Matthew G.
Guide
GuideCascade (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.
Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Hillside, CO
Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area permits pets with no breed restrictions, offering free dispersed camping sites across a network of primitive roads and clearings. The area has pull-offs with stone fire pits, though campers need to carefully navigate water runoff ditches that require vehicles with decent clearance. Lake Deweese State Wildlife Area provides additional pet-friendly camping with vault toilets along the reservoir's edge. Proper pet management is essential as sites often contain hazards like broken glass and sharp objects. Several reviewers noted cleaning up trash left by previous campers while enjoying the natural setting with their dogs.
Dog owners camping near the Lake Deweese reservoir should be aware of toxic algae warnings that make the water unsafe for pets. The nearby sites have limited privacy with neighbors approximately 100 yards away, creating a balance between solitude and security. Bear activity has been reported in the Cloverdale Mines area, requiring proper food storage and pet supervision. The surrounding trails offer hiking opportunities but can be confusing, making offline maps essential for navigation. Intermittent cell service for AT&T and Verizon means pet owners should plan for limited communication options. Westcliffe, located a short drive away, provides access to veterinary services and supplies for campers with pets needing additional resources during their stay.
Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Hillside, Colorado (200)
1. Alvarado Campground
16 ReviewsWestcliffe, CO13 milesWebsite+1 (877) 444-6777$30 - $60 / night
"I absolutely love this area of Colorado. It's breathtaking no matter which direction you look. Decent campground that was a bit too big for my taste."
"There are several hiking trails nearby. The vault toilets were right by us and we didn’t have any issues with smell, and they were the cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen."
2. Cutty's Resort - Hayden Creek
10 ReviewsCoaldale, CO11 milesWebsite+1 (719) 942-4222$60 - $300 / night
"Close to everything you need but you will feel away from it all."
"Our family and another reserved two sites next to each other. The pools on site were perfect for the kids. On site mini golf was a blast. The views in the campground were awesome."
3. Lake Deweese state wildlife area
8 ReviewsWestcliffe, CO9 milesWebsite"This is a great dispersed camping spot with outhouses around the lake for convenience, well kept and clean! DO NOT let kids or dogs in water, as there is a level red warning for toxic algae!!"
"Colorado State wild life areas (SWA) require a permit that’s ~$40 a year, or if you have a year fishing or hunting lisence you camp for free."
4. Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust - CLOTHING OPTIONAL
9 ReviewsVilla Grove, CO12 milesWebsite+1 (719) 256-4315"The camp sites were simple but great and you have total access to all hot springs, bathrooms, showers, sauna, AND a communal outdoor kitchen."
5. Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
10 ReviewsCotopaxi, CO14 milesWebsite+1 (719) 539-7289$28 / night
"Our original spot ended up being closed and this was near by. Great little campground. The sites are a bit small but we fit our 2 tents."
"It tends to be a bit loud at night being so close to a major roadway but the breeze that blows through the canyon takes the edge off the heat."
6. East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge
25 ReviewsCañon City, CO22 milesWebsite+1 (719) 269-9028$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."
7. Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
2 ReviewsHillside, CO3 milesWebsite+1 (719) 269-8500"We hiked some of the surrounding areas and found bear scat close to our pull off. Intermittent cell service for AT&T and Verizon. Periods with no connection."
"The trails can get confusing so remember your way in!"
8. Lake Creek Campground
2 ReviewsHillside, CO3 milesWebsite$25 / night
"The small Creek runs through it and it's right next to many of the camping sites. There is a downside though."
9. Sweetwater River Resort
3 ReviewsCotopaxi, CO9 milesWebsite+1 (719) 276-3842$50 - $150 / night
"You can absolutely see stars at night and are surrounded by the mountains. Only down side is how remote the tent sites are. Need to go across walking bridge."
"Driving in my car. Didn't have a tent. tenting campground is across a bridge that is only on foot. They compensated for me camping in a car."
10. Bighorn Park
3 ReviewsCotopaxi, CO10 milesWebsite+1 (719) 942-4266"We spotted big horn sheep on the cliff behind us! The park also had a live singer entertain one night!"
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Hillside, CO
173 Photos of 200 Hillside Campgrounds
Amy C.
Sweetwater River Resort
Pepper I.
Cutty's Resort - Hayden Creek
Kyli H.
Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
Zach B.
Alvarado Campground
Jennifer L.
Rocky Top River Ranch
Silouan A.
Willow Creek Trail
Nora S.
Dispersed Sand Area 1
Hannah T.
Point Barr Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Shelby S.
Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
Sondra M.
East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge
Brenna M.
East Ridge Campground - Royal Gorge
Anthony B.
