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Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites west of Penrose offers free dispersed camping with pet-friendly policies throughout the canyon. Dogs must remain leashed in shared areas but can explore the shallow, clear creek alongside many of the campsites. Mountaindale Cabin & RV Resort accepts pets at all 90 sites including cabins, RV spots, and tent areas. Most campgrounds near Penrose have basic pet requirements including current vaccinations and proper waste disposal. The area's BLM campsites are particularly popular with pet owners seeking more space between neighbors, with some visitors noting the creek provides excellent splashing opportunities for dogs during warmer months.
Haggards RV Campground features a huge fenced dog park that receives consistent praise from travelers with pets, making it especially suitable for those needing secure exercise space for their dogs. The campground maintains walking trails throughout the property where leashed pets can join their owners. Well-behaved dogs are permitted at East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge Park, though the lack of fenced areas requires owners to maintain control of pets at all times. Many campers report pronghorn sightings in nearby fields, requiring special attention to pet management during wildlife encounters. Temperature considerations are important when camping with pets in this region, as summer days can become extremely hot while canyon locations like Phantom Canyon offer cooler conditions.
"There was 5 different camp site areas at the bottom right next to the water. The worst and only bad part was the insane amount of biting flies."
"I kept it around 20 mph the whole time and was pretty shocked at how fast some people were driving. There are a lot of blind corners and narrow roads, so be careful!"
"This was first camping trip staying in a Colorado State park and it was great! We had an electric only back-in site next to the bathhouse which was clean and had 4 separate bathrooms with showers."
"The lake is beautiful. The most beautiful sunsets and electrical storms. It's quiet. The only hookup is electric for me or camper. The water and dumpstation is on your way in and on your way out."
from $36 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"A great midpoint basecamp location for going up to Colorado Springs area or down to Canon City(Royal Gorge) areas. The campground was always quiet in the evenings and felt secure. "
"This is a lovely park about 30 minutes south of Colorado Springs. We camped here for 5 nights in a back in spot with full hookups, site 51."
from $69 - $79 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Tucked away and very nice campground close to the Royal Gorge and Canon City if you need to get camping supplies. Get water and ice at the filling station by the Goodwill store for a great price."
"Watch your dogs for cactus thorns."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"We booked 2 adjacent sites."
"It was nice and quite, away from road noise, surrounded by mountains. The bathrooms were nice and the water pressure was amazing."
from $39 - $77 / night
Check Availability"This is our second time visiting Lake Pueblo. After staying at Arkansas Point the first trip, we decided to check out the other side of the lake and reserved a spot in Yucca Flats."
"The access to the lakeside water can be a bit tricky. Look for small trails that lead down to the lake. Lots of cliff spots and drop offs."
from $18 - $36 / night
Check Availability"It was far enough away from civilization yet close enough at the same time.
This is after all, and OHV site, so you have to expect OHVs.""I was the only one around camping when I was there. Super peaceful! The reservoir is 10 minutes away too which is great for fishing and paddle boarding."
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.
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.
GuideCamp spots are super close to one another, but you are right up to a stream, there is a dog park and you can walk to downtown manitou springs.
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.
LegendThere’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.
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.
GuideAs 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.
GuideThis 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.
GuideWe 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.
Camping areas near Penrose, Colorado sit at elevations between 5,400 and 6,500 feet in a transition zone where the eastern plains meet the foothills. During summer months, temperatures regularly reach 90°F during daytime hours but cool significantly at night due to the elevation, requiring campers to pack for temperature variations. The region experiences afternoon thunderstorms frequently in July and August.
Hiking trails access: East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge Park offers immediate trail access from your campsite. "Lots of nice trails nearby that are rated easy. Beautiful spot to watch a sunset," reports Nicholas P., who appreciated the convenience of starting hikes directly from camp.
Rockhounding opportunities: The Royal Gorge area contains interesting geological formations with collectible specimens. One camper at East Ridge Campground noted, "Great for rockhounding! Lots of orange granite and feldspar, opaque quartz. The Royal Gorge is beautifully metamorphic."
