all established campgrounds in the area, including Mueller State Park, Eleven Mile State Park, and KOA locations in Cripple Creek and Canon City. The campground is full but it doesn't feel crowded and families definitely plan to come back. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, though facilities vary significantly. Mueller State Park offers the most amenities for pet owners, featuring electric hookups, showers, and laundry facilities, while dispersed camping areas like FSR 250 provide no facilities but greater freedom for pets to explore.
Several pet-friendly trails and outdoor activities surround the Guffey area campgrounds. The Overlook trail near Spillway Campground offers a short 0.5 mile hike with great views suitable for dogs on leash. Eleven Mile Canyon provides excellent access to the South Platte River, popular with anglers who bring their pets along for camping trips. The washboard roads accessing some campgrounds can be rough on vehicles, especially when pulling trailers. Morning temperatures often drop significantly in this high-altitude region, so pet owners should pack accordingly with warm bedding for their animals. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area, requiring dogs to be supervised to avoid unwanted encounters with local fauna.
$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."
$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."
$28 - $36 / night
"Eleven mile is a large reservoir by Colorado standards and has tons of campsites, all around the lake from great walk-in tent sites, lake shore and small to large loops. "
"Plenty of drive up tent sites and a few walk in campsites that feel a little more remote."
$24 / night
"This is a wonderful campground at the end of the road near the dam and right next to the Platte. This is a wonderful spot for fly fishing, and can get busy sharing the river with day visitors."
"There is a trail above the camp that will take you up to some beautiful views through a meadow. Right in the camp are over 5 established bouldering routes and even more in the hill above camp."
"Fun to explore by day through the little canyon or along the rocks above, there's a walk for everyone here. Best enjoyed in fall and spring, summer is quite hot. The campsites are basic and roadside."
"Rock formations and hiking around was absolutely beautiful! About 3 group sites and quite a few smaller ones. The only downside was I think we went at the worst time for gnats."
$24 / night
"There were lovely trees to provide lots of shade from the hot Colorado sun. Some fun hiking from the campsite, so you don't even have to drive to the trailhead!"
"One of the highlights was walking to the campground entrance to watch the sunset each night. Spent a day fishing and hiking the 11 mile canyon overlook trail."
"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."
"Great camp near the lake away from everything. Good off-roading both sides of the road"
"Great location, 2.5hrs from Denver and about an hour from the Springs. Had great space for our setup. Only a 5-10 min drive to the state park with great fishing."
$20 / night
"Hiking: What we really loved about this place was its access to some great hiking trails! Once in the south loop, you'll see a wooden sign that says "trails" near campsite 7."
"Paved & gravelled roads, hiking trails, free camping, sightseeing, off roading, atv, handicap accessible, dogs off leash, picnic tables, firepits, kid friendly."
"They are great for 1-2 people, but we are a family traveling with pets, so we have a larger tent. Nice community feel. Lots for kids to do. Close to rafting, Royal Gorge and other attractions."
"Beautiful views and a great walking path for my dog. I could have gone for miles. People are super friendly and it’s clean! Close to hiking. Well worth the visit"












This is probably my family's favorite area to camp in Colorado. Off the beaten path enough that traffic is minimal. But nice and close to some great four wheel and off roading areas.
Awesome 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.
This 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.
Very clean, large level spots with gravel and plenty of room in between RVs. Great location, close to Salida and hiking & biking trails. Directly on the Arkansas River -- river view spots are very nice and all spots have a view of the mountains, there's a bit of road noise from nearby highway. Friendly staff, nice clubhouse with showers, pool table & fitness center, there's a small dog park and pickleball courts. Direct access to Arkansas River for kayaks and small boats (walk down to river, can't drive there). Campground internet was spotty but cell service is great so internet is very good if you have a hot spot. Highly recommended, my only complaint is there's no pool or hot tub.
This spot is one of the best kept secrets for dispersed camping in Colorado. The road has plenty of camping spots all the way up to the lake. Most spots are wooded and offer plenty of shade. We were lucky enough to end up right along the river. If you keep driving down the road, you will end up at a stunning alpine lake basin that offers plenty of hiking. High clearance vehicle is necessary to get down this road.
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.
I 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.
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. It is rustic , with dirt/gravel roads and sites. Lots of pine trees and most spots are pull through. Some sites are a little close together but not all of them. Restrooms are clean. Small but nice laundry-room. Clean showers. A nice tent area. Staff was friendly and helpful. Try to get here before the office closes because finding your site may be difficult. It is a little hard to figure out the roads and the proper direction to go to fine your site and get into it.
We were here for 4th of July and there were NO activities. No pool. There is a small playground area and a small stage that has been abandoned. The dog park is at the very back of the property. Everything on our 50 amp site worked perfectly. The site was ample for our toy hauler and truck. Sites are not level, bring proper equipment for leveling.