Salida East Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Hillside, CO
1527 Reviews of 200 Hillside Campgrounds
- Anna R.Guide
Zapata Falls Campground
Beautiful Views!!
This was our last night camping in Colorado and it was beautiful!
Max B.GuideBuffalo Pass Campground
Dispersed camping, solitude
Great place to camp in Colorado to avoid weekend crowds. Wide open, off the beaten path as far as Colorado goes.
- D
Darcie K.
ScoutSalida RV Resort
Very nice new RV park. Right on the Arkansas River, great mountain views.
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.
Isabelle K.
LegendRoad 240 - Dispersed
A hidden paradise
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
TravelerGreat 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.
Guide to Hillside
Dispersed camping near Hillside offers access to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at elevations ranging from 8,000 to 9,000 feet. The area experiences dramatic seasonal variations with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during days and dropping to 45-55°F at night. Many sites require high-clearance vehicles to navigate rough forest roads that become impassable during spring snowmelt and summer monsoon seasons.
What to do
Fishing access: Lake Deweese provides fishing opportunities but requires proper licensing. "Lota of sites available, some nicely secluded, some not so secluded. Very clean bathrooms," notes a visitor to Alvarado Campground, which offers trail access just 30 minutes from Hillside.
Mountain biking: The Rainbow Trail network connects multiple camping areas with varying difficulty levels. A camper at East Ridge Campground shares, "We took the Canyon Rim trail to the Overlook trail and got some gorgeous views of the gorge (out and back hike, a little over 4 miles)."
Stargazing: The lack of light pollution makes this region ideal for night sky viewing, particularly during new moon phases. "The night sky was amazing after the rain passed through and the clouds cleared," reports a visitor to Alvarado Campground.
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Many visitors appreciate the balance of privacy and accessibility. At Hayden Creek, "There are a handful of dispersed camping sites along Hayden Creek Rd. The creek is nice and the sounds was much louder then we anticipated, which was good," reports one camper at Hayden Creek Roadside Camp.
Creek-side camping: Multiple sites offer water access for cooling off during hot summer days. "We've stayed here 3 times now and absolutely love it! We've stayed at campsite 36 and 41. 41 is our favorite. It has plenty of space and a nice creek running near it," shares a visitor to Alvarado Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife including bighorn sheep. At Bighorn Park, one camper reports, "We spotted big horn sheep on the cliff behind us! The park also had a live singer entertain one night!"
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Rapid temperature changes and afternoon thunderstorms occur frequently in summer months. A camper at Five Points Campground advises, "There is not much shade, but the spots are big and the restrooms are very well maintained."
Limited services: Most dispersed camping areas lack facilities. "The drawback to this campground was that there was no source of water. There were latrine vaulted toilets well supplied," notes a camper at Five Points Campground.
Navigation challenges: Forest roads can be confusing without proper maps. A camper at Cloverdale Mines notes, "The trails can get confusing so remember your way in!"
Water safety: Beyond the toxic algae at Lake Deweese, other water bodies may present seasonal hazards. At Valley View Hot Springs, a visitor cautions about hot springs conditions: "Valley View really went downhill with the new manager. Place is really run down and you cant enjoy the water there is so much blue green algae which irritates the skin."
Tips for camping with families
Recreational facilities: Several established campgrounds offer amenities for children. "We had a great time. The pools on site were perfect for the kids. On site mini golf was a blast," reports a visitor to Cutty's Resort.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing areas provide learning experiences. "Quite National Forest camp ground that is a pay per night. Site has a nice creek and offers lots of hiking. Vault toilets and several water fountains. No electricity. Lots of wildlife in the area," shares a camper at Alvarado Campground.
Safety precautions: Areas with mining history may contain hazards. At Cloverdale Mines, "Be careful of cactus, bring firewood, download the off-line maps."
Tips from RVers
Clearance requirements: Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles. "Entry road has multiple water runoff ditches that make the road best for vehicles with decent clearance. If dry 4x4 not necessary," notes a visitor to Cloverdale Mines.
Site sizes: Verify campsite dimensions before arrival as many dog friendly campgrounds near Hillside have limited space. "We easily got our 40' coach into a very level site," shares one RVer at Alvarado Campground, while another cautions, "The campground won't accommodate fifth wheels only horse and rv up to 30 or so."
Hookup availability: Most dog-friendly areas near Hillside lack hookups. A visitor to Bighorn Park notes, "Some full hookups, some water and electric only and about three tent sites."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Hillside, CO?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hillside, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hillside, CO is Alvarado Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 16 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
Hillside, CO?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Hillside, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 200 dog-friendly camping locations near Hillside, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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