Creek exploration: Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites features Eight Mile Creek running alongside many campsites. "We camped next to Eight Mile Creek and the tunnel. It was an amazing experience being in the canyon," shares one visitor who enjoyed the water features of this free camping area.
Wildlife viewing: The open terrain surrounding Penrose camping areas hosts abundant wildlife. At East Ridge Campground, "Lots of mule deer" are commonly spotted near campsites according to Debra W., making dawn and dusk ideal times for wildlife observation.
Canyon seclusion: The rocky terrain provides natural isolation at many sites. One visitor to Red Canyon Park mentioned, "Some great spots close to red bluffs and seasonal river. Went in the autumn and hike along the river bed and climb the falls... loved the hikes and quiet without anyone close by."
Night sky views: The relatively remote location of campsites offers excellent stargazing opportunities. A camper at Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites described it as "Incredible... completely secluded from the world. No service, no noise, just the sound of the creek and an occasional car driving by."
Proximity to attractions: Multiple campgrounds serve as convenient bases for regional activities. A visitor to Lake Pueblo State Park's Northern Plains Campground appreciated that "Lake Pueblo is huge, with multiple boat docks, beaches, and places to swim and explore. If you like lakes, this is a great place to visit!"
Fishing access: Several campgrounds offer good fishing without requiring a long drive. As one camper noted about Northern Plains Campground, "About a five minute walk to the lake, great little cliff side fishing spots."
High winds common: The open terrain around Penrose creates frequent windy conditions. A camper at Northern Plains Campground observed, "The campsite is exceptionally windy so best not to pop-up a shade structure unless you want to watch it fly away."
Limited shade coverage: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Penrose have minimal tree cover. As noted about Arkansas Point Campground: "Very little trees so no shade. They do provide a shade screen at every site."
Biting insects: Several campers report significant insect issues, especially during summer. One Phantom Canyon visitor warned: "There was an insane amount of biting flies. It was unbearable at times and our dogs were very stressed from them all over them. Bring those fly bags that attract them away from you."
Fire restrictions: Fire bans are common during dry periods. A camper at Royal Gorge/Canon City KOA mentioned, "Fire ban, so no fire—pizza delivery to our campsite was a plus!"
Vault toilet locations: Know where facilities are situated before selecting your site. At Phantom Canyon, "Bathrooms are pit toilets that are located around at sight (18) and I believe (8) the sights are relatively easy to find. And there are green mile markers all the way through."
Private bathroom options: Some campgrounds offer individual facilities. A visitor to Mountaindale Cabin & RV Resort noted, "The bathhouse is extremely clean, with several private bathroom/shower rooms. There is also a laundry with 4 washers & dryers."
Wildlife education: Prepare children for wildlife encounters. When camping at East Ridge, one visitor reported seeing "mule deer wander around the campsites every morning and evening," creating educational opportunities for children.
Site selection for families: Choose your location carefully based on amenities. "Sites 1-10 are designated for RVs and tents, and sites 11-23 are tent-only," explained a visitor at East Ridge Campground, information particularly useful for family groups with mixed camping setups.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. A Red Canyon Park visitor cautioned: "The road is dirt and goes for 7+ miles if you keep going to exit the park a different way... after 2/3 miles the road gets extremely rough... Cars and campers cannot make it past a certain point."
RV-specific sites: At Haggards RV Campground, one RVer found, "The campground is great for any size rig. Quiet. So neat to see pronghorn in nearby fields as we sat drinking coffee," making it particularly suitable for larger vehicles wanting wildlife viewing opportunities.
Water quality issues: Be prepared for variable water quality at some locations. One RVer at Haggards RV Campground noted, "Water system needs work; well water has rust and sediment, be prepared!"
Pull-through availability: For easier setup, some campers recommend specific sites. "We were in a pull thru long enough not to have to unhook," reported a visitor at Haggards, information particularly valuable for those with larger rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Penrose, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Penrose, CO is Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites with a 4.6-star rating from 39 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Penrose, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 189 dog-friendly camping locations near Penrose, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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