Overall, it has an awesome Colorado vibe and we liked it here. Only downside was layout of sites, no activities. You have to reserve a spot to wash clothes. This became a problem because people reserve large blocks of time and don’t show up. I couldn’t use laundry, so be forewarned.
Staff is accommodating and friendly, campground and facilities are clean, they are pet friendly. Have a club house, mail service, 24 clean efficient laundry room. Nothing allowed on their grass except the picnic table they provide, no shade tents, dog pens or mats we had a gravel area behind our site where we were allowed to put our dog pen, small foldable table with Our BBQ grill on it (they will allow BBQ grills on their picnic tables) and fire ring they provided for us.
Forest Service Road 250 offers dispersed camping at high altitude between 9,000-10,000 feet near Guffey, Colorado. The area sits within Pike National Forest where temperatures routinely drop 30-40 degrees from daytime highs to overnight lows regardless of season. Summer storms frequently bring afternoon lightning, while winter access requires preparation for significant snow accumulation.
Hiking the Overlook Trail: Spillway Campground provides access to a short but rewarding trail. "The Overlook trail is a short 0.5 mile hike up that has a great view. The camp hosts, Neal & Patty were very friendly and keep a nice campground," notes Stephen K. from Spillway Campground.
Fly fishing South Platte River: Eleven Mile Canyon offers excellent access points for anglers. "Located just below the spillway from Eleven Mile Reservoir, views of the river can be seen from the campground. The campground hosts are extremely helpful and sweet, and keep the campground clean and inviting!" shares Rea M. from Eleven Mile Canyon.
Mountain biking trail networks: Multiple trails surround Mueller State Park Campground with varying difficulty levels. "The trails were beautiful, well maintained, and not crowded at all," reports Steve C., who appreciated the outdoor activity options.
Secluded camping spots: Forest Service Road 250 provides dispersed sites with privacy. "Dirt road appears not to be maintained. Closer to the main road is accessible by regular clearance vehicles and equipment. The further back you go the rougher the dirt road gets. Tent campers with 4WD vehicles can really procure secluded sites," explains James P.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Blue Mountain Campground offers chances to see local fauna. "We saw some deer and did hear that a bear visited our campground while we were there but didn't cause any trouble," mentions Cynthia W., who appreciated the natural setting.
Clean facilities at established campgrounds: Many campers note the well-maintained amenities. "Super nice facility and clean. Very busy park as a lot of sites are on the main road. If you can choose to stay off the main road areas you will enjoy more," says Brian F. about Mueller State Park.
High altitude affects comfort and cooking: Elevations around Guffey mean thinner air and different cooking times. "The air is thin up here—real thin. That also means that it's pure, clean blissfully light oxygen so breathe deep and enjoy it," explains Sarah F. from Cripple Creek KOA.
Washboard roads require caution: Access to many sites involves rough driving. "The road to get here from Salida is 12 miles of dirt road that is VERY washboard," warns Daniel H. about Eleven Mile Canyon.
Weather changes quickly: Be prepared for rapid shifts in conditions. "Morning temperatures often drop significantly in this high-altitude region" requiring campers to bring extra layers and warm sleeping gear.
Choose campgrounds with dedicated activities: Some sites offer more for children. "The kids loved the go-karting, mini-golf and giant slide. There is also a pool onsite which we did not use," shares Kelly P. about Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA.
Select sites away from main roads: Traffic can disturb family camping. "Super nice campsite, kind host, if you're planning on fishing there just get ready for the river to be super crowded," notes Charlotte J. about Spillway Campground.
Consider hike-in options for adventure: Some campgrounds offer walk-in sites for more privacy. "We stayed in a hike in site. The hike is amazing and beautiful but sucks with gear if you use the trail near the water. Teamwork, determination and a cart are mandatory if you take this route," advises Bruce K. about Eleven Mile Canyon.
Dump station availability varies: Plan waste management accordingly. "Dump station with two sides so the line moves pretty quickly," notes a reviewer about Stoll Mountain Campground, which helps RVers plan departure timing.
Generator requirements: Many sites lack hookups, requiring alternative power. "There are no electrical hookups, so if you're bringing an RV or need power, make sure to bring a generator," advises Jessica S. about Eleven Mile State Park.
Site size and access limitations: Larger rigs have restricted options. "Not really for RV's. Even small ones like mine. Very narrow roads in with no real place to turn around. More for tent campers," warns Lynne W. about East Ridge Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Guffey, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Guffey, CO is Stoll Mountain Campground — Eleven Mile State Park with a 3.9-star rating from 44 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Guffey, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 284 dog-friendly camping locations near Guffey, